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- 1 lb ground chicken or turkey - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped For this dish, you start with ground chicken or turkey. Both options are lean and flavorful. The breadcrumbs help hold the meatballs together. Green onions add a mild onion flavor, while cilantro gives a fresh taste. - 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce - 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained) The teriyaki sauce brings a sweet and savory flavor. It pairs perfectly with the pineapple chunks. Pineapple adds a juicy sweetness that balances the savory meatballs. - 1 egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - Salt and pepper, to taste The egg acts as a binder. It helps keep the meatballs moist. Garlic adds a robust flavor, and ginger gives a hint of warmth. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors in the dish. This combination of ingredients creates a tasty and balanced meal. You can easily customize it based on your preferences. Enjoy making these pineapple teriyaki meatballs! To start, grab a large bowl. Add 1 pound of ground chicken or turkey. Then, mix in 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions, and 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro. Next, crack in 1 egg. Don't forget to add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and some salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to mix everything well. Make sure it's all combined. Now, shape the mixture into meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This keeps them from sticking. Before you bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. Once the oven is hot, slide in the baking sheet with meatballs. Bake for about 20 minutes. Check if they are golden brown and cooked through. While the meatballs bake, it's time to make the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of teriyaki sauce with 1 cup of pineapple chunks. You can use fresh or canned pineapple, but make sure it's drained if canned. Heat the saucepan over medium heat until warm. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well together. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the saucepan. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Allow them to cook for another 2-3 minutes. This step helps the meatballs soak in all that tasty flavor. To make meatballs that shine, focus on texture. Use ground chicken or turkey for a light bite. Mix the meat with breadcrumbs, onions, cilantro, egg, garlic, and ginger. Don’t over-mix; just combine well. This keeps them tender. For even cooking, shape meatballs to the same size. Aim for about one inch in diameter. This ensures they cook at the same rate in the oven. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. To up the flavor game, consider adding spices or herbs. A pinch of black pepper or a dash of chili flakes can add a kick. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can also brighten the dish. When it comes to pineapple, fresh chunks offer a burst of juicy sweetness. Canned chunks work too, but drain them well. Both options add great flavor to your teriyaki sauce. Garnishing makes your dish pop. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a crunchy finish. Chopped green onions also add color and freshness. For serving, pair the meatballs with cooked rice. It soaks up the teriyaki sauce and balances the meal. You could also serve with steamed veggies for extra nutrition. {{image_2}} You can change the ground chicken or turkey to fit your taste. Try using ground beef for a richer flavor. If you prefer plant-based options, use lentils or chickpeas instead. They add great texture and taste. For those watching gluten intake, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. This keeps the dish tasty and safe for everyone. Want to spice things up? Add chili paste to the mix. It gives the meatballs a nice kick. You can also play with different fruits. Mango or peach can add a sweet twist. Experimenting with flavors can make the dish exciting and new. You don’t have to stick to baking. An air fryer works great for these meatballs, too. This method gives them a crisp outside while keeping them juicy inside. If you prefer slow cooking, toss the meatballs in a slow cooker. Add the teriyaki sauce and cook on low for a few hours. It makes for a hands-off cooking experience. To store your leftover pineapple teriyaki meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh longer. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the taste and texture may change. Freezing these meatballs is easy. First, let them cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. This method helps prevent them from sticking together. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, take out the meatballs. Place them in the fridge overnight to defrost. If you’re in a hurry, you can defrost them in the microwave, but do it slowly. To reheat the meatballs, use the oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them juicy. If you choose the microwave, use a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check often to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your meal warm! To keep meatballs tender, focus on moisture and binding. Use ground chicken or turkey for a softer bite. Adding breadcrumbs helps hold in moisture. The egg is key for binding. Mix gently; overmixing can make them tough. Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture a day early. Just cover it and store it in the fridge. You can also bake the meatballs and store them. Reheat them in the sauce before serving. This saves time on busy days. These meatballs pair well with cooked rice. You can add steamed broccoli or stir-fried veggies. A fresh salad also works great. For drinks, try iced tea or a light soda. These options balance the sweet and savory flavors. For low-carb diets, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for less fat. For a vegan option, swap meat with lentils or chickpeas. Use flaxseed mixed with water as a binding agent. These pineapple teriyaki meatballs are tasty and easy to make. We covered the key ingredients, from ground chicken to teriyaki sauce. Then, I shared step-by-step instructions for mixing, shaping, and baking. You now have tips to perfect texture and enhance flavor. You can even try new variations or store leftovers easily. Whether you serve them as a snack or dinner, these meatballs are a hit. Enjoy getting creative in the kitchen and have fun!

Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs

Savor the delicious flavors of these Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs that are perfect for any meal! Made with ground chicken, fresh herbs, and a mouthwatering teriyaki sauce, these meatballs are baked to golden perfection and served over rice. Easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, this dish is a family favorite.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground chicken or turkey

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ginger, grated

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)

1/2 cup teriyaki sauce

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, cilantro, egg, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined.

    Shape the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

      Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.

        While the meatballs bake, prepare the teriyaki sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the teriyaki sauce with pineapple chunks. Heat over medium heat until warm, then let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

          Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the saucepan with the teriyaki sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavors.

            Serve the pineapple teriyaki meatballs over a bed of rice and drizzle with additional teriyaki sauce, if desired. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 35 minutes | 4 servings