Description
These Pineapple BBQ Meatballs combine tender ground turkey with a flavorful blend of savory and sweet ingredients. Infused with pineapple juice and a homemade tangy BBQ sauce, these meatballs are baked to perfection and offer a delicious balance of flavors, perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground turkey (lean beef or pork can be used as alternatives)
- 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
BBQ 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 dried garlic powder
- 1 cup finely diced pineapple OR canned crushed pineapple
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey with chopped onion, minced garlic, scallion, egg, breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, forming a cohesive mixture ready for shaping.
- Shape and Bake the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a baking sheet to prevent sticking. Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes or until cooked through and slightly golden on the outside.
- Prepare the Pineapple BBQ Sauce and Combine: While the meatballs bake, in a saucepan combine pineapple juice, low sodium soy sauce, tomato paste, molasses, honey, sesame oil, Worcestershire sauce, ground ginger, and dried garlic powder. In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry, then stir it into the saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens into a glaze. Add the finely diced or crushed pineapple into the sauce. Once meatballs are done, toss or gently coat them in the pineapple BBQ sauce until fully covered. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with lean beef or pork based on preference.
- For a vegetarian version, consider using plant-based ground meat alternatives and check the Worcestershire sauce for vegan-friendly ingredients.
- Adjust the honey and molasses sweetness level to your taste.
- To make the meatballs extra moist, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
- Use fresh pineapple when available for a more vibrant texture and flavor.
- These meatballs can also be cooked in an air fryer or skillet if preferred.
