Teriyaki Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Chunks

The Story & Intro

Bonjour my friends! 👋 I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the cozy kitchens of America 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Ever since I could reach the countertop, I’ve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking 🍰😋. Cooking isn’t just my passion it’s my love language, my therapy, and my favorite way to make people smile.

Now let me tell you how these Teriyaki Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Chunks became a regular in my kitchen.

The first time I made this dish, it was for a casual backyard get-together. Nothing fancy. Flip-flops, paper plates, laughter floating in the air, and that golden-hour sunshine that makes everything taste better. I wanted something comforting like classic meatballs, but also playful something that screamed vacation vibes without boarding a plane.

That’s when the idea hit me: Teriyaki Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Chunks. Sweet, sticky teriyaki sauce. Juicy meatballs. Caramelized pineapple bursting with tropical flavor. One bite, and suddenly everyone was smiling even the picky eaters.

What I love most about Teriyaki Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Chunks is how effortlessly they bring people together. They’re perfect as an appetizer, amazing over rice for dinner, and honestly? Even better straight from the pan when no one’s watching 😉.

This recipe balances sweet and savory in the most irresistible way. The pineapple adds brightness, the teriyaki sauce brings depth, and the meatballs soak up all that glossy goodness like little flavor sponges. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that feels fun, cozy, and a little bit special, these Teriyaki Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Chunks are it.

Let’s get cooking 🧡

🛒 Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need. Simple ingredients, big flavor.

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Teriyaki Hawaiian Sauce

• ¾ cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)

For Garnish

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently overmixing makes meatballs tough, and we want them tender and juicy.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs. You should get about 20–24 meatballs.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet just beautifully golden.

Step 4: Add the Hawaiian Twist

Lower the heat and pour in the teriyaki sauce, pineapple chunks, brown sugar, and honey. Stir gently so the meatballs are coated in that glossy sauce.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you want a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it bubble for 1–2 minutes.

Step 6: Finish & Garnish

Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. That’s it pure magic in a pan ✨

⏱️ Time

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

These Teriyaki Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Chunks are incredibly versatile:

• Serve over fluffy jasmine rice 🍚
• Pair with coconut rice for extra tropical vibes
• Skewer with toothpicks for party appetizers
• Add to sliders with Hawaiian rolls
• Toss leftovers into a rice bowl the next day

They’re sweet, savory, and impossible to resist.

📝 Notes

• Ground chicken or turkey works beautifully for a lighter version
• Fresh pineapple gives extra brightness, but canned works great
• Want spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes 🌶️
• These freeze well perfect for meal prep

📋 Recipe Card

🍽️ Nutrition

These meatballs strike a balance protein-packed, satisfying, and just sweet enough to feel indulgent without being heavy. Pair with veggies or rice for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Every time I make Teriyaki Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Chunks, I’m reminded why food is such a beautiful connector. It doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be made with love.

These meatballs are cozy, fun, and bursting with flavor the kind of recipe that disappears fast and gets requested again and again. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself on a weeknight, this dish brings sunshine straight to your table ☀️🍍.

From my kitchen to yours bon appétit, my friends 💛