Hawaiian Meatballs

Introduction

Hawaiian Meatballs are a flavorful and tropical twist on traditional meatballs. These tender, savory meatballs are made with ground beef or pork and simmered in a sweet and tangy pineapple-based sauce that will transport your taste buds straight to the islands.

I first made these meatballs when I was looking for something different to serve at a family gathering, and they quickly became a hit. The combination of savory meatballs and the sweet, tangy sauce is absolutely irresistible. Whether served as an appetizer, part of a family meal, or as a fun party snack, these meatballs are perfect for any occasion.

The balance of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors makes them a delightful fusion of comfort food and tropical flair. Simple to make yet bursting with flavor, these Hawaiian Meatballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time!

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Game day or parties
• Holiday meals
• Serving with rice
• Sweet and savory food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Meatballs

Here’s why Hawaiian Meatballs will become your new favorite:

• Tropical Sweet and Savory Flavor: The pineapple-based sauce adds a delightful sweetness that perfectly complements the savory, juicy meatballs.
• Tender Meatballs: The meatballs are perfectly tender and flavorful, made with a combination of ground beef or pork and seasonings.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this dish comes together in no time.
• Versatile: Serve these meatballs with rice, as an appetizer, or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Great for Entertaining: These meatballs are perfect for parties and gatherings, making them a versatile option for any event.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 24 meatballs
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180-220 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Hawaiian Meatballs:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or pork, or a mix of both)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
• 1 cup ketchup
• ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Ingredient Highlights

• Ground Beef/Pork: The combination of beef and pork creates a juicy, flavorful base for the meatballs, but you can use either meat individually for different flavor profiles.
• Pineapple Juice: The juice adds both sweetness and a tangy tropical element to the sauce, making it the key to that classic Hawaiian flavor.
• Pineapple Chunks: Adding pineapple chunks to the sauce brings texture and bursts of sweetness, complementing the savory meatballs.
• Soy Sauce & Vinegar: These ingredients balance the sweetness of the pineapple and ketchup with a bit of savory depth and acidity.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Hawaiian Meatballs:

Prepare the Meatballs:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy cleanup.
2. Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
3. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the meat mixture into about 24 evenly sized meatballs. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can check the internal temperature to ensure it has reached 160°F (71°C).

Prepare the Sauce:

5. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Stir well to combine.
6. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has slightly thickened.
7. Add Pineapple Chunks: Stir in the pineapple chunks and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing them to heat through and infuse the sauce with their flavor.
8. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce and cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened to your liking.

Combine and Serve:

9. Coat the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the simmering sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs with the sauce, and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
10. Serve: Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired. You can enjoy them over a bed of steamed rice or with a side of roasted vegetables.

How to Serve Hawaiian Meatballs

Hawaiian Meatballs are a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:

• With Rice: Serve the meatballs with a side of steamed white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• As an Appetizer: Serve these meatballs on skewers or toothpicks for a fun and easy-to-eat appetizer at parties or gatherings.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Pair the meatballs with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, sweet potatoes, or zucchini for a well-rounded meal.
• On a Sandwich: Place the meatballs and sauce on a soft roll for a tropical twist on a classic meatball sub.
• With a Salad: For a lighter option, serve the meatballs on top of a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

Additional Tips for Hawaiian Meatballs

Here are some tips to ensure your Hawaiian Meatballs turn out perfectly every time:

• Use Lean Meat: For slightly healthier meatballs, use lean ground beef or turkey, or opt for a mix of ground turkey and pork.
• Don’t Overmix the Meat: Overmixing the meat mixture can make the meatballs tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of brown sugar, or add a bit of honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Use Fresh Pineapple: If possible, use fresh pineapple for the sauce and chunks to enhance the tropical flavor.
• Make Ahead: These meatballs can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months—just reheat when ready to serve.

Recipe Variations for Hawaiian Meatballs

Here are 10 variations you can try for Hawaiian Meatballs:

• Spicy Hawaiian Meatballs: Add a bit of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Teriyaki Hawaiian Meatballs: Swap the pineapple juice for teriyaki sauce to create a savory and sweet version.
• BBQ Pineapple Meatballs: Use barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky twist on the traditional pineapple sauce.
• Coconut Pineapple Meatballs: Add shredded coconut to the meatball mixture for a coconut-flavored twist.
• Vegetarian Hawaiian Meatballs: Replace the meat with plant-based meat alternatives, and use dairy-free breadcrumbs for a vegetarian version.
• Asian-Inspired Meatballs: Add a bit of sesame oil and sesame seeds to the sauce for a nutty, Asian-inspired flavor.
• Pineapple and Mango Meatballs: Mix mango with the pineapple for a sweeter, tropical twist on the sauce.
• Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs: Add sweet chili sauce to the mix for a combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
• Citrus-Infused Meatballs: Add some orange zest or juice to the meatball mixture for an extra citrusy flavor.
• Slow Cooker Version: Cook the meatballs in a slow cooker with the sauce for 3-4 hours on low for a hands-off approach.

Freezing and Storage for Hawaiian Meatballs

• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked meatballs in the sauce for up to 3 months. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.
• Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Special Equipment for Hawaiian Meatballs

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Hawaiian Meatballs easier:

• Baking Sheet: A baking sheet lined with parchment paper makes for easy cleanup after baking the meatballs.
• Saucepan: A medium saucepan is perfect for making the pineapple sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of ingredients like soy sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar.
• Mixing Bowl: A large bowl is essential for mixing the meatball ingredients together.
• Meatball Scoop or Hands: To form the perfect-sized meatballs.
• Slow Cooker (Optional): If you prefer to make the meatballs in a slow cooker, this can be a great hands-off method.

Frequently Asked Questions for Hawaiian Meatballs

1. Can I use ground turkey? Yes, ground turkey can be used for a leaner option. It will still pair perfectly with the sweet pineapple sauce.
2. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
3. Can I substitute the pineapple juice? If you don’t have pineapple juice, orange juice can work as a substitute for a different citrus flavor.
4. How do I know when the meatballs are cooked? The meatballs should be golden brown on the outside and have an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) when fully cooked.
5. Can I freeze the meatballs before cooking? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a zip-top bag for storage.

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Conclusion

Hawaiian Meatballs are a tasty and vibrant dish that brings a burst of tropical flavors to your table. The savory, juicy meatballs paired with a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce make every bite a delightful combination of flavors. Whether served as a delicious appetizer or over rice for a filling meal, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite.

Perfect for any occasion, Hawaiian Meatballs are versatile and can be paired with sides like roasted veggies or enjoyed on their own for a quick treat. The tropical flair adds a fun twist that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Can’t wait to see how your Hawaiian Meatballs turn out! Be sure to snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I’d love to see your tasty creation! Happy cooking!