Go Back

Savory Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs

These delicious meatballs combine the sweetness of pineapple and rich flavors of teriyaki sauce, making them perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Calories: 270

Ingredients
  

Meatball Mixture
  • 1 pound ground turkey (99% fat-free) Can substitute with ground chicken or beef
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup diced pineapple (fresh or frozen)
Teriyaki Sauce
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 cloves garlic (extra for sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons green onion (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, panko bread crumbs, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
  3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
  4. Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Baking
  1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Sauce Preparation
  1. While the meatballs bake, prepare the teriyaki sauce. In a medium saucepan, sauté the extra garlic and ginger until fragrant.
  2. Add diced pineapple, soy sauce, water, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry. Stir this into the sauce to thicken it. Let simmer for another few minutes.
  4. Toss the baked meatballs in the sauce until they’re evenly coated.
Serving
  1. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Serve over fluffy white rice or steamed jasmine rice. For a fresh twist, consider adding a side of steamed vegetables.