Description
Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Meatballs blend savory ground beef with sweet tropical notes for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Guests will devour these juicy, glazed bites that balance tangy barbecue sauce and caramelized pineapple chunks.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (453.6 grams) frozen or homemade meatballs
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Fruit and Garnish:
- 1 can (20 ounces or 567 grams) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 1/2 cup juice)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together tangy BBQ sauce, zesty pineapple juice, rich brown sugar, umami-packed soy sauce, aromatic garlic powder, and savory onion powder in a medium mixing bowl.
- Prepare meatballs through your preferred method – either thaw frozen varieties according to package guidelines or thoroughly cook homemade meatballs via baking or pan-searing until golden and cooked internally.
- Heat a large skillet over medium temperature, introducing cooked meatballs and sweet pineapple chunks into the pan’s surface.
- Generously drench meatballs and pineapple with the previously crafted sauce, ensuring comprehensive and even coating through gentle stirring.
- Allow mixture to gently simmer for 10-15 minutes, periodically rotating ingredients to prevent scorching and promote sauce absorption, watching for sauce thickening and meatballs reaching optimal warmth.
- Once sauce reaches ideal consistency and meatballs are thoroughly heated, remove from heat and optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for enhanced visual appeal.
- Serve immediately as an elegant appetizer with decorative toothpicks or atop fluffy rice for a complete, satisfying meal experience.
Notes
- Select high-quality BBQ sauce for richer flavor complexity and smoother sauce texture.
- Adjust sweetness by balancing brown sugar based on sauce brand and personal preference.
- Use fresh pineapple chunks for brighter taste and more vibrant presentation if possible.
- Consider gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for celiac-friendly version without compromising taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg