Description
These Hawaiian Meatballs are a delicious mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors! Juicy meatballs are simmered in a rich pineapple and bell pepper sauce that’s perfect for serving over rice or as a tasty appetizer. This dish brings a tropical twist to your dinner table and is great for both weeknight meals and party appetizers!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef or pork (or a mix)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
For the Hawaiian Sauce:
- 1 can (435 g / 20 oz) pineapple chunks, juice reserved
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for depth)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 small onion, cut into chunks
For Serving:
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
🍖 Prepare the Meatballs:
-
Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef or pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, ginger, and soy sauce.
- Mix until just combined (do not overmix).
-
Form the Meatballs:
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) meatballs (about 20-24 meatballs).
-
Cook the Meatballs:
- In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat.
- Cook the meatballs for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides.
- Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside.
🍍 Make the Hawaiian Sauce:
-
Prepare the Sauce Base:
- In the same skillet, add the red and green bell peppers and onion.
- Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
-
Mix the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and hoisin sauce.
-
Thicken the Sauce:
- Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the vegetables and bring to a simmer.
- Add the slurry and stir until the sauce begins to thicken (about 2 minutes).
-
Combine Meatballs and Pineapple:
- Add the cooked meatballs and pineapple chunks to the skillet.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and everything is well coated.
🍽️ Serve:
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
-
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over rice or with toothpicks as a party appetizer.
Notes
- Make It Spicy: Add 1 teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Tip: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.