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- 1 pound ground chicken or turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) - 1/4 cup chopped green onions - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce - 1 cup pineapple chunks - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Garnish: sesame seeds When you make teriyaki pineapple meatballs, you want to start with fresh, quality ingredients. Ground chicken or turkey works well for this dish. I prefer ground chicken for its juicy texture. Next, I always choose panko breadcrumbs. They add a wonderful crunch that enhances the meatballs. Chopped green onions add a burst of flavor. The green parts are best for this recipe. Now, let's talk about the seasonings. Garlic powder gives depth to the meatballs. Ground ginger adds a nice warmth. Teriyaki sauce ties everything together with its sweet and savory notes. Don’t forget the pineapple! Pineapple chunks bring sweetness and acidity, balancing the dish. Sautéing them in sesame oil enriches their flavor and adds a lovely golden color. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds as a garnish. This small touch adds texture and makes the dish look inviting. Each ingredient plays a role, creating a delightful balance of flavors in your teriyaki pineapple meatballs. {{ingredient_image_2}} In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, and diced bell pepper. Then, add the egg, garlic powder, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I like to mix with my hands. This way, all the ingredients blend well. Aim for a smooth and cohesive mixture. Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). With wet hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch wide. Place them on a lined baking sheet. This helps with cleanup later. Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes. They should turn golden brown and reach 165°F inside. While the meatballs bake, heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pineapple chunks and sauté them for 3-4 minutes. You want them to caramelize a bit, which boosts their flavor. Once the meatballs are done, gently add them to the skillet with the pineapple. Pour teriyaki sauce over everything and stir to coat. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. This creates a delicious glaze for your dish. To make great meatballs, use cold hands. This helps you shape them easily. Warm hands can make the mixture stick. Also, avoid overmixing. Mix just enough to combine all items. This keeps the meatballs tender. Want more flavor? Try adding spices like chili flakes. They bring a nice kick. You can also marinate the meatball mixture for a few hours. This step helps the flavors blend well. Just keep it simple; let the ingredients shine. For a complete meal, pair your meatballs with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. Each option complements the teriyaki sauce. When serving, think about garnishes. Toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions add color and taste. They make your dish pop! Pro Tips Use Fresh Pineapple: Opt for fresh pineapple for the best flavor and sweetness. Canned pineapple, while convenient, can lack the vibrant taste that fresh provides. Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture for an extra kick. Experiment with Sauces: While teriyaki sauce is traditional, try using hoisin or a sweet chili sauce for a different flavor profile. Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them. When ready to serve, simply bake from frozen and add to the sautéed pineapple and sauce. {{image_4}} You can easily swap ground chicken for turkey, beef, or even plant-based meat. Each choice brings its own flavor and texture. Ground turkey offers a lighter taste, while beef gives a rich, hearty bite. If you want a plant-based option, try using lentils or chickpeas. Mixing different meats can also create unique flavors. For example, blending chicken and beef can make your meatballs extra juicy. Making a homemade teriyaki sauce can elevate your dish. Use soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil as a base. Add fresh ginger or pineapple juice for a burst of flavor. If you want a spicier kick, try adding crushed red pepper. You can also mix in a splash of rice vinegar for tang. This way, you can create a teriyaki sauce that perfectly suits your taste. Adding vegetables to your meatball mixture is a smart way to boost nutrition. Grated carrots or zucchini not only add health benefits but also keep the meatballs moist. You can also play with bell pepper colors for a fun twist. Red, yellow, and green peppers each bring their own sweetness. This makes your teriyaki pineapple meatballs not just tasty, but colorful and appealing too. Store leftover teriyaki pineapple meatballs in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to let them cool down before sealing to prevent extra moisture. To freeze meatballs, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to use, defrost overnight in the fridge for best results. This helps keep the flavor and texture intact. You can reheat meatballs in different ways. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for 10 to 15 minutes. In the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals until warm. On the stovetop, heat in a skillet on medium heat for a few minutes. To keep them saucy, add a splash of water if needed. Avoid drying them out for the best taste. Yes, ground turkey, pork, or beef can be used as alternatives. Each option brings its unique taste. If you use turkey, it stays moist and light. Pork adds a rich flavor, while beef offers a hearty bite. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many brands offer great options that still provide crunch. Also, check the teriyaki sauce label. Some sauces contain gluten. Look for ones marked gluten-free to keep your dish safe and tasty. The meatballs take about 20 minutes to cook at 400°F (200°C). You want them to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures they are fully cooked and safe to eat. They should be golden brown and firm to the touch. If you have a meat thermometer, that’s the best way to check! In this post, we explored a tasty recipe for teriyaki pineapple meatballs. We covered ingredients, cooking steps, tips for the best texture, and variations. You can swap proteins or try different sauces for unique flavors. Remember to store leftovers properly and feel free to get creative with your meals. These meatballs are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy cooking and sharing them with others!

Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs

Delicious meatballs made with ground chicken or turkey, mixed with pineapple and teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup finely diced bell pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked pepper
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • to garnish sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken (or turkey), breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, diced bell pepper, egg, garlic powder, ground ginger, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until all ingredients are well integrated and form a cohesive mixture.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the meatballs.
  • With wet hands to prevent sticking, shape the mixture into small meatballs, roughly 1 inch in diameter. Arrange them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and exhibit a lovely golden-brown color.
  • While the meatballs are baking, heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pineapple chunks to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until they caramelize and become a beautiful golden color, enhancing their sweetness.
  • When the meatballs are finished baking, gently transfer them to the skillet with the sautéed pineapple. Drizzle the teriyaki sauce over the meatballs and pineapple, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. Allow the mixture to cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, enabling the sauce to thicken and create a luscious glaze.
  • Remove from heat and let the dish cool for a minute before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

Serve on a vibrant platter, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Pair with rice or zucchini noodles.
Keyword chicken, meatballs, pineapple, teriyaki, turkey