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- 1 pound ground chicken or turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro - 1 egg, lightly beaten - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned) These ingredients create a tasty base for your meatballs. The ground chicken or turkey provides a light and tender texture. Breadcrumbs help bind everything together. Fresh cilantro adds a bright flavor. The egg acts as a binder, while the garlic and onion powders bring depth. Finally, the salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. - 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil This sauce gives the meatballs a sweet and spicy kick. Sweet chili sauce is the star, bringing in that signature flavor. Soy sauce adds depth and saltiness. Rice vinegar introduces a hint of acidity, balancing the sweetness. Sesame oil rounds it all off with a nutty aroma. - Extra cilantro, for garnish - Sliced green onions - Sesame seeds These toppings add freshness and a pop of color. Extra cilantro brightens the dish. Sliced green onions provide crunch and a mild onion flavor. Sesame seeds add a nice texture and look great on top. You can play around with these to make your meatballs even more appealing. First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the meatballs cook fast and brown nicely. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the meatballs from sticking and makes cleanup easy. In a big bowl, combine 1 pound of ground chicken or turkey, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh cilantro. Add 1 lightly beaten egg, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix everything well until it’s all combined. You want to feel the textures blend together. Now, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch wide. Place these meatballs on your lined baking sheet. Make sure they have space between them. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes. They should be golden brown and cooked through. While the meatballs bake, let’s make the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix 1/2 cup of sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir it well and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. This helps the flavors blend beautifully. When the meatballs are done, take them out of the oven. Place them in a large bowl. Pour your sweet chili pineapple sauce over them. Toss gently until every meatball is covered. You want that sweet flavor on each bite. Serve the meatballs warm. You can drizzle more sauce on top if you like. For a fresh touch, add extra cilantro as a garnish. These meatballs go great with rice or noodles, too! Enjoy your meal! To get the best meatball texture, start with the right meat. Ground chicken or turkey work well. The key is to mix gently; too much mixing makes them tough. Use breadcrumbs to help keep them light. They hold moisture, giving you a juicy bite. Adding an egg binds everything together. Don't skip the spices! Garlic and onion powder add great flavor. You can make these meatballs ahead of time. Form them and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once firm, transfer them to a bag. This saves space in your freezer and keeps them fresh. When ready to cook, bake straight from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to your baking time. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here’s what I recommend: - Mixing bowl for combining ingredients - Baking sheet lined with parchment paper - Small saucepan for the sauce - Meatball scoop or spoon for even sizing - Tongs for easy meatball handling These tools will help you make perfect sweet chili pineapple meatballs every time! {{image_2}} You can switch the meat in this recipe. Ground beef, pork, or lamb work well. If you like a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken is great too. Each meat brings its own taste and texture. Feel free to try your favorite! For a vegetarian choice, use lentils or black beans. Mash them up and mix them with breadcrumbs and spices. If you want a vegan option, try using tofu or tempeh. Crumble them and mix in the same way as meat. These options still taste great with the sweet chili pineapple sauce! Add some fun flavors to your meatballs! You can mix in chopped bell peppers or carrots. They add crunch and sweetness. For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes. You can even try adding crushed pineapple to the meatball mix. This will give an extra burst of flavor and moisture! To store leftover meatballs, let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them moist. You can also use a microwave. Heat them in a bowl with a splash of water. Cover with a lid to keep the steam in. You can freeze both uncooked and cooked meatballs. For uncooked meatballs, place them on a baking sheet first. Freeze them until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to three months. For cooked meatballs, store them in a container or a freezer bag. They will keep for about four months. When you’re ready to cook them, bake from frozen. This makes it easy to enjoy a quick meal! Yes, you can use ground beef. It will change the flavor slightly. Beef has a richer taste. This can pair well with the sweet sauce. Make sure to adjust cooking time if needed. If you don't have sweet chili sauce, try mixing honey and sriracha. This mix gives a sweet and spicy taste. You can also use barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor. Adjust the amount to your taste. These meatballs are not very spicy. Sweet chili sauce adds a mild heat. The sweetness of pineapple balances the spice. If you like more heat, add red pepper flakes. Yes, you can use a slow cooker. After forming the meatballs, place them in the cooker. Pour the sauce over the meatballs. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. This method keeps them moist and flavorful. We covered how to make sweet chili pineapple meatballs, starting with key ingredients. You learned about prepping, mixing, and baking the meatballs. We also discussed variations, storage, and helpful tips. Finding your favorite options is part of the fun. Now you can enjoy these tasty meatballs anytime. Experiment with different ingredients and spices! Cooking should be fun and easy. Enjoy your meal prep and make it your own!

Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs

Delight in the flavors of these Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs that are sure to impress your family and friends! Made with juicy ground chicken or turkey, fresh pineapple, and a zesty sweet chili sauce, these meatballs are a perfect blend of savory and sweet. Ready in just 40 minutes, they're a fantastic appetizer or main dish. Click through to explore this easy recipe and bring a burst of flavor to your dinner table!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground chicken or turkey

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

1/2 cup sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken or turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped cilantro, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

      Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

        Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.

          Make the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sweet chili pineapple sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir until smooth and simmer for about 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

            Add Pineapple: Add the pineapple chunks to the sauce, stirring to coat them well and allowing them to warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes.

              Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Once the meatballs are baked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the sweet chili pineapple sauce over the meatballs and toss until each meatball is evenly coated.

                Serve: Serve the meatballs warm, drizzled with extra sauce if desired, and garnish with additional cilantro if preferred.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4