Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs (Print Version)
Tender meatballs coated in sweet pineapple teriyaki sauce, ideal for a flavorful meal.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Meatballs
01 -
1 large egg
02 -
⅓ cup plain panko breadcrumbs
03 -
1 lb (454 g) 99% lean ground turkey breast or ground chicken breast
04 -
¼ cup drained canned crushed pineapple (reserve juice)
05 -
2 tablespoons sliced scallions
06 -
1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
07 -
1 teaspoon minced garlic
08 -
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
09 -
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Sauce
10 -
⅔ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
11 -
½ cup water
12 -
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
13 -
2 tablespoons pineapple juice (reserved from drained crushed pineapple)
14 -
1 teaspoon minced garlic
15 -
½ teaspoon minced ginger
16 -
1 tablespoon cornstarch
17 -
1 tablespoon water
→ Garnish
18 -
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 -
In a large bowl, mix the egg, panko breadcrumbs, ground meat, drained crushed pineapple, scallions, soy sauce, garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper until evenly blended.
03 -
Divide the mixture into 20 equal portions on a clean surface and roll each into a small ball. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
04 -
Bake meatballs for 15 to 18 minutes until cooked through and internal temperature reaches safe level.
05 -
With about 10 minutes remaining on the meatballs, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, reserved pineapple juice, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves.
06 -
Make a slurry by mixing cornstarch and water, then whisk into simmering sauce. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
07 -
Toss baked meatballs in the sauce or serve with 1/3 cup sauce per 5 meatballs. Optionally sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
# Extra Tips & Details:
01 -
Use crushed pineapple packed in juice (not syrup) and reserve juice for sauce. Minced ginger can be fresh or from jar.
02 -
This recipe yields 20 meatballs and approximately 1 ⅓ cups sauce, serving 4 with five meatballs and 1/3 cup sauce each.
03 -
Ground turkey breast or chicken breast provides a lean protein option.