Description
Succulent pineapple bbq meatballs deliver a tropical twist to classic comfort fare. Juicy beef mingles with sweet-tangy sauce, promising a zesty flavor adventure that will transport taste buds straight to a Hawaiian luau.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound ground turkey (or lean beef)
- 1 large egg
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 scallion, finely chopped
- 1 handful cilantro, chopped
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil for baking
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup finely diced pineapple (or canned crushed pineapple)
- 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon molasses (not blackstrap)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Gather ground meat, aromatic herbs, and binding ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel. Incorporate finely chopped aromatics, egg, breadcrumbs, and seasonings into the meat mixture.
- Thoroughly blend components using hands or mixer until ingredients are uniformly distributed and cohesive.
- Portion meat mixture into small, consistent spherical shapes, approximately 1.5 teaspoons per meatball. Arrange on a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Optionally chill meatballs for 10 minutes to enhance structural integrity and promote even cooking.
- Heat oven to 410°F, positioning rack in central location. Roast meatballs for 10-12 minutes until exterior develops golden-brown coloration and interior reaches complete doneness.
- Simultaneously prepare glaze by whisking tropical juice, umami-rich condiments, sweet syrups, and aromatic spices in a large skillet.
- Introduce diced tropical fruit into sauce mixture, bringing contents to a gentle boil while continuously stirring to prevent scorching.
- Reduce heat and simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until texture transforms into a luxurious, glossy consistency.
- Transfer freshly roasted meatballs directly into prepared sauce, gently coating each morsel with the vibrant glaze.
- Tenderly toss meatballs in sauce over low heat, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Present these succulent morsels warm, accompanied by steamed rice or delicate noodles for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Maximize flavor by thoroughly mixing meat ingredients to ensure even distribution of seasonings and herbs.
- Freeze meatballs briefly for 10 minutes to help maintain a more uniform round shape during baking.
- Check meatballs for doneness by ensuring they are browned and no longer pink in the center, which typically takes 10-12 minutes at 410°F.
- Continuously whisk sauce ingredients to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy consistency that coats meatballs perfectly.
- Use low heat when combining meatballs with sauce to prevent burning and allow gentle, even glazing.
- Versatile dish that works great as both an appetizer or main course, pairing wonderfully with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg