Hawaiian Meat Balls

Hawaiian Meat Balls Recipe - An Authentic Taste of Hawaii

Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Hawaiian Meat Balls are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of ground beef with a sweet and tangy sweet and sour sauce. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, and is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

History

Hawaiian Meat Balls have roots in traditional Hawaiian cuisine, which often features a combination of sweet and savory flavors. This dish has been adapted over the years to include ingredients that are readily available in most kitchens, making it a popular choice for home cooks looking to add a taste of the islands to their meals.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) ground beef
0.67 cup cracker crumbs
0.67 cup evaporated milk
1 tsp seasoning salt (Lawry's® recommended)
0.33 cup flour
3 tbsp shortening

Sweet and sour sauce

1 (13.5 oz (383 g)) can pineapple chunks
5 tbsp cornstarch
0.5 cup vinegar
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp soy sauce
0.5 cup brown sugar
1 green pepper, chopped into bite size chunks
1 (4 oz (113 g)) can pimentos, drained (maraschino cherries can be used instead)

How to prepare

Combine the first four ingredients and mix well, but lightly.
Shape the mixture into meatballs, making about 36 meatballs. They can be frozen at this point and thawed as needed.
Roll each meatball in flour and brown them in the shortening.
Place the browned meatballs in a casserole dish and cover them with the sweet and sour sauce.

Sweet and sour sauce

Drain the pineapple and set it aside, reserving the juice.
Add enough water to the pineapple juice to make 1 cup of liquid.
In a pot over medium heat, blend cornstarch in the pineapple juice. Then, add vinegar, lemon juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Cook until the mixture becomes clear.
Add the drained pineapple, green pepper, and pimento to the pot.
Pour the sauce over the meatballs and bake them at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Variations

For a spicier version, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sweet and sour sauce.
For a healthier option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
Add some diced onions or garlic to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to mix the meatball mixture lightly to avoid making the meatballs tough.

- Browning the meatballs before baking them helps to seal in the flavor and create a nice crust on the outside.

- Make sure to drain the pineapple well before adding it to the sweet and sour sauce to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.

Serving Suggestions

Hawaiian Meat Balls can be served over rice or noodles for a complete meal. They can also be served as an appetizer at a party or gathering.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meatballs before baking them helps to seal in the flavor and create a nice crust on the outside. Baking the meatballs in the sweet and sour sauce allows them to absorb the flavors and become tender and juicy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have evaporated milk, you can use regular milk or cream as a substitute. You can also use breadcrumbs instead of cracker crumbs in the meatball mixture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them before browning. When you're ready to cook them, simply thaw them and continue with the recipe as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Hawaiian Meat Balls in a decorative serving dish garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Hawaiian Meat Balls pair well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad can also complement the dish nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Hawaiian Meat Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat them until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hawaiian Meat Balls contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hawaiian Meat Balls contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hawaiian Meat Balls contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Hawaiian Meat Balls contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Hawaiian Meat Balls are a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the pineapple and green pepper in the sweet and sour sauce. They also contain iron and calcium from the ground beef.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (evaporated milk) and gluten (cracker crumbs). It may also contain soy (soy sauce) and nuts (maraschino cherries).

Summary

Hawaiian Meat Balls are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for dinner.

Summary

Hawaiian Meat Balls are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of ground beef with a sweet and tangy sweet and sour sauce. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, Hawaiian Meat Balls are a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Hawaiian Meat Balls. It was many years ago, during a family vacation to Hawaii. We were staying at a beautiful beachfront resort, and one evening, we decided to have a traditional Hawaiian luau. As we sat down to enjoy the feast, I couldn't help but be captivated by the aroma of the dishes being served.

One dish, in particular, caught my attention - the Hawaiian Meat Balls. They were sweet and savory, with a hint of tanginess that made my taste buds dance with delight. I asked our server about the recipe, and to my surprise, he was more than happy to share it with me.

The next day, I set out to recreate the Hawaiian Meat Balls in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients - ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, pineapple juice, and brown sugar. As I mixed and shaped the meatballs, I couldn't help but reminisce about our time in Hawaii.

I remember the warm sun on my skin, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, and the feeling of pure bliss that enveloped me. It was during those moments that I realized how food has the power to transport us to different times and places, to evoke memories and emotions that we hold dear.

As the meatballs cooked in the oven, I prepared the sauce - a sticky, sweet glaze made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of ginger. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

When the meatballs were done, I drizzled the sauce over them and took a bite. The flavors were exquisite - the sweetness of the pineapple juice, the umami of the soy sauce, and the warmth of the ginger all came together in perfect harmony. It was like a taste of Hawaii in every bite.

I shared the Hawaiian Meat Balls with my family, and they were an instant hit. My children couldn't get enough of them, and my husband proclaimed them to be the best meatballs he had ever tasted. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in our household.

Over the years, I have made the Hawaiian Meat Balls countless times, sharing them with friends and loved ones. Each time I make them, I am transported back to that sunny day in Hawaii, to the feeling of joy and contentment that washed over me as I savored each bite.

I have since added my own personal touches to the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my tastes. But the essence of the dish remains the same - a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a touch of tropical flair.

As I sit here, penning this story, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood my mind. The Hawaiian Meat Balls will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the beauty and magic of food, and the joy of sharing it with those we love.