A Perfect Balance Of Sweet, Savory, And Tangy Flavors, These Juicy Meatballs Are Coated In A Sticky Pineapple Soy Sauce Glaze – An Irresistible Appetizer Or Main Dish!
These Sticky Pineapple Soy Meatballs are an absolute crowd-pleaser! I decided to make them because I wanted a dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the umami flavor of soy sauce, all wrapped up in a juicy, savory meatball.
The result is a flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for snacking, appetizers, or even served over rice for a quick dinner. My family loves these because they’re so flavorful, and the sticky glaze gives them the perfect finish. They’re always the first to disappear at any gathering or family meal!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken will work just as well in this recipe. The sweet and savory glaze will complement both proteins, keeping the meatballs juicy and flavorful.
Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve, and toss them in the sticky pineapple soy sauce glaze.
Q: Can I make this recipe without the pineapple?
A: The pineapple adds a nice sweet-tangy flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer. You can substitute the pineapple with another sweetener, like brown sugar or honey, but it won’t have the same fruity flavor.
Q: Can I use store-bought pineapple sauce instead of making my own?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought pineapple sauce or even a sweet chili sauce as a substitute for the homemade glaze. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Q: How do I keep the meatballs from drying out?
A: Be sure not to overcook the meatballs. Bake them just until they’re cooked through, and keep them in the sauce to retain their moisture and flavor.
What You Need to Make Sticky Pineapple Soy Meatballs
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)
For the Pineapple Soy Sauce Glaze:
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
How to Make Sticky Pineapple Soy Meatballs
1. Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. Make the meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, milk, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Use your hands to form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake the meatballs:
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer (it should reach 160°F/71°C for beef, or 165°F/74°C for turkey/chicken). Once done, remove them from the oven and set aside.
4. Make the pineapple soy sauce glaze:
While the meatballs are baking, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then slowly add this to the saucepan, stirring constantly. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze.
5. Coat the meatballs in glaze:
Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a bowl or large dish. Pour the sticky pineapple soy glaze over the meatballs and toss gently to coat them evenly.
6. Serve:
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately. These sticky meatballs are perfect on their own, served with rice, or even as an appetizer at your next party.
Tips
- For extra flavor: Add a tablespoon of grated ginger to the sauce for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
- For a crunch: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for added texture.
- Make them spicy: If you prefer more heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Megan L. – “These Sticky Pineapple Soy Meatballs are amazing! The glaze is perfectly sweet and savory, and the meatballs are juicy and tender. I’ll definitely be making these again!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Rachel S. – “I made these for dinner, and my family loved them! The pineapple soy glaze is so delicious, and the meatballs have just the right amount of flavor. Great recipe!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophie W. – “These meatballs are so flavorful! The sticky glaze adds the perfect sweetness and tang. We had them over rice, and it was a hit with everyone!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma T. – “I love the combination of pineapple and soy sauce! The meatballs were so tender, and the sauce was the perfect balance of sweet and savory. My family couldn’t get enough!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica H. – “These Sticky Pineapple Soy Meatballs are a total crowd-pleaser! The glaze is so flavorful, and the meatballs stay juicy. I served them as an appetizer at a party, and they were gone in minutes!”
Printable Recipe
Sticky Pineapple Soy Meatballs
These Sticky Pineapple Soy Meatballs are juicy, tender meatballs coated in a sweet and savory pineapple soy glaze. A perfect appetizer or main dish that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)
- For the Pineapple Soy Sauce Glaze:
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. Make the meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, milk, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Use your hands to form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake the meatballs:
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer (it should reach 160°F/71°C for beef, or 165°F/74°C for turkey/chicken). Once done, remove them from the oven and set aside.
4. Make the pineapple soy sauce glaze:
- While the meatballs are baking, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then slowly add this to the saucepan, stirring constantly. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze.
5. Coat the meatballs in glaze:
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a bowl or large dish. Pour the sticky pineapple soy glaze over the meatballs and toss gently to coat them evenly.
6. Serve:
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately. These sticky meatballs are perfect on their own, served with rice, or even as an appetizer at your next party.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved these Sticky Pineapple Soy Meatballs, please share them with your friends and family! They’re the perfect sweet and savory treat, and I’m sure everyone will enjoy them. Share it on social media and tag me – I’d love to see how your meatballs turn out!
