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If you're on the hunt for a dish that beautifully marries sweet and savory flavors, look no further than juicy teriyaki pineapple meatballs. This delightful recipe is a perfect blend of tender meatballs infused with a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce, complemented by the tropical sweetness of pineapple. Whether you're preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, these meatballs are sure to impress your family and friends, transforming any meal into a culinary adventure.

Juicy Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs

Discover the perfect blend of sweet and savory with these juicy teriyaki pineapple meatballs! This delightful recipe features tender meatballs tossed in a homemade teriyaki sauce, complemented by the juicy burst of pineapple. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, these meatballs are not only flavorful but also visually stunning. Control the ingredients for a healthier option and impress your family and friends with a dish that’s sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef or turkey

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped green onions

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

1 teaspoon ginger paste (or 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For Serving:

Fresh pineapple slices

Sesame seeds

Additional chopped green onions

Instructions
 

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

    Make the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, minced garlic, egg, ginger paste, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined but do not overmix.

      Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. It should yield about 20 meatballs.

        Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are fully cooked and browned on the outside, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

          Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

            Thicken the Sauce: Once the mixture is simmering, add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) while continually stirring. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.

              Coat the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to a mixing bowl and pour the teriyaki sauce over them. Gently toss to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce.

                Serve and Garnish: Serve the meatballs on a platter atop grilled or fresh pineapple slices. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions for garnish.

                  Enjoy! Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 35 minutes | Serves 4-6