Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs

$To make Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs, gather these key items: - 1 pound ground chicken (or substitute with beef or turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 1/4 cup freshly grated pineapple (well-drained) - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ginger powder - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 cup teriyaki sauce (can be store-bought or homemade) These ingredients combine to create a juicy and flavorful meatball. Feel free to mix things up! Here are some optional ingredients and substitutions: - Use ground turkey for a leaner option. - Replace breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or oats. - Try diced bell peppers for extra crunch. - Swap sesame oil with olive oil if you prefer. These changes can add unique flavors to your dish. Garnishes can make your meatballs look even better. Consider these options: - 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks - Sesame seeds Adding these garnishes will enhance the visual appeal and taste of your meal. You can also drizzle extra teriyaki sauce over the meatballs for a delicious finish. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground chicken, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions. Add 1/4 cup of freshly grated pineapple that is well-drained. Next, stir in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of ginger powder. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is well blended and the mixture is smooth. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the meatballs not stick. Now, use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, each about 1.5 inches in size. Place the meatballs on the baking sheet, leaving space between them. This allows for even cooking. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. While the meatballs bake, pour 1 cup of teriyaki sauce into a saucepan. Heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it simmers. Once the meatballs are ready, use tongs to move them to the saucepan. Gently toss the meatballs in the simmering sauce to coat them well. Let them simmer for an extra 5 minutes. This step helps the meatballs absorb the yummy flavors. When ready to serve, place the meatballs on a platter and garnish with fresh pineapple chunks and sesame seeds. Enjoy the burst of flavors! To make the best meatballs, start by mixing your ingredients well. Use your hands to blend everything. This helps the flavors combine. Keep the meatballs about 1.5 inches wide. This size cooks evenly. Bake them on parchment paper for easy cleanup. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the best results. One mistake is overmixing the meat. This makes them tough. Another issue is not measuring the ingredients. Use the right amounts to get the best taste. Make sure to drain the grated pineapple well. Too much moisture can make your meatballs soggy. Lastly, keep the meatballs spaced apart. This helps them cook evenly and brown nicely. Serve your meatballs on a large platter. Add fresh pineapple chunks around them. This adds color and freshness. Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce on top for a glossy finish. Don't forget to sprinkle sesame seeds. This adds a nice crunch and looks appealing. Pair your meatballs with rice or noodles for a full meal. Enjoy the vibrant mix of flavors! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated pineapple adds a vibrant flavor to the meatballs and enhances the teriyaki sauce's sweetness. Keep Meatballs Uniform: Make sure all meatballs are the same size for even cooking. A cookie scoop can help achieve uniformity. Experiment with Sauces: Try different types of teriyaki sauce or even a homemade version to customize the flavor profile to your liking. Rest Before Serving: Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps them absorb more of the teriyaki sauce and improves flavor. {{image_4}} You can switch up the meat in your Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs. Ground chicken is great, but you can also use: - Ground beef - Ground turkey - Ground pork Each choice offers a unique flavor. Ground beef gives a rich taste, while turkey is leaner. Pork adds a savory touch, making each meatball special. If you want a meat-free option, try these ideas: - Use lentils or chickpeas to create a hearty meatball base. - Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free options like almond flour or oats. - Replace teriyaki sauce with a soy sauce and maple syrup mix for sweetness. These changes keep the dish tasty while fitting different diets. You can play with flavors by using different sauces. Here are some ideas: - Sweet and sour sauce adds tanginess. - BBQ sauce gives a smoky flavor. - Hoisin sauce delivers a rich, sweet taste. Mixing sauces opens a world of flavors for your meatballs. Try these variations to keep your meals exciting! After you enjoy your Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days. To keep the meatballs moist, add a little teriyaki sauce before sealing the container. This helps retain flavor and texture. You can freeze these meatballs for later use. First, let them cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They will last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat your meatballs, use the oven for the best texture. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave. Just place them in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently. For extra flavor, drizzle some teriyaki sauce over the meatballs before reheating. Enjoy your tasty meal again! Yes, you can make Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs, then store them in the fridge. They last for about two days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just place the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet. Freeze them until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake them from frozen. This way, you have an easy meal ready to go. These meatballs pair well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice - Fried rice - Noodles - Stir-fried veggies - Fresh salad You can also serve them with extra teriyaki sauce for dipping. This adds a nice touch and boosts the flavor. Making homemade teriyaki sauce is simple. You only need a few ingredients: - 1/2 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup water - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon minced garlic - 1 tablespoon minced ginger 1. In a small pot, mix all the ingredients. 2. Heat over medium heat until it simmers. 3. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. This sauce is tasty and perfect for drizzling over your meatballs. In this post, we explored making Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and cooking tips. We talked about tasty variations and smart storage methods. These meatballs are simple, fun, and full of flavor. Use your favorite ingredients to make them your own. Enjoy the process and impress your family with your cooking skills. Dive in and start creating today!$

Delicious meatballs made with ground chicken and coated in a savory teriyaki sauce, garnished with fresh pineapple and sesame seeds.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup finely chopped green onions
0.25 cup freshly grated pineapple
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ginger powder
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup teriyaki sauce
0.5 cup fresh pineapple chunks
sesame seeds

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, grated pineapple, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients until evenly blended and the mixture is cohesive.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, each approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart for even cooking.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown and are thoroughly cooked through.
Meanwhile, pour the teriyaki sauce into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sauce begins to simmer gently.
Once the meatballs are finished baking, use tongs to carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the simmering teriyaki sauce. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce to coat them evenly, then let them simmer for an additional 5 minutes so they can absorb the flavors.
To serve, transfer the teriyaki-coated meatballs onto a decorative platter. Garnish them with fresh pineapple chunks and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an appealing finish.

Notes

For an added touch of flair, drizzle some extra teriyaki sauce over the meatballs and sprinkle additional sesame seeds on top.

Keyword chicken, meatballs, pineapple, teriyaki