Pineapple BBQ Meatballs

Pineapple BBQ Meatballs: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Looking for a delicious and easy meal with the perfect balance of sweet and savory? These Pineapple BBQ Meatballs are a fantastic combination of juicy turkey (or beef) meatballs glazed in a tangy pineapple BBQ sauce. Whether served as a party appetizer or a main dish with rice or noodles, these meatballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Best of all, they come together in just 30 minutes, making them ideal for a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground turkey (or lean beef)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 scallion, finely chopped
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 handful cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Oil for baking

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon molasses (not blackstrap)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup finely diced pineapple (or canned crushed pineapple)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey or beef with the chopped onion, garlic, scallion, egg, breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a handheld mixer until well combined.

2. Shape the Meatballs:
Using about 1.5 teaspoons of the meat mixture for each meatball, shape the mixture into small, uniform balls. Place them on a lightly oiled baking sheet. For more precise shapes, you can freeze the meatballs for 10 minutes before baking, but this step is optional.

3. Bake the Meatballs:
Preheat your oven to 410°F (210°C). Bake the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through, with no pink in the center.

4. Prepare the Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, start the pineapple BBQ sauce. In a large skillet, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, tomato paste, cornstarch, molasses, honey, sesame oil (if using), Worcestershire sauce, ground ginger, and garlic powder. Stir in the diced pineapple, and bring the mixture to a boil, whisking constantly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

5. Finish the Dish:
Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce over low heat until they are fully glazed and coated with the sweet and savory BBQ sauce.

6. Serve:
Serve these delicious Pineapple BBQ Meatballs warm, either as an appetizer or as a main dish paired with rice or noodles. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal per serving

These Pineapple BBQ Meatballs are the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, with the juicy meatballs soaking up the delicious homemade pineapple BBQ sauce. The best part? This dish is incredibly versatile! Serve it as a party snack, a weeknight dinner, or pack it for lunch with some steamed rice or noodles.

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