Polynesian Meat Balls with Rice

Polynesian Meat Balls with Rice Recipe - Beef and Pineapple Dish

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

Introduction

Polynesian Meat Balls with Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines juicy meatballs with a sweet and tangy sauce, served over hot rice. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, as it is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavors.

History

The origins of Polynesian Meat Balls with Rice can be traced back to the Polynesian islands, where the locals have been enjoying a similar dish for generations. The combination of meatballs, pineapple, and soy sauce is a classic Polynesian flavor profile that has been adapted and enjoyed by people all over the world.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) lean ground beef
3 slices bread, crumbled
1 tsp dry mustard, divided
1 tsp garlic salt, divided
1 tsp ground ginger, divided
1 8 oz (227 g) can pineapple tidbits in juice, drained (reserve juice)
0.25 cup soy sauce, divided
0.33 cup cornstarch, divided
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 green peppers, cut into 0.5 inch strips
1 16 oz (454 g) can bean sprouts, rinsed and drained
1.5 cup beef broth
3 tbsp brown sugar
3 cup hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Combine beef, bread, 0.5 tsp of mustard, 0.5 tsp of garlic salt, 0.5 tsp of ginger, 0.5 tsp of pineapple juice, and 2 tbsp of soy sauce in a large bowl. Form into 24 meatballs, each about 1-0.5 inch in diameter. Roll the meatballs in 3 tbsp of cornstarch.
Cook the meatballs in oil in a large skillet.
Add pepper, bean sprouts, and pineapple. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
Blend broth, sugar, remaining 0.5 tsp of mustard, remaining 0.5 tsp of garlic salt, remaining 0.5 tsp of ginger, and cornstarch. Pour the mixture over the meatballs.
Cook, stirring, for about 3 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Spoon the sauce over the meatballs and vegetables to glaze.
Serve over hot rice.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter version of this dish.
Add diced bell peppers, onions, or water chestnuts to the meatball mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a different twist on the sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly mix the meatball ingredients to ensure that they are well combined and hold together when cooked.

- Cooking the meatballs in oil before adding the sauce helps to brown them and add extra flavor to the dish.

- Be sure to stir the sauce constantly while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the pan and burning.

- Serve the meatballs and sauce over hot rice to soak up all the delicious flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Polynesian Meat Balls with Rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling the meatballs in cornstarch before cooking helps to create a crispy outer layer and helps them hold their shape.

- Covering the skillet while cooking the vegetables helps to steam them and retain their vibrant colors and nutrients.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free bread or breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this dish.

- Substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce for a soy-free alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply reheat and serve over hot rice when ready to eat.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Polynesian Meat Balls with Rice with a crisp white wine or a fruity tropical cocktail for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 450

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 8g

Fats

Total Fat: 18g

- Saturated Fat: 6g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 32g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 6%

- Vitamin C: 60%

- Calcium: 4%

- Iron: 20%

Alergens

Contains: Wheat, Soy

Summary

Polynesian Meat Balls with Rice is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. However, it is important to note that this dish contains allergens such as wheat and soy.

Summary

Polynesian Meat Balls with Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With its unique flavors and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Polynesian Meat Balls with Rice. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who had just returned from a trip to Hawaii. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on iced tea and catching up on each other's lives, Margaret began to tell me about the incredible food she had experienced during her travels.

She described a dish she had tried at a small, family-run restaurant on the island of Maui – Polynesian Meat Balls with Rice. The combination of juicy meatballs infused with tropical flavors, served over a bed of fluffy white rice, sounded absolutely divine. Margaret raved about how the dish was a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with just the right amount of spice to give it a kick.

As I listened to her describe the dish in vivid detail, my mouth began to water, and I knew I had to recreate it in my own kitchen. Margaret graciously shared the recipe with me, explaining how she had learned it from a local chef who had been kind enough to teach her his family's secret recipe. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to try my hand at making this exotic dish, and I promised Margaret that I would invite her over for dinner once I had perfected it.

The next day, I gathered all the ingredients I would need to make the Polynesian Meat Balls with Rice. I marveled at the array of exotic spices and sauces that were necessary to bring the dish to life – ginger, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and more. As I began to prepare the meatballs, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. I knew that this dish had the potential to become a new family favorite, cherished for generations to come.

As the meatballs sizzled in the skillet, filling the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, I carefully prepared the sauce that would accompany them. I combined soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice in a saucepan, letting it simmer and thicken until it reached the perfect consistency. The sweet and tangy scent that wafted through the air was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to drizzle it over the meatballs and rice.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived. I plated the Polynesian Meat Balls with Rice, garnishing it with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a touch of elegance. As I sat down at the table to enjoy the fruits of my labor, I said a silent prayer of thanks to Margaret for sharing the recipe with me. With bated breath, I took my first bite of the dish – and it was nothing short of perfection.

The meatballs were tender and flavorful, bursting with the unique blend of spices and seasonings that defined Polynesian cuisine. The sauce was rich and luscious, coating each meatball in a sticky glaze that danced on my taste buds. And the rice, fluffy and fragrant, provided the perfect canvas for the bold flavors of the dish to shine.

As I savored each bite of the Polynesian Meat Balls with Rice, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had successfully recreated a dish that transported me to the sunny shores of Hawaii, evoking memories of Margaret's travels and the culinary delights she had experienced there. And as I looked across the table at my family, who were eagerly devouring their plates, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished tradition in our household.

From that day on, Polynesian Meat Balls with Rice became a staple in our family's meal rotation, enjoyed on special occasions and lazy Sunday afternoons alike. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, spreading the joy of this exotic dish far and wide. And every time I made it, I thought of Margaret and the serendipitous moment that had led me to discover the magic of Polynesian cuisine.

In the years that followed, I continued to add my own twists and variations to the recipe, adapting it to suit our changing tastes and preferences. But no matter how many times I made it, the dish always retained its special allure – a taste of paradise that brought a little piece of Hawaii into our home. And as I grew older, I passed the recipe down to my children and grandchildren, ensuring that the legacy of Polynesian Meat Balls with Rice would endure for generations to come.

So here I sit, reminiscing about that fateful day when Margaret first introduced me to this unforgettable dish. As I pen these words, I can almost taste the sweet and savory flavors of the Polynesian Meat Balls with Rice once more, transporting me back to that warm summer day in Margaret's kitchen. And I can't help but smile, knowing that the love and joy of cooking – and the bonds of friendship – have the power to create unforgettable culinary adventures that will last a lifetime.