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- 1 pound ground chicken or turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/4 cup green onions, finely sliced - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned) - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (fresh or canned) - Sesame seeds for garnish These ingredients come together to create a dish that bursts with flavor. Ground chicken or turkey serves as the base, giving you lean protein. Breadcrumbs add texture and help bind the meatballs. Fresh cilantro and green onions bring bright flavors, making each bite refreshing. For the seasoning, garlic powder and ginger powder add warmth and depth. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors without overpowering them. The teriyaki sauce mixes pineapple juice with low-sodium soy sauce, creating a sweet and savory blend. Brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness, while rice vinegar balances it all with a little tang. You can also enjoy optional garnishes. Fresh pineapple chunks add a tropical touch. Sesame seeds offer a nice crunch and visual appeal. Use these to make your dish look as good as it tastes. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for getting those meatballs nice and golden. While the oven heats up, grab a large bowl. In this bowl, combine the following ingredients: - 1 pound ground chicken or turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/4 cup green onions, finely sliced - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned) Mix these ingredients well. You want everything to blend nicely for great flavor. Now, it’s time to form the meatballs. Scoop out portions of your mixture, about 1.5 tablespoons each. Roll them into balls with your hands. This should make about 20 meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each one. Bake your meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. While the meatballs bake, let’s whip up the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together these ingredients: - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1/4 cup pineapple juice Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir occasionally and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This sauce will coat your meatballs beautifully. Now, when your meatballs are done, add them to the saucepan along with 1 cup of pineapple chunks. Toss everything together gently. This step ensures the meatballs get a good cover of that tasty teriyaki sauce. Enjoy the mix of flavors as they come together! To make great meatballs, use the right amounts of each ingredient. Too much breadcrumb can dry them out, while too little can make them fall apart. I mix ground chicken or turkey with exactly 1/2 cup breadcrumbs. This gives them the perfect texture. When rolling meatballs, use your hands to scoop and shape them. I like to use about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture for each meatball. This keeps them all the same size. Try to roll them gently to avoid cracks. You can boost the teriyaki flavor by adding spices. Try a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or a dash of sesame oil for extra taste. If you want a deeper flavor, add a little minced garlic or fresh ginger. To adjust sweetness, add more brown sugar if you like it sweeter. If it’s too sweet, add a touch more soy sauce. Taste as you go, and find your perfect balance of sweet and salty. For serving, I like to place the meatballs on a large platter. This makes them easy to grab. You can add pineapple chunks around the meatballs for a colorful touch. To make your dish pop, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. This adds a nice crunch and makes it look fancy. You can also use fresh cilantro to garnish. It adds a burst of color and flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh pineapple and herbs to enhance the flavor of your meatballs and sauce. Experiment with Protein: Feel free to substitute ground chicken or turkey with ground pork or beef for a richer taste. Adjust the Sweetness: You can modify the amount of brown sugar based on your preference for sweetness in the teriyaki sauce. Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge. Simply bake and sauce them before serving for a quick meal. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in these meatballs. Try using ground beef or turkey. Both can give a rich flavor. If you want a lighter option, go for ground chicken. You can also use plant-based substitutes. Look for options like lentils or chickpeas. These will make tasty meatless meatballs. If you love seafood, think about shrimp or crab. Both can add a unique twist. Just chop them finely and mix them in. You will create a fun, fresh flavor that surprises everyone. If you need gluten-free options, swap the breadcrumbs. You can use almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers. These will keep the texture without the gluten. For a low-sugar version, change the sauce. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. You can also skip the brown sugar. Try a sugar substitute like stevia. This way, you can enjoy this dish without the extra sugar. Want to make the meatballs even better? Add vegetables to the mixture. Grated carrots or chopped bell peppers can add color and crunch. You will get more nutrition and flavor in every bite. Do you like tropical fruits? Try adding mango or papaya pieces. These can give a sweet, juicy burst. It’s a fun way to change the taste and enjoy the dish in a new way. To keep your teriyaki pineapple meatballs fresh, store them in the fridge right away. Place the meatballs in an airtight container. This helps to lock in flavor and moisture. They will stay good for 3 to 4 days. If you want to save them for longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze meatballs, first, let them cool down. After that, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, move them to a freezer bag. This method stops them from sticking together. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy your meatballs again, there are two easy ways to reheat them. The microwave is quick. Place the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover them with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes. This keeps them moist. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps maintain their flavor and texture. For safe eating, enjoy your meatballs within 3 to 4 days if stored in the fridge. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for any off smells or changes in color. If they seem slimy or dry, it’s best to throw them away. Staying aware of these signs keeps your meals safe and tasty. Yes, you can use different meats. Ground beef, pork, or lamb work well. For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken. If you want plant-based meatballs, try using lentils or chickpeas. Each meat gives a unique taste. Adjust cooking time if you change the meat type. To thicken the sauce, try a few methods. You can simmer it longer, which helps reduce the liquid. Another option is to mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Add this mixture while stirring. Cook for a few minutes until it thickens. You can also add more brown sugar for extra thickness and flavor. Yes, you can. Make the meatballs a day in advance. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to bake. You can also freeze them for later. Just make sure to freeze them in a single layer first. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag. When you're ready, bake them straight from the freezer. This blog post covered how to make tasty teriyaki meatballs. We started with the main ingredients, like ground chicken and fresh herbs. Then, we walked through steps to prepare and bake the meatballs. I shared tips for enhancing flavors and making the dish shine. You can also explore variations for different diets. Finally, I explained how to store and reheat leftovers safely. Try making these meatballs for a fun meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Tropical Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs

Delicious meatballs made with ground chicken or turkey, infused with tropical flavors and coated in a sweet teriyaki sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 0.25 cup green onions, finely sliced
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon ginger powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
  • 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • None for garnish sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken or turkey, breadcrumbs, cilantro, green onions, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  • Scoop out portions of the mixture (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  • While the meatballs are baking, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
  • Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and add them to the saucepan with the teriyaki sauce. Add the pineapple chunks and gently toss everything together until the meatballs are well-coated in the sauce.
  • Transfer the teriyaki pineapple meatballs to a serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.

Notes

Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, meatballs, pineapple, teriyaki, turkey