Zesty Island Meatballs Recipe: Hawaiian Flavor Magic!

Succulent meatballs dancing with a tangy Hawaiian meatballs recipe promise an explosion of tropical flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing.

These juicy spheres of seasoned meat carry a sweet and zesty punch that transports you straight to island paradise.

Pineapple chunks and a vibrant sauce add a delightful twist to the classic meatball dish.

Each bite blends savory ground meat with bright, citrusy notes that complement each other perfectly.

The combination of tender meatballs and rich sauce creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will delight anyone at the dinner table.

Bold spices and fresh ingredients elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Prepare to experience a culinary journey that celebrates the best of Hawaiian-inspired cuisine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

All the Ingredients for Hawaiian Meatballs

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty protein base with lean meat preferred for better texture.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients and create tender, soft meatball structure.
• Egg: Acts as natural glue to hold meatball mixture together smoothly.
• Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic flavor profile with fresh minced cloves preferred.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance meat's natural taste.

• Pineapple Juice: Delivers sweet tropical undertone with fresh juice recommended.
• Ketchup: Creates tangy base for sauce with smooth consistency.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness and helps sauce thicken.
• Soy Sauce: Introduces umami depth with low-sodium version optional.
• Rice Vinegar: Balances flavors with bright, sharp acidity.

• Bell Peppers: Brings color and crisp texture with mixed colors recommended.
• Pineapple Chunks: Provides sweet bursts of tropical freshness.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps sauté vegetables smoothly.
• Cornstarch: Thickens sauce with smooth, glossy finish.
• Green Onions: Adds fresh, sharp garnish with green parts preferred.
• Sesame Seeds: Creates nutty, crunchy topping with toasted seeds preferred.

Must-Have Tools to Prepare Hawaiian Meatballs

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining meatball ingredients thoroughly.
• Baking sheet: Lined with parchment paper for even baking of meatballs.
• Parchment paper: Prevents meatballs from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Large skillet: Perfect for cooking sauce and combining meatballs with vegetables.
• Whisk: Helps create smooth sauce by blending ingredients evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cutting board: For chopping green onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise ingredient preparation.

How to Make Juicy Hawaiian Meatballs from Scratch

• Craft Delicious Meatballs

Blend meat mixture thoroughly in a large mixing bowl. Roll into bite-sized spheres. Spread on baking sheet and roast in a hot oven until golden and fully cooked.

• Create Tangy Hawaiian Sauce

Whisk together vibrant liquid ingredients until silky smooth. Combine sweet and savory elements to develop a mouth-watering sauce.

• Build Colorful Vegetable Base

Sizzle bell peppers in a skillet until they reach tender perfection. Pour in prepared sauce and let it bubble gently. Thicken the mixture with a quick cornstarch boost.

• Marry Meatballs with Sauce

Gently fold roasted meatballs and juicy pineapple chunks into the simmering sauce. Allow everything to mingle and heat through, creating a delectable harmony of flavors.

• Present and Enjoy

Sprinkle with fresh green onions and nutty sesame seeds. Serve atop fluffy rice or skewer for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that transports taste buds to tropical paradise.

Creative Ways to Elevate Hawaiian Meatballs

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 160F internal temperature for perfect food safety and juiciness.
• Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly version that still captures the Hawaiian flavor profile.
• These meatballs freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently in the skillet with extra sauce to maintain moisture and taste.
• Experiment with ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner protein option that still delivers incredible tropical taste. Adjust cooking time slightly to prevent drying out.
• Create plant-based meatballs using a blend of quinoa, black beans, and breadcrumbs as a base. Maintain the same sauce and cooking method for a meat-free alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor complexity.

Presenting Hawaiian Meatballs with a Tropical Touch

• Tropical Party Platter: Arrange meatballs on a large wooden board with colorful toothpicks, scattered pineapple chunks, and sprinkled sesame seeds for a festive Hawaiian-themed appetizer that'll wow your guests.
• Rice Bowl Delight: Serve the meatballs over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, creating a complete meal with a perfect balance of protein, sauce, and tender vegetables for a satisfying dinner.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Present the meatballs in a slow cooker for easy serving at potlucks or sports gatherings, allowing guests to grab them quickly with small appetizer forks or toothpicks.
• Lunch Box Solution: Pack cooled meatballs in meal prep containers with rice and extra sauce on the side for a delicious and exciting work or school lunch that breaks the monotony of typical midday meals.

Storing Hawaiian Meatballs for a Quick Reheat

• Prepare multiple batches of meatballs and sauce, then store separately in airtight containers for quick future meals.
• Keep cooked Hawaiian meatballs in sealed containers for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety when stored at 40°F or below.
• Wrap individual meatballs or entire portions in freezer-safe bags, maintaining quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm meatballs gently in microwave or skillet with a splash of extra sauce to prevent drying out, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.

Tangy Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory Hawaiian Meatballs bring tropical zest to classic comfort food, combining sweet pineapple and tangy sauce. Juicy beef mingles with rich island flavors, creating a delightful meal that transports you to sun-drenched beaches with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef or pork (or a mix)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (435 g / 20 oz) pineapple chunks, juice reserved
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for depth)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 small onion, cut into chunks
• Cooked white or brown rice
• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Meatball Preparation: Preheat oven to 400F (200C). Mix all meatball ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl. Shape into uniform 1-inch spheres and arrange on parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 15-18 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
2. Sauce Creation: Combine pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar in a bowl. Whisk until completely smooth and well-integrated.
3. Vegetable and Sauce Dynamics: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Sauté bell peppers until they reach a tender-crisp consistency. Pour prepared sauce into skillet and activate a gentle simmer. Incorporate cornstarch slurry to enhance sauce thickness and glossiness.
4. Meatball and Sauce Fusion: Transfer roasted meatballs and pineapple chunks into skillet. Gently coat each piece with sauce, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Allow ingredients to meld together through a 5-7 minute simmering process, which will thoroughly heat meatballs and further develop sauce consistency.
5. Presentation: Optional garnish with sliced green onions and sprinkled sesame seeds. Serve attractively over steamed rice or arrange with toothpicks for an appetizer-style presentation.

Notes

• Use a small cookie scoop or damp hands to create uniform 1-inch meatballs, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture.
• Adjust cornstarch slurry gradually to prevent over-thickening; add slowly while stirring to achieve desired sauce consistency.
• Toast sesame seeds briefly before garnishing to release nutty aromatics and add extra complexity to the dish.
• Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for lower-fat version; use gluten-free soy sauce for celiac-friendly option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg