Description
These Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs combine lean ground turkey or chicken with sweet pineapple and a savory homemade teriyaki sauce for a healthy and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup plain panko breadcrumbs
- 1 lb 99% lean ground turkey breast or ground chicken breast
- ¼ cup drained canned crushed pineapple (reserve juice when draining)
- 2 tablespoons sliced scallions
- 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅔ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice (reserved from draining the crushed pineapple)
- ½ teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, panko breadcrumbs, ground turkey or chicken, drained crushed pineapple, sliced scallions, reduced sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. Stir all ingredients together thoroughly using a fork until they are well incorporated.
- On a clean, dry surface like a cutting board, divide the meat mixture into 20 equal parts. Roll each part into a small ball and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 15-18 minutes until they are cooked through and slightly browned.
- When about 10 minutes remain on the meatballs’ bake time, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, reserved pineapple juice, and minced ginger in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 2-4 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the sauce just starts to simmer.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly pour this slurry into the simmering sauce while whisking continuously. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Once the meatballs are fully cooked, transfer them to a serving dish and pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over them.
- Sprinkle each serving with ¼ teaspoon of sesame seeds if desired for added texture and visual appeal. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for a more vibrant flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- These meatballs can be served over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 meatballs
- Calories: 236
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs, meatballs, turkey meatballs, Asian cuisine, healthy recipes