Hawaiian Meatballs

Hawaiian meatballs are a delightful fusion of savory and sweet, offering a tropical twist on a classic comfort food. Tender meatballs are simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce made with pineapple, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger. The result is a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for a quick family dinner, a party appetizer, or even a fun weeknight meal. Whether you serve them with rice, in a sub roll, or as an appetizer with toothpicks, Hawaiian meatballs are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hawaiian meatballs bring the perfect balance of savory and sweet to your plate. The tender, juicy meatballs are made even better with the pineapple and soy sauce-based glaze, which gives them a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the tropical sweetness. They’re easy to make, with minimal prep time, and can be served in a variety of ways, from as a snack at parties to a complete meal. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something fun and different, Hawaiian meatballs are the perfect dish to add some flair to your menu.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (or a combination of beef

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup pineapple chunks (with juice, canned or fresh)

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated or powdered

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Meatballs:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef

3.  breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, soy sauce, and dried oregano. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until everything is fully incorporated.), breadcrumbs, chopped o

4. Shape the meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart.

5. Bake the meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of the meatballs — they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

For the Sauce:

5. Make the sauce: While the meatballs are baking, combine the pineapple (with its juice), soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, grated ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a medium saucepan. Stir to combine.

6. Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.

Combine the Meatballs and Sauce:

7. Coat the meatballs: Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large pan or skillet. Pour the simmered sauce over the meatballs, tossing gently to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce.

8. Simmer together: Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken further and the meatballs to absorb the flavors.

9. Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for a burst of freshness. Serve with rice, on their own with toothpicks for appetizers, or in a sub roll for a Hawaiian meatball sandwich.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 20-24 meatballs, enough for 4-6 people as a main dish or more as appetizers

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 25-30 minutes

• Total time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Sweet and Sour Meatballs: Add a tablespoon of sweet chili sauce or more vinegar to the sauce to give it a tangier kick.

• Spicy Hawaiian Meatballs: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chopped jalapeños to the sauce for more heat.

• Chicken or Turkey Meatballs: Use ground chicken or turkey for a leaner version of these meatballs while maintaining the delicious flavors.

• Pineapple Relish: Top the meatballs with a fresh pineapple relish for added texture and brightness. Combine diced pineapple, bell peppers, onions, and cilantro with a little lime juice.

• Vegetarian Version: Make vegetarian meatballs using lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based meat substitutes, and follow the same process for the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Hawaiian meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the meatballs before or after baking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or heat on the stovetop with the sauce.

• Reheating: To reheat, you can warm the meatballs in the sauce over medium heat for 5-10 minutes or microwave them in a covered dish for about 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made frozen meatballs. Simply bake them according to package instructions and toss them in the sauce.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just heat it up before adding it to the meatballs.

3. Can I make these meatballs in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce in a slow cooker. Brown the meatballs first, then add them to the slow cooker with the sauce and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

4. Can I make these meatballs spicier?

Absolutely! Increase the amount of red pepper flakes, add diced jalapeños to the sauce, or even drizzle some hot sauce on top for a spicy kick.

5. Can I use fresh pineapple?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple in place of canned pineapple. Just be sure to cut it into small chunks and use some of the juice as well.

6. How do I make the meatballs extra tender?

To make the meatballs extra tender, be sure not to overmix the meat mixture and handle them gently when rolling them into balls. You can also add a small amount of milk or broth to the mixture to keep them moist.

7. What can I serve with Hawaiian meatballs?

Hawaiian meatballs are perfect served over steamed rice, in a sub roll for sandwiches, or with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad.

8. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time, refrigerate them, and then reheat them when ready to serve.

9. Can I use a different meat for the meatballs?

Yes! You can use ground turkey, chicken,  or even a plant-based ground meat alternative to make these meatballs.

10. How do I know when the meatballs are done?

The meatballs should be golden brown and cooked through. If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for beef .

Conclusion

Hawaiian meatballs are a delightful mix of sweet and savory, making them the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, main course, or part of a fun weeknight meal, they’re sure to become a family favorite. The tender meatballs, tangy pineapple sauce, and rich flavors come together in perfect harmony. Easy to make, and even easier to enjoy, these Hawaiian meatballs will be the star of any meal. Enjoy!

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