Tropical Teriyaki Meatballs
Transport your taste buds to paradise with these Tropical Teriyaki Meatballs! A delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe combines tender meatballs with a luscious pineapple-based sauce that brings a touch of the Hawaiian islands to your table. Inspired by my Nana's cherished recipe, it's perfect as a crowd-pleasing hors d'oeuvre at parties or a hearty entree served over fluffy white rice. Bursting with flavor and nostalgia, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy a taste of aloha any day of the week!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 1/2 lbs (raw)
cracker crumbs
2/3 cup (fine)
minced onion
1/3 cup (fresh)
egg
1 (beaten)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (to taste)
ginger
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
milk
1/4 cup (whole)
shortening
1 tablespoon (for frying)
cornstarch
2 tablespoons (to thicken sauce)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
pineapple tidbits
1 (13 1/2 ounce) can (drained)
vinegar
1/3 cup (white or apple cider)
soy sauce
1 tablespoon (regular or low sodium)
green pepper
1/3 cup (chopped)
maraschino cherries
1/2 cup (sliced in halves (optional))
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cracker crumbs, minced onion, egg, salt, ginger, and milk. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
2
Using your hands, shape the mixture into rounded tablespoon-sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
3
Heat shortening in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and keep warm on a plate. Pour out any excess fat from the skillet.
4
In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and brown sugar together. Stir in the drained pineapple syrup (reserved from the canned pineapple), vinegar, and soy sauce until smooth and uniform.
5
Pour the mixture into the skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and reaches a gentle boil. Allow to boil for 1 minute.
6
Add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet along with the pineapple tidbits, chopped green pepper, and sliced maraschino cherries (if using). Stir gently to coat everything in the sauce, and heat through until everything is warmed evenly.
7
Serve the meatballs with sauce over white rice or as an appealing appetizer at your next gathering.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tropical Teriyaki Meatballs?
Tropical Teriyaki Meatballs are a sweet and savory fusion dish featuring tender beef meatballs in a luscious pineapple-based sauce, inspired by a traditional family recipe.
What is the main protein in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of ground beef.
What binder is used for the meatballs?
The meatballs are bound using a combination of fine cracker crumbs, one beaten egg, and a quarter cup of milk.
How do I season the meat mixture?
The meat is seasoned with minced onion, salt, and ground ginger.
What size should the meatballs be?
The mixture should be shaped into rounded tablespoon-sized meatballs.
How are the meatballs cooked?
They are browned on all sides in a large skillet with shortening over medium heat before being simmered in the sauce.
What are the ingredients for the tropical sauce?
The sauce consists of cornstarch, brown sugar, reserved pineapple syrup, vinegar, and soy sauce.
How do I thicken the teriyaki sauce?
Mix cornstarch and brown sugar with the liquids in a skillet and stir constantly over medium heat until it reaches a boil.
How long should the sauce boil?
Once the sauce reaches a gentle boil and thickens, allow it to boil for 1 minute.
What kind of pineapple is used?
The recipe uses one 13.5-ounce can of pineapple tidbits, which should be drained.
What do I do with the liquid from the canned pineapple?
The pineapple syrup should be reserved and used as a base for the sauce mixture.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
You can use either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, the recipe allows for either regular or low-sodium soy sauce.
Are there any fresh vegetables added to the sauce?
Yes, 1/3 cup of chopped green pepper is added to the sauce along with the pineapple.
Are maraschino cherries necessary for this recipe?
No, sliced maraschino cherries are an optional ingredient used for extra flavor and color.
How should I serve Tropical Teriyaki Meatballs?
They can be served over fluffy white rice as a main entree or on their own as an appetizer.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, this recipe is inspired by the creator's Nana's cherished recipe.
Can I use this for a party?
Absolutely, these meatballs are described as a crowd-pleasing hors d'oeuvre perfect for parties and gatherings.
What equipment is needed?
You will need a large mixing bowl, a baking sheet to hold the shaped meatballs, and a large skillet.
What kind of shortening is used for frying?
The recipe suggests using one tablespoon of shortening to brown the meatballs in the skillet.
How do I ensure the meatballs are evenly heated?
After the sauce thickens, add the meatballs and fruit back to the skillet and stir gently until everything is warmed through.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The dish is characterized as a 'sweet and savory' fusion with a tropical Hawaiian influence.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients listed, including seasonings and optional items.
Can I use ground ginger or fresh ginger?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
Is there any sugar in the sauce?
Yes, the sauce uses 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
What should I do after browning the meatballs?
Remove them from the skillet, keep them warm on a plate, and pour out any excess fat before making the sauce.
Can I use a different meat?
While the recipe specifies ground beef, the style is adaptable to other ground meats if desired.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is a thick, uniform glaze created by the combination of cornstarch and heated liquids.
Does this recipe include dietary information?
The current data does not provide specific calorie or fat counts, focusing instead on the preparation and ingredients.
How much minced onion is required?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of fresh minced onion.