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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 - 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 canned) - 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce In this recipe, we start with the meatball base. Ground chicken or turkey gives a light flavor. Bread crumbs help bind the meatballs. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch. Next, we mix in green onions for freshness. The egg helps hold everything together. Garlic and ginger powder bring a nice warmth. Remember to season well with salt and pepper. For the sauce, pineapple chunks bring sweetness. Sweet chili sauce adds a sticky, spicy kick. Soy sauce gives depth and saltiness. Together, these ingredients make a tasty blend that coats the meatballs perfectly. - Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat cooks the meatballs evenly. - Prepare the meatball mixture: In a big bowl, mix ground chicken or turkey with bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped green onions, the egg, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to blend everything well. - Form meatballs and bake: Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch wide. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until they are golden and cooked through. - Prepare the sweet chili sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix sweet chili sauce and soy sauce. Stir until warm. Add pineapple chunks and let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. This thickens the sauce and blends the flavors. - Coat meatballs with sauce: When the meatballs finish baking, add them to the saucepan. Gently stir to coat each meatball in the sweet chili sauce and pineapple. - Serve with garnishes: Move the meatballs to a serving dish. Top with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for a tasty finish. To ensure your meatballs are cooked through, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check this easily. If you don’t have one, cut a meatball in half. The meat should look white with no pink. For the perfect sauce consistency, simmer the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce together. Add pineapple chunks and let it thicken for 3-5 minutes. Stir gently to avoid breaking the pineapple pieces. You want a thick sauce that coats the meatballs well. Pair these meatballs with rice or noodles. They also go well with a fresh salad. You can serve them as an appetizer or a main dish for dinner. For presentation, arrange the meatballs on a platter. Drizzle extra sauce over them. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh cilantro on top. This makes the dish look colorful and inviting. If you want alternatives for ground meat, try using ground beef or pork. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or chickpeas mashed as a base. For gluten-free options for bread crumbs, use crushed gluten-free crackers or oats. They work well and keep the meatballs moist. You can also use almond flour for a different texture. {{image_2}} You can change the meat in this recipe. Ground pork or beef works well. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or chickpeas. You might also add bell peppers or grated carrots to your meatball mix. These add flavor and texture. Want more heat? Use chili garlic sauce instead of sweet chili sauce. This adds a spicy kick. If you prefer it sweeter, mix in a little brown sugar. This will make the sauce rich and tasty. You can cook these meatballs on the stove or bake them. Baking gives them a nice golden color. If you are busy, try a slow cooker. Just mix everything in and let it cook slowly. This option is great for busy days. To keep your Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make them soggy. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option. To freeze the meatballs, let them cool completely first. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until they are firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method stops them from sticking together. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. For the best texture, reheat your meatballs in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes. This keeps them moist and hot. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook. Microwave them in short intervals, stopping to check often. Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs are quick to make. The total cooking time is about 35 minutes. You can prep the meatballs in 15 minutes. Then, bake them for 15 to 20 minutes. This gives you a tasty meal in no time. Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Fresh pineapple gives a brighter taste. It also has a firmer texture. Canned pineapple is easy and convenient. If you use canned, drain it well. Both options work well in this recipe. You can serve these meatballs with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice or jasmine rice - Quinoa or couscous - Stir-fried veggies like bell peppers and broccoli - A fresh salad with a light dressing - Noodles, like rice noodles or soba These sides balance the sweet and spicy flavors of the meatballs. Enjoy your meal! In this article, we explored the delightful recipe for Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs. We covered key ingredients like ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and pineapple. Then, we went through preparation and cooking steps, along with handy tips for perfect results. I also shared variations to keep your meals exciting and storage advice for leftovers. Now you can enjoy delicious meatballs any night of the week! Experiment with flavors and methods to make this dish your own. Happy cooking!

Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs with this easy and tasty recipe! Perfectly baked meatballs made with ground chicken or turkey are coated in a luscious sweet chili sauce and served with juicy pineapple chunks. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and quick to prepare, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings. Click to explore the full recipe and savor every bite!
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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

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 canned)

1/2 cup sweet chili sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

Sesame seeds for garnish

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken or turkey, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped green onions, egg, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

      Form Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

        Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and lightly golden on the outside.

          Prepare Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce. Stir until warmed through. Add in the pineapple chunks and allow to simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.

            Coat Meatballs: Once the meatballs are done baking, add them to the saucepan with the sweet chili sauce and pineapple. Stir gently to coat all the meatballs evenly with the sauce.

              Serve: Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish, garnishing with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro before serving.

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