Hawaiian Meatballs I

Hawaiian Meatballs I Recipe - Taste the Tropical Flavors of Hawaii

Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Hawaiian Meatballs are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with savory meatballs. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a party, as it is easy to make and sure to please a crowd.

History

Hawaiian Meatballs have roots in traditional Hawaiian cuisine, which often incorporates tropical fruits like pineapple into savory dishes. This recipe puts a modern twist on the classic meatball by adding a sweet and tangy sauce made with orange juice and pineapple.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) boneless beef chuck arm roast, or similar cut, trimmed beef
8 oz (227 g) lean ground turkey breast
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
0.25 cup quick-cooking oats
1 large egg white
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp dried thyme
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper
1.5 cups orange juice
8 oz (227 g) crushed pineapple packed in unsweetened juice, drained
2 tbsp light soy sauce
0.5 tbsp firmly packed light brown sugar
0.5 tsp ginger
0.13 tsp salt (optional)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground turkey, onion, garlic, oats, egg white, pumpkin pie spice, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Mix well.
Roll the meat mixture into about 42 balls, and arrange on a large nonstick spray-coated baking pan.
Bake in the upper half of the oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until browned, turning once during browning.
For the sauce, combine the orange juice, pineapple, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and salt, in a 3 qt (2.84 liter) flameproof casserole.
Heat the ingredients to a simmer.
With a large slotted spoon, transfer the meatballs to the sauce mixture, and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally.
Continue simmering for about 30 to 35 minutes, until the sauce has cooked down and thickened so that it coats the meatballs.
Serve at once, or cover and refrigerate.
Meatballs will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Variations

Use ground pork or chicken instead of beef and turkey for a different flavor.
Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Substitute the orange juice with pineapple juice for a sweeter sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the meatballs evenly on all sides for the best flavor.

- Simmering the meatballs in the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and creates a delicious glaze.

- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Hawaiian Meatballs over rice or with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal. They also make a great appetizer for parties when served with toothpicks.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the meatballs in the oven ensures they cook evenly and retain their shape. Simmering them in the sauce allows the flavors to develop and creates a delicious glaze.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pumpkin pie spice, you can use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. You can also use breadcrumbs instead of oats for binding the meatballs.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. You can also make the sauce in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

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

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Hawaiian Meatballs with a side of coconut rice and a tropical fruit salad for a complete Hawaiian-inspired meal. A glass of chilled pineapple juice or a tropical cocktail would also complement the flavors well.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 30% of daily value per serving

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: Soy

Summary

Hawaiian Meatballs are a balanced meal with a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. They are also a good source of vitamin C and iron.

Summary

Hawaiian Meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a party. With a sweet and tangy sauce made with orange juice and pineapple, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with everyone.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy kitchen. As we chatted and sipped on glasses of iced tea, Margaret suddenly pulled out a worn and tattered recipe card from her recipe box.

"Have you ever tried Hawaiian Meatballs?" she asked, a twinkle in her eye.

I shook my head, intrigued by the exotic sounding dish. Margaret went on to explain that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had picked it up from a Hawaiian friend many years ago. The combination of sweet and savory flavors in the meatballs sounded delicious, and I knew I had to try making them myself.

Margaret generously shared the recipe with me, and I carefully copied it down in my own recipe book. Over the years, I have made these Hawaiian Meatballs countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes. The dish has become a family favorite, and whenever I make it, it brings back fond memories of that summer day in Margaret's kitchen.

To make Hawaiian Meatballs I, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 pound ground beef

- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

- 1/4 cup milk

- 1/4 cup grated onion

- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper

- 1 egg

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon pepper

- 1/2 cup brown sugar

- 1/2 cup vinegar

- 1/2 cup pineapple juice

- 1/4 cup soy sauce

- 1/4 cup ketchup

- 1/4 cup water

- 1 tablespoon cornstarch

- 1 can pineapple chunks, drained

To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, grated onion, chopped green pepper, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Shape the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce.

In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, vinegar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the sauce, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened.

Once the meatballs are cooked, place them in a baking dish and pour the sauce over them. Add the drained pineapple chunks on top. Bake the meatballs for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serve the Hawaiian Meatballs over steamed rice, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. The sweet and tangy sauce complements the savory meatballs perfectly, creating a dish that is sure to impress even the most discerning of palates.

As I sit down to enjoy a plate of Hawaiian Meatballs with my family, I can't help but feel grateful for the wonderful recipe that Margaret shared with me all those years ago. It has become a treasured part of my culinary repertoire, and I hope that it will bring as much joy and satisfaction to your own kitchen as it has to mine. Bon appétit!