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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Sauce Creation: Combine pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar in a bowl. Whisk until completely smooth and well-integrated.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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