Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs

$For Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture to the dish. Here’s what you will need: - 1 pound ground chicken or turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained - 1 egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon grated ginger - 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (plus more for drizzling) - Salt and pepper to taste - Sesame seeds for garnish - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role. The ground chicken or turkey gives protein. Breadcrumbs help bind the mix. Green onions add a fresh crunch. Crushed pineapple brings sweetness. The egg holds everything together. Garlic and ginger give a nice zing. Teriyaki sauce adds a rich, savory flavor. You can adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Finally, garnishes make the dish look pretty and add extra flavor. These ingredients mix well to create a tasty meatball. You can also customize the recipe. Add more or less of what you love. Cooking should be fun and personal! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Mixing the meatball base In a large bowl, add 1 pound of ground chicken or turkey. Then, mix in 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions, and 1/4 cup of drained crushed pineapple. Next, crack in 1 egg, add 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Pour in 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything gently until it's well combined, but be careful not to overwork it. 2. Shaping the meatballs With clean hands, take the mixture and form it into small meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in size. Place each meatball on a greased baking sheet, leaving some space between them. This helps them cook evenly. 3. Baking process Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once heated, place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake the meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. 1. Drizzling sauce While the meatballs bake, heat some extra teriyaki sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until it's warm. This will add extra flavor when you serve the meatballs. 2. Garnishing before serving After baking, take the meatballs out and move them to a serving dish. Drizzle the warm teriyaki sauce over the meatballs. For a nice touch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top and add fresh cilantro if you like. Now, they look as good as they taste! To get the best texture, avoid overmixing. When you mix the meatball base, do it gently. Just combine the ground chicken or turkey with the other ingredients. If you mix too hard, the meatballs turn tough. You want soft and juicy bites. For perfect baking, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat helps brown the meatballs. Bake them for 20-25 minutes. Check if they are golden brown and cooked through. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) inside. When warming teriyaki sauce, use low heat. A small saucepan works best for this. Stir it gently as it heats. This keeps the sauce smooth and tasty. Drizzle the warm sauce over the meatballs right before serving. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and ginger instead of powdered versions. This will enhance the overall taste of your meatballs. Don’t Overmix: When mixing the meatball ingredients, be careful not to overwork the meat. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Test for Doneness: To ensure your meatballs are cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize your meatballs by adding different herbs or spices. Try incorporating a bit of chili paste for a spicy kick! {{image_2}} You can swap ground chicken or turkey for ground beef. This change adds a richer flavor. If you want a lighter option, use ground turkey. For a plant-based choice, try using lentils or chickpeas. You can also use a meat substitute like Beyond Meat. Both options are tasty and satisfying. To boost the taste, add spices like garlic powder or onion powder. A splash of soy sauce can also deepen the flavor. If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You could even add some sriracha for a spicy kick. Experimenting with flavors keeps the dish exciting. Consider adding vegetables or fruits to your mix. Chopped bell peppers or carrots add crunch and nutrients. You can also mix in some grated zucchini for moisture. If you want a sweet twist, add more crushed pineapple or even diced mango. These additions make the meatballs more colorful and fun. After you enjoy your Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs, store any leftovers in a container. If you plan to eat them soon, keep them in the fridge. Use an airtight container for best results. They will stay fresh for up to four days. If you want to save them longer, freeze the meatballs. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for about three months in the freezer. To reheat your meatballs, the oven is a great choice. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. This keeps them moist. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Place the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate and cover them. Heat in short bursts, about 30 seconds at a time, until warm. Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs can last for a while if stored correctly. In the fridge, they keep well for four days. If frozen, they can stay good for about three months. Just remember to label your containers with the date. This way, you’ll know when to use them. Enjoy your delicious meatballs later without worry! Yes, you can make Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This saves time on busy days. You can also freeze them for later. Just freeze the uncooked meatballs in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They will last about three months in the freezer. You can serve Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs with many sides. Rice is a classic choice. White rice or brown rice works well. You can also try quinoa for a healthy twist. Steamed veggies are great too. Broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers add color and crunch. You might also enjoy them in a wrap or on a bed of lettuce for a fun twist. Don't forget to drizzle more teriyaki sauce on top for extra flavor. To check if the meatballs are done, use a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F (75°C). You can also cut one meatball in half. It should look cooked through with no pink inside. The outside should be golden brown. If you see a nice glaze from the teriyaki sauce, that's a good sign too. Always ensure they are fully cooked for the best taste and safety. You’ve learned how to make Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs step-by-step. We covered the key ingredients, preparation, and baking tips to ensure great texture and flavor. Experiment with variations to suit your taste, and store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. These meatballs are simple, tasty, and a hit at any meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure and share your delicious results!$

Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs

Delicious meatballs made with ground chicken or turkey, infused with pineapple and teriyaki sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken or turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 unit egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (plus more for drizzling)
to taste unit salt and pepper
to taste unit sesame seeds for garnish
optional unit fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken or turkey with breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, crushed pineapple, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, and teriyaki sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Mix the ingredients until well blended, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a greased baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until they are cooked through and golden brown.
In a small saucepan, heat additional teriyaki sauce over low heat until warm.
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. Drizzle the warm teriyaki sauce over the meatballs.
Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, if desired.

Notes

Serve with additional teriyaki sauce for drizzling.

Keyword chicken, meatballs, pineapple, teriyaki, turkey