The Story & Intro
Every time I make Hawaiian Meatballs with Steamed White Rice, I’m reminded why I fell in love with cooking in the first place. Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece, and cooking has been part of my life since I was a child. I learned early on from my grandmother that food doesn’t need to be complicated to be comforting it just needs heart. While Hawaiian Meatballs with Steamed White Rice aren’t a traditional Greek dish, they fit perfectly with how I love to cook: simple, joyful, and meant to be shared.
I still remember the first time I played with sweet-and-savory flavors in my kitchen. Pineapple juice simmering on the stove, the smell of garlic and ginger in the air, and meatballs bubbling away in a glossy sauce it was a little messy, a little chaotic, and totally worth it. That’s the magic of Hawaiian Meatballs with Steamed White Rice. They bring people together, especially women who love feeding their families something warm and comforting after a long day.
This dish has become one of those recipes I turn to when I want smiles at the table. The tender meatballs soak up that sweet pineapple sauce, and the steamed white rice balances everything beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for your kids, friends, or just yourself, Hawaiian Meatballs with Steamed White Rice feels like a hug in a bowl. Let’s get cooking together 💛
Ingredients
For this recipe, we keep the ingredients easy and accessible—nothing fancy, just pantry staples that work together perfectly.
For the Meatballs
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Garlic
- Onion
- Salt and pepper
For the Hawaiian Sauce
- Pineapple chunks (with juice)
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Cornstarch
For Serving
- White rice
- Water
- Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Take your time here this is where the love goes in.
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Use your hands gently; overmixing makes tough meatballs.
- Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs and set them aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet.
- Remove the meatballs and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Whisk cornstarch with a little water and add it to the sauce to thicken.
- Add pineapple chunks and return the meatballs to the skillet.
- Simmer until the meatballs are cooked through and coated in that glossy, sweet sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hawaiian Meatballs with Steamed White Rice hot, spooning plenty of sauce over the rice. I love adding sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a little freshness. This dish also works beautifully for potlucks, family dinners, or even meal prep for busy weeks.
Recipe Card
| ⏱️ Time | 🛒 Ingredients | 👩🍳 Instructions | 📝 Notes | 🍽️ Nutrition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⏱️ Prep: 15 min ⏱️ Cook: 30 min | 🛒 Beef, pineapple, rice, sauce basics | 👩🍳 Brown meatballs, simmer in sauce, steam rice | 📝 Don’t overmix meatballs | 🍽️ ~450 kcal/serving |
Steamed White Rice (Simple & Perfect)
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes
🛒 Ingredients: White rice, water, salt
👩🍳 Instructions: Rinse rice, simmer with water, cover and steam until fluffy
📝 Notes: Let rice rest 5 minutes before fluffing
🍽️ Nutrition: Naturally gluten-free, low fat
Conclusion
Cooking Hawaiian Meatballs with Steamed White Rice always reminds me that food is about more than feeding hungry bellies. It’s about stories, laughter, and those quiet moments around the table. From my kitchen in Crete to yours, I hope this recipe brings warmth, joy, and a little sweetness into your home. Don’t worry if things get messy that’s where the fun lives. 💕
