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.
The first time I made Hawaiian Turkey Meatballs, I was craving something bright, sweet, and comforting all at once. It was one of those gray afternoons when you need food that feels like sunshine. Back in Paris, pineapple wasn’t something we cooked with often, but America taught me to love bold flavors and playful combinations. Sweet pineapple, savory turkey, sticky sauce I was hooked at the first bite.
These Hawaiian Turkey Meatballs quickly became a weeknight hero in my kitchen. They’re lighter than beef meatballs, yet still juicy and full of flavor. The sauce? Oh là là sweet, tangy, and glossy with hints of garlic and soy. Every bite feels like a mini vacation, even if you’re just eating dinner in sweatpants.
What I love most about Hawaiian Turkey Meatballs is how flexible they are. Serve them over rice, tuck them into sliders, or spear them with toothpicks for a party appetizer. They’re cozy, colorful, and guaranteed to make people smile which, to me, is what cooking is all about ❤️
Let’s get cooking, my friends.
🛒 Ingredients
For the turkey meatballs, you’ll need simple ingredients that come together beautifully:
For the Meatballs
- Ground turkey (93% lean works best)
- Breadcrumbs or panko
- Egg
- Garlic, minced
- Green onions, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper
- Ginger (fresh or ground)
- Sesame oil
For the Hawaiian Sauce
- Pineapple chunks (with juice)
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Ketchup
- Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Garlic
- Cornstarch (for thickening)
These ingredients create that signature sweet-and-savory balance that makes Hawaiian Turkey Meatballs so irresistible.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, gently mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, green onions, ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Use your hands, but don’t overmix this keeps the meatballs tender and juicy.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1½ inches each. This helps them cook evenly and look beautiful on the plate.
Step 3: Bake or Pan-Sear
Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake until golden and cooked through. You can also pan-sear them for extra caramelization if you’re feeling fancy.
Step 4: Make the Hawaiian Sauce
In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thick and glossy.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Add the meatballs and pineapple chunks to the sauce. Let everything simmer together until the meatballs soak up that tropical goodness.
At this point, your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible 🌺
⏱️ Time
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
Perfect for busy weeknights or stress-free entertaining.
🛒 Ingredients (Full List)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground turkey | 1 lb |
| Breadcrumbs | ½ cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Green onions | 2 |
| Sesame oil | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Ginger | 1 tsp |
| Pineapple chunks | 1 can |
| Soy sauce | ⅓ cup |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup |
| Ketchup | ¼ cup |
| Vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp |
👩🍳 Instructions (Recipe Card)
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mix all meatball ingredients gently |
| 2 | Roll into evenly sized meatballs |
| 3 | Bake or pan-sear until cooked |
| 4 | Simmer sauce ingredients |
| 5 | Add meatballs and pineapple |
| 6 | Cook until sauce thickens |
📝 Notes
- Don’t overmix the turkey it keeps the meatballs tender
- Fresh pineapple works beautifully if you have it
- Add red pepper flakes for a little heat
- These meatballs freeze wonderfully
🍽️ Nutrition (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbs | 24g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Balanced, satisfying, and lighter than traditional meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving Hawaiian Turkey Meatballs over fluffy jasmine rice with extra sauce spooned on top. They’re also amazing with coconut rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
For parties, stick a toothpick in each meatball and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. They disappear fast trust me.
Leftovers? Tuck them into a toasted bun with slaw for the best sandwich ever.
Conclusion
These Hawaiian Turkey Meatballs are everything I adore about cooking simple ingredients, bold flavors, and food that brings joy. They’re sweet, savory, cozy, and just a little playful, like a warm hug with a tropical accent 🌴
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe will brighten your table and your mood. From my kitchen to yours, bon appétit 💛