Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs Savory and Easy Meal

Looking for a fun and tasty meal? You’ve come to the right place! Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs are juicy, easy, and full of flavor. Made with ground beef or turkey, these meatballs pair well with sticky rice or a fresh salad. Plus, the sweet and savory sauce is a perfect match. Join me as I share simple steps and tips to make this delicious dish your new favorite!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet and tangy pineapple teriyaki sauce perfectly complements the savory meatballs, creating a mouthwatering dish.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is quick and easy to whip up for any occasion.
- Healthy Options Available: Substituting ground turkey for beef makes this dish a lighter choice without sacrificing flavor.
- Great for Meal Prep: These meatballs store well, making them perfect for meal prepping and enjoying throughout the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef or turkey
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
Sauce Ingredients
– 1 can crushed pineapple in juice
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Seasonings and Garnish
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon ginger powder
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Gathering the right ingredients sets the stage for great flavor. I love using ground beef or turkey for the meatballs. The choice depends on your taste. The meat blends well with breadcrumbs and green onions for added texture and flavor.
The sauce makes this dish shine. Crushed pineapple adds sweetness. Teriyaki sauce brings a savory touch. Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce to coat the meatballs perfectly.
Finally, the seasonings work together to enhance every bite. Soy sauce adds depth, while garlic and ginger give warmth. Black pepper rounds out the flavors. Don’t forget the sesame seeds for garnish! They add a nice crunch and a nutty finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Meatball Mixture
First, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Next, throw in 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. Then, add 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions. Crack in 1 beaten egg. Pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of ginger powder. Don’t forget 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix all these ingredients well. You want everything to blend nicely.
Now, form the mixture into small meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in size. Place each meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier.
Baking the Meatballs
Now it’s time to bake. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once your oven is hot, put the baking sheet in. Bake the meatballs for 15 to 20 minutes. Check that they are cooked through and browned on the outside. The smell will be amazing!
Making the Pineapple Teriyaki Sauce
While the meatballs bake, let’s make the sauce. In a saucepan, combine the reserved pineapple juice from the can. Add 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Stir this mixture over medium heat. Keep stirring until it thickens, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. After thickening, mix in the crushed pineapple. Stir until it’s heated through.
When the meatballs are ready, take them out of the oven. Toss the meatballs in the pineapple teriyaki sauce. Make sure they are fully coated. This sauce brings sweet and savory flavors together!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Meatballs
To get the best meatballs, use cold ingredients. Cold meat and eggs help bind the mixture well. This makes the meatballs firm and tasty. When mixing, don’t overmix the meatball mixture. Just blend until everything is combined. Overmixing can make them tough.
Achieving the Right Sauce Consistency
For the sauce, you might need to adjust the cornstarch. If you want a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch. If it gets too thick, add some reserved pineapple juice. Always taste the sauce. You can tweak seasoning as needed. Sweetness or saltiness can change based on your taste.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs pair well with rice or a fresh salad. You can serve them on a bed of rice for a filling meal. For a nice touch, garnish with extra green onions. This adds color and extra flavor to your dish. Enjoy your tasty Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ground meat and green onions will enhance the flavor and texture of your meatballs.
- Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to tweak the amount of teriyaki sauce according to your taste preference for a sweeter or saltier flavor.
- Experiment with Proteins: Try using ground chicken or pork for a different taste and texture in your meatballs.
- Serve with Sides: Pair these meatballs with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Variations
Changing the Meat Type
You can easily change the meat in this recipe. Ground chicken works well if you want a lighter meal. Ground pork is another tasty option that adds a nice flavor. If you want a meat-free dish, try using vegetarian or vegan meat alternatives. These options still give you that great texture and taste.
Different Sauces
Feel free to get creative with the sauce. Adding sweet chili sauce can give it a nice kick. You might also enjoy using an orange teriyaki blend. This will add a fresh twist and brighten the dish. Mixing it up with different sauces keeps your meals fun and exciting.
Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
To boost the flavor, think about adding some extra ingredients. Diced bell peppers provide a nice crunch and color. Water chestnuts add a unique texture that surprises your taste buds. You can also experiment with herbs and spices. Fresh basil or cilantro can bring a fresh taste. These add-ins can make your Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs even more delicious!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs fresh, store them in an airtight container. This method works well to maintain their flavor and texture. Try to eat the leftovers within 3-4 days. This way, you will enjoy them at their best.
Freezing Meatballs
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the cooked meatballs. They will stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to let them cool completely before packing them away. When you are ready to eat, thaw them safely in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Guidelines
Reheating is simple. You can use a microwave, oven, or stovetop. Make sure to heat them until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are safe to eat and delicious. Enjoy your meal just like fresh!
FAQs
Can I make Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs ahead of time. Just make the meatballs and freeze them. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal later. When you want to eat them, thaw overnight in the fridge. Bake them as per the recipe, and they will taste fresh.
What can I serve with Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs?
You can serve Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. Rice works great to soak up the tasty sauce. Noodles add a nice twist, while veggies bring freshness. Choose what you love best!
How do I make the sauce spicier?
To spice up the sauce, add Sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount, then taste. You can always add more if you want more heat. This little tweak gives your dish a nice kick!
In this blog post, we explored how to make Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for success. You learned about meatball variations and storage methods.
These meatballs are fun and easy to make. Feel free to personalize the recipe with different meats or sauces. Enjoy delicious meals, save time, and impress your friends with great flavors. Happy cookin

Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, drained and juice reserved
- 0.25 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, beaten egg, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once preheated, bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and browned on the outside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the reserved pineapple juice, teriyaki sauce, and cornstarch. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the crushed pineapple to the sauce and mix until heated through.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and gently toss them in the pineapple teriyaki sauce until fully coated.
- Serve the meatballs on a platter, garnishing with sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions if desired.







