The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece, and today I’m sharing one of those recipes that instantly brings sunshine into my kitchen: Teriyaki Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Chunks. I still remember the first time I played with sweet-and-savory flavors like this. My grandmother would raise an eyebrow when I added fruit to savory dishes, but once she tasted them, she always smiled and said, “Food should surprise you.”
That’s exactly what Teriyaki Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Chunks do. They surprise you in the best way. Juicy meatballs, sticky teriyaki sauce, and sweet pineapple chunks all come together in a dish that feels fun, comforting, and just a little exotic. Cooking has always been about joy in my family, even when the kitchen gets messy especially then.
Living in Crete taught me to respect simple ingredients and let flavors shine. While this dish isn’t traditional Greek, it carries the same spirit: gathering people around the table, sharing stories, and enjoying food that makes you happy. Teriyaki Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Chunks are perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you want something cozy but exciting.
If you’re new to cooking, don’t worry. This recipe is forgiving and friendly. If you’ve been cooking for years, you’ll love how customizable it is. Either way, Teriyaki Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Chunks will quickly become a favorite that feels like home with a tropical twist 🌴🍍
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients Table
| 🛒 Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (or beef/pork mix) | 1 lb |
| Breadcrumbs | ½ cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Fresh ginger, grated | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Pineapple chunks (canned or fresh) | 1½ cups |
| Teriyaki sauce | 1 cup |
| Soy sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Brown sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Cornstarch + water | 1 tbsp each |
| Green onions (optional) | For garnish |
| Sesame seeds (optional) | For garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions
👩🍳 Instructions Table
| 👩🍳 Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | In a large bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper until just combined. |
| 2️⃣ | Roll into 1½-inch meatballs and set aside. Don’t overwork them — tender is the goal. |
| 3️⃣ | Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides (about 6–8 minutes). |
| 4️⃣ | Remove meatballs briefly and reduce heat to medium-low. |
| 5️⃣ | Add teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir gently. |
| 6️⃣ | Add pineapple chunks and return meatballs to the pan. |
| 7️⃣ | Simmer for 10 minutes, spooning sauce over meatballs. |
| 8️⃣ | Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens and turns glossy. |
| 9️⃣ | Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving. |
Serving Suggestions
These Teriyaki Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Chunks are incredibly versatile. At my table, I often serve them over fluffy jasmine rice so the sauce soaks into every bite. For lighter meals, they’re wonderful with steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans.
Hosting friends? Skewer the meatballs with pineapple chunks and serve them as appetizers. They disappear fast trust me. You can also tuck them into soft slider buns for a fun Hawaiian-style sandwich that kids and adults both love.
If you’re feeling creative, try serving Teriyaki Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Chunks with coconut rice or even quinoa. No matter how you plate them, they bring warmth, color, and comfort to your table.
Recipe Card
⏱️ Time Table
| ⏱️ Prep | ⏱️ Cook | ⏱️ Total |
|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 25 min | 40 min |
🛒 Ingredients Table
| 🛒 Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Meatballs mixture | Prepared |
| Teriyaki sauce | 1 cup |
| Pineapple chunks | 1½ cups |
👩🍳 Instructions Table
| 👩🍳 Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Mix | Combine meatball ingredients |
| Brown | Cook meatballs in skillet |
| Simmer | Add sauce & pineapple |
| Thicken | Add cornstarch slurry |
📝 Notes Table
| 📝 Tip |
|---|
| Use fresh pineapple for extra brightness |
| Turkey meat works well too |
| Sauce thickens more as it cools |
🍽️ Nutrition Table (Approx.)
| 🍽️ Per Serving |
|---|
| Calories: 420 |
| Protein: 22g |
| Carbs: 28g |
| Fat: 24g |
Conclusion
Cooking Teriyaki Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Chunks always reminds me why I fell in love with food in the first place. It’s playful, comforting, and meant to be shared. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself after a long day, this dish wraps you in warmth and a little sunshine. From my Cretan kitchen to yours, I hope it brings smiles, stories, and delicious memories 🌺🍍
