Polynesian Meatballs

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Transport your taste buds to the tropics with these irresistible Polynesian Meatballs! Juicy, oven-baked beef meatballs are simmered in a luscious, sweet and tangy pineapple-soy glaze, perfectly balanced with hints of brown sugar, rice vinegar, and ketchup. Vibrant chunks of bell pepper and tender pineapple bring a refreshing burst of flavor and color to each bite, making this dish as visually stunning as it is delicious. Quick to prepare in just 45 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve these flavorful meatballs over a bed of fluffy steamed rice or noodles for a meal that's as comforting as it is exotic. Perfect for anyone craving bold, tropical-inspired flavors!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Total Time: 45 min
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

18 items

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1 large Egg
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Soy sauce
• 1 cup Pineapple juice
• 0.5 cup Brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Rice vinegar
• 0.25 cup Ketchup
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch
• 2 tbsp Water (for cornstarch slurry)
• 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
• 1 large Green bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 large Red bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 cup Pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)

📝 Instructions

10 steps

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

3. Shape the meat mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.

4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.

5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the Polynesian sauce. In a medium saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and ketchup. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

6. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.

7. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped green and red bell peppers, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.

8. Add the baked meatballs and pineapple chunks to the skillet with the bell peppers. Pour the sauce over the meatball mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly.

9. Simmer the meatballs and sauce for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

10. Serve the Polynesian meatballs warm, garnished with optional chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired. They pair wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (427.1g)

Calories		611
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		28.2 g	36%
	Saturated Fat	10.2 g	51%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	2.1 g
Cholesterol		123 mg	41%
Sodium		1086 mg	47%
Total Carbohydrate		67.5 g	25%
	Dietary Fiber	3.0 g	11%
	Total Sugars	50.0 g
Protein		24.8 g	50%
Vitamin D		0.4 mcg	2%
Calcium		99 mg	8%
Iron		4.7 mg	26%
Potassium		681 mg	14%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 1021 cal (40.9%%)

Protein: 397 cal (15.9%%)

Carbs: 1080 cal (43.2%%)