Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs (Printer-Friendly)
Savory pineapple-glazed meatballs with teriyaki sauce, great with rice or steamed vegetables.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meatballs
01 -
1 large egg
02 -
⅓ cup plain panko breadcrumbs (approximately 35 g)
03 -
1 lb (454 g) 99% lean ground turkey breast or ground chicken breast
04 -
¼ cup (60 ml) drained canned crushed pineapple (reserve juice)
05 -
2 tablespoons sliced scallions (30 ml)
06 -
1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce (15 ml)
07 -
1 teaspoon minced garlic (5 ml)
08 -
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
09 -
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Sauce
10 -
⅔ cup reduced sodium soy sauce (160 ml)
11 -
½ cup water (120 ml)
12 -
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar (30 ml)
13 -
2 tablespoons pineapple juice (reserved from crushed pineapple) (30 ml)
14 -
1 teaspoon minced garlic (5 ml)
15 -
½ teaspoon minced ginger (2.5 ml)
16 -
1 tablespoon cornstarch (15 ml)
17 -
1 tablespoon water (15 ml)
→ Garnish
18 -
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional) (5 ml)
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Set oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 -
In a large bowl, mix egg, panko breadcrumbs, ground meat, drained crushed pineapple, scallions, soy sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper until evenly incorporated.
03 -
Divide mixture into 20 equal portions and shape each into a meatball. Arrange on prepared baking sheet.
04 -
Bake meatballs in preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until fully cooked through.
05 -
While meatballs bake, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, reserved pineapple juice, minced garlic, and minced ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
06 -
Combine cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir into simmering sauce, reduce heat to low, and cook 5 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
07 -
Toss meatballs with sauce or serve five meatballs with ⅓ cup sauce per portion. Optionally, garnish each serving with ¼ teaspoon sesame seeds.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
Use crushed pineapple packed in juice, not syrup, to avoid excess sweetness.
02 -
Ground turkey breast or chicken breast can be used interchangeably for lean protein.
03 -
Minced ginger from jars or freshly grated ginger both work well; fresh provides stronger flavor.
04 -
Rolling meatballs is straightforward and helps maintain uniform cooking.