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If you're on the hunt for a dish that is both tantalizing and versatile, look no further than Juicy Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs. This delightful recipe merges the sweetness of pineapple with the savory umami of teriyaki sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that can elevate any meal. Whether you're hosting a weekend gathering, preparing a weeknight dinner, or looking for an impressive dish to serve at your next holiday party, these meatballs are sure to impress.

Juicy Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs

Discover the deliciousness of Juicy Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs! This versatile dish combines the sweetness of fresh pineapple with savory teriyaki sauce for a flavor-packed experience. Made with ground meat or plant-based alternatives, these meatballs can be served over rice, as appetizers, or tossed into salads. Packed with nutritious ingredients, they are perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. Elevate your culinary repertoire with this crowd-pleaser!
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Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef (or opt for ground turkey for a lighter twist)

½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for an extra crunchy texture)

1 large egg

¼ cup fresh pineapple, finely chopped

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

¼ cup soy sauce

¼ cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

1 teaspoon fresh pineapple juice (optional, enhances flavor)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

    Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), panko breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped pineapple, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined; be careful not to overmix to ensure tender meatballs.

      Form the Meatballs: With your hands, take portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch meatballs. Arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have space between them for even cooking.

        Bake the Meatballs: Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked all the way through and have a golden-brown exterior.

          Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. For the cornstarch slurry, combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl; mix until smooth, then gradually add it to the sauce.

            Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer while stirring continuously. Allow it to thicken for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

              Glaze the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are fully cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to ensure each meatball is well-coated in the delicious glaze.

                Serve: Arrange the glazed meatballs on a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added color and flavor. Serve warm with steamed rice or on skewers for a fun and appealing appetizer option.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 40 min | 4 servings

                    Presentation Tips: To elevate the visual appeal, serve the meatballs in a shallow bowl or on a large platter, and consider adding a few fresh pineapple slices or chunks around the dish for contrasting colors and additional sweetness. Adding a sprig of fresh herbs like cilantro can also enhance the presentation.