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- 1 lb ground chicken or turkey - 1/2 cup bread crumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (scallions) - 1 large egg In this dish, the ground chicken or turkey forms the base of the meatballs. Using chicken or turkey keeps it light. The bread crumbs give the meatballs a nice texture. Parmesan cheese adds a savory flavor that enhances each bite. The green onions bring freshness, while the egg binds everything together. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ginger powder - Salt and pepper to taste Garlic powder gives a warm, savory flavor. Ginger powder adds a hint of spice. Salt and pepper balance the taste. These simple flavor enhancers make the meatballs pop. They are key to making each bite delicious. - 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 cup pineapple chunks The sweet chili sauce provides a tangy sweetness. Soy sauce brings in umami and depth. Pineapple chunks add a burst of juicy flavor. Mixing these together creates a sauce that coats the meatballs perfectly. The sauce is a sweet and savory delight that pairs well with the meatballs. Set your oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). This step is key. A hot oven helps meatballs cook well and get that nice golden color. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb of ground chicken or turkey with 1/2 cup of bread crumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions. Add 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of ginger powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything gently. Be careful not to over-mix. Over-mixing can make your meatballs tough. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch wide. Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the meatballs in the oven for 15-20 minutes. They need to be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). While they bake, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, mix 1/2 cup of sweet chili sauce and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce over medium heat. Add 1 cup of pineapple chunks. Stir occasionally as it warms. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the saucepan. Gently stir to coat each meatball in the sauce. Serve them warm. Enjoy the sweet and spicy flavors! - Checking for doneness with a meat thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs are safe to eat. Insert it into the center of a meatball. You want it to read 165°F (74°C). This will confirm they are cooked through and juicy. - Avoiding over-mixing the meatball mixture: Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined. If you mix too much, the meatballs can become tough. Gently combine everything for a soft, tender bite. - Garnishing with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro: After cooking, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Then, add fresh cilantro for color. This makes your dish look vibrant and appealing. - Serving suggestions with toothpicks: Serve your meatballs on a large platter. Provide toothpicks for easy grabbing. This makes them perfect for parties or gatherings. - Adapting sauce with different chili sauces: Feel free to switch up the sweet chili sauce. Use a spicy chili sauce for more heat. You can also try a garlic chili sauce for a different flavor. - Adding additional fruits for a twist: Experiment by adding fruits like mango or bell peppers to the sauce. This can give your meatballs a unique taste and fresh texture. {{image_4}} You can switch the ground chicken or turkey for ground beef. Beef adds a hearty flavor. If you want a lighter meal, try plant-based meat. Brands like Beyond Meat work well in this recipe. You can also mix meats for a unique taste. Combining beef and chicken gives a nice balance of flavors. If you need a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free bread crumbs. These crumbs are easy to find in stores. You can also use almond flour instead of bread crumbs. Almond flour keeps the meatballs moist and gives them a nice texture. To make the meatballs spicier, add sriracha or red pepper flakes. Start small, then taste as you go. If you like fresh herbs, try adding cilantro or basil. These herbs brighten the dish and add a fresh touch. Feel free to experiment with spices to match your taste! To store leftover meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you're ready to eat, just reheat them in the oven or microwave. If you want to freeze the meatballs, first let them cool completely. Then, place them on a baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching each other. Freeze them for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air and seal tightly. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Warm them in the oven or microwave until hot. In the fridge, the meatballs last up to three days. In the freezer, they can stay fresh for about three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. This way, you enjoy your sweet chili pineapple meatballs at their best! Yes, you can use other meats! Ground beef or pork works well. If you prefer, try ground lamb or even plant-based meat. Each option brings a unique taste. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly. The key is to ensure your meatballs reach the right internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). These meatballs pair great with rice or noodles. You can also serve them with a fresh salad. For a fun twist, try them in sliders with mini buns. If you want extra crunch, add some crispy veggies on the side. These options enhance the meal and add balance to the flavors. To add more heat, mix in sriracha or red pepper flakes. You can also use a spicier chili sauce instead of sweet chili sauce. For even more flavor, add minced jalapeños or habaneros. Start with small amounts, then taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect spice level for your taste. In summary, this blog covers making sweet chili pineapple meatballs from scratch. We discussed main ingredients like ground chicken, flavor enhancers, and sauce components. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation and baking, along with essential tips for cooking and presentation. You can easily adapt this recipe for different proteins or dietary needs. Remember, storage is key for leftovers. You can enjoy these meatballs fresh, frozen, or even spicy. Dive in and create a tasty treat that everyone can love!

Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs

Discover the delightful taste of Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs! This easy recipe combines ground chicken with a tangy sweet chili sauce and juicy pineapple for a burst of flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these meatballs are sure to impress. Click to explore the full recipe and learn how to create this mouthwatering dish that your family will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground chicken or turkey

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (scallions)

1 large egg

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ginger powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained if using canned)

1/2 cup sweet chili sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

Sesame seeds for garnish

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly once they are ready to go in.

    Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken or turkey with the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped green onions, and the egg. Add the garlic powder, ginger powder, and season with salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined, taking care not to over-mix.

      Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter. You can wet your hands with a little water to prevent sticking. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

        Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Ensure that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

          Prepare Sauce: Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix together the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce. Stir occasionally until the sauce is warmed through. Then, gently add in the pineapple chunks and allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has slightly thickened.

            Coat Meatballs: After baking, remove the meatballs from the oven and carefully add them into the saucepan with the sweet chili sauce and pineapple. Gently stir to coat each meatball evenly in the flavorful sauce.

              Serve: Transfer the coated meatballs to a serving dish. For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle sesame seeds over the meatballs and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the meatballs on a platter lined with fresh cilantro. Consider offering toothpicks on the side for easy serving, along with extra sweet chili sauce for dipping. Enjoy this delightful fusion of flavors!