Teriyaki Meatballs with Pineapple Glaze

Lora Lopez

Posted on April 30, 2025

Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with an explosion of flavor? Look no further than these delightful Teriyaki Meatballs with Pineapple Glaze. This recipe combines the savory umami taste of teriyaki with the sweet and tangy notes of pineapple, creating a delicious dish that both kids and adults will adore. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a family meal, or simply craving a tasty treat, these meatballs are sure to impress!

What makes this dish so appealing? It’s not just the delicious taste; it’s also the ease of preparation. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these flavorful meatballs in no time. The juicy beef meatballs are perfectly complemented by the glossy pineapple glaze, which adds a beautiful finish to the dish. Plus, they are versatile! Serve them over rice, as a party appetizer, or even in a sub sandwich for a fun twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When it comes to weeknight dinners, simplicity is key. The Teriyaki Meatballs with Pineapple Glaze recipe is designed for busy lifestyles. The meatballs come together quickly, and while they bake, you can prepare your sides or relax. Here are a few reasons why this recipe should be on your meal plan:

Flavor Explosion: The combination of beef, soy sauce, ginger, and fresh herbs creates meatballs that are not only savory but also aromatic. The pineapple glaze adds a sweet kick that perfectly balances the flavors.
Healthier Option: Using lean ground beef and fresh ingredients, this dish can fit into a healthy diet when served with vegetables or whole grains.
Family-Friendly: Kids love meatballs, and the sweet glaze makes them irresistible. This dish can easily become a family favorite!
Versatile Serving Options: Serve them over rice, in lettuce wraps, or even as a sandwich filling. The possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead: These meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making them perfect for meal prepping!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Incorporating international flavors into your cooking can transform your usual meal routine. The Teriyaki Meatballs with Pineapple Glaze draws inspiration from Japanese cuisine, making it a unique addition to your repertoire. Here’s why you should try making these meatballs:

Authentic Japanese Flavor: The teriyaki sauce is a staple in Japanese cuisine, known for its sweet and savory profile, which makes these meatballs a delightful homage to traditional flavors.
Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, or even make them vegetarian with plant-based meat alternatives.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These meatballs are suitable for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering. They are sure to be a hit with all your guests.
Kid-Approved: The sweet and savory notes of the glaze paired with tender meatballs make this dish appealing to children, helping to diversify their palate.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

To make the Teriyaki Meatballs with Pineapple Glaze, you will need the following ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
Salt and pepper to taste

Pineapple Glaze Ingredients

For the glaze, gather these additional ingredients:

1 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Optional: sesame seeds and additional green onions for garnish

Recommended Utensils

Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother:

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Large mixing bowl
Small saucepan
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing spoon or spatula
Cookie scoop or your hands for forming meatballs

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now, let’s dive into the steps needed to create these mouthwatering Teriyaki Meatballs with Pineapple Glaze.

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly.
Make the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, cilantro, minced garlic, egg, soy sauce, grated ginger, and salt and pepper. Mix until well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make your meatballs tough.
Form the Meatballs: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
Bake the Meatballs: Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
Prepare the Pineapple Glaze: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Thicken the Glaze: In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water until smooth. Add this mixture to the saucepan and stir constantly until the sauce thickens, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat once thickened.
Glaze the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are cooked, place them in a large bowl and pour the pineapple glaze over them. Gently toss the meatballs to coat them evenly with the glaze.
Serve: Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and additional green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I make Teriyaki Meatballs with Pineapple Glaze ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and glaze ahead of time. Store the uncooked meatballs in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze them. Reheat and glaze before serving.

What can I serve with Teriyaki Meatballs with Pineapple Glaze?

These meatballs pair well with steamed rice, quinoa, or vegetables. You can also serve them as appetizers with toothpicks for easy eating.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! You can use ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version of these meatballs.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Can I make these meatballs spicier?

Yes! You can add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the meatball mixture or the glaze for an added kick.

Conclusion

In summary, the Teriyaki Meatballs with Pineapple Glaze are a delicious and versatile dish that can elevate any meal. With their delightful flavor profile and ease of preparation, they are perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. We hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the sweet and savory goodness! Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below or share this recipe with your friends. Happy cooking!

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