Juicy hen meatballs in a creamy coconut sauce with chunks of pineapple, ginger, lime, and cilantro. It’s a sweet-savory, island-inspired dinner that’s good for a weeknight.
Hen Meatballs with Pineapple
In the event you’re craving one thing candy and savory for dinner, these simple Hawaiian Hen Meatballs with Pineapple Coconut Sauce are a must-try. I make Asian hen meatballs on a regular basis, however this was my first time pairing them with a pineapple-coconut sauce, and Tommy gave it two thumbs up. Whereas not a
conventional Hawaiian recipe, the combination of pineapple, soy sauce, and coconut milk provides that island-inspired taste Individuals usually label as “Hawaiian,” making this a enjoyable new spin on a household favourite.
Why This Works
I like to change up dinners and experiment with new flavors, and actually, I didn’t count on Tommy to love this a lot. I usually don’t gravitate towards candy dishes, however he loves them, together with this one.
- Candy and savory: Candy pineapple, tangy lime, creamy coconut milk, and savory soy sauce create the right sweet-savory chew.
- Tender, juicy meatballs: Floor hen stays moist because of scallions, garlic, and ginger labored into the combination.
- Husband-approved: A dish that satisfies each candy and savory lovers.
- Child-friendly: Kids usually choose sweeter flavors, so this dish is assured to be a success.
- Meal-prep pleasant: These reheat nicely, so you may double the batch and revel in them for lunch or a straightforward leftover dinner.
- Dietary Restrictions: Weight Watchers-friendly, gluten-free (if subbing panko and soy sauce), high-protein, dairy-free
Elements You’ll Want
Under is extra data on the components for the Hawaiian meatballs and sauce. See the recipe card under for the precise measurements.
Hen Meatball Elements
- Binders: Panko breadcrumbs and an egg maintain the components collectively, stopping the meatballs from falling aside.
- Aromatics: Minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and sliced scallions
- Salt seasons the meat and enhances its flavors.
- Floor Hen: Use 93% lean floor hen for a high-protein, low-fat possibility.
Pineapple Coconut Sauce Elements
- Coconut Milk is the creamy base.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce for a salty umami taste
- Brown Sugar for a contact of sweetness
- Lime Juice for brilliant acidity
- Pineapple Chunks: For the very best taste and texture, use contemporary pineapple.
- Cilantro for freshness
Tips on how to Make Hawaiian Hen Meatballs
Whereas the meatballs bake, whip up the coconut pineapple sauce. It solely takes a couple of minutes! See the recipe card on the backside for printable instructions.
- Make the Meatballs: Combine all of the components besides the hen with a fork. Then, add the meat and mix it with the opposite components. Including the hen final will forestall overmixing, which might make the meatballs robust.
- Bake hen meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet pan at 400°F for 12 to fifteen minutes.
- Make the Hawaiian Meatball Sauce: Mix all of the sauce components, besides the cilantro, in a skillet and simmer over medium warmth for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Tips on how to Serve: Toss the cooked meatballs within the sauce and garnish with cilantro.
Variations
- Swap panko with common breadcrumbs.
- Gluten-Free Meatballs: Use gluten-free panko and swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Meat Choices: Substitute lean floor turkey, pork, or beef.
- What do I do with leftover coconut milk? You might make this Mango Coconut Chia Pudding or these Raspberry Coconut Chia Pudding Popsicles with the remaining milk.
- Sugar Substitute: Change brown sugar with honey, or when you’re watching your carbs, you may omit it.
- Pineapple not in season? Use canned pineapple.
- Hate cilantro? Skip it!
- Add some warmth: Simmer contemporary, diced jalapeños with the sauce, or drizzle sriracha or chili crisp over your bowl.
Serving Strategies
These Hawaiian hen meatballs are versatile and pair nicely with many aspect dishes. Listed here are just a few of my favorites:
- Steamed jasmine rice is a basic base to absorb all that creamy pineapple coconut sauce.
- Brown rice or quinoa is a heartier possibility with further fiber.
- Cauliflower rice retains it mild and low-carb whereas nonetheless absorbing the sauce.
- Roasted or steamed greens, like broccoli, inexperienced beans, or snap peas, add crunch and colour.
- Noodles, resembling udon or soba, make a fantastic base for an Asian fusion noodle bowl. Add some edamame and shredded carrots for a vitamin increase.
Tips on how to Meal Prep Meatballs
This Hawaiian meatball recipe is superb for meal prep, offering a easy meal possibility throughout busy weeks. Double the recipe after which freeze it in one in every of two methods:
- In the event you plan to serve it for household dinner later, retailer the meatballs and sauce collectively in a single massive container or a gallon-sized bag. Then, make your aspect dish earlier than serving.
- In the event you want fast lunches, freeze the meatballs and sauce in small containers. You possibly can even freeze them with rice or quinoa so they’re able to eat while you thaw them later.
Storage
- Refrigerate the meatballs and sauce in an hermetic container for 4 days.
- Freeze for 3 months.
- Thaw within the fridge in a single day earlier than reheating. Then, reheat within the microwave or on the stovetop till warmed via.
Extra Floor Hen Recipes You’ll Love
Try these 5 scrumptious floor hen recipes for extra dinner concepts to encourage your subsequent meal!
Yield: servings
Serving Measurement: 4 meatballs with saucewith 1/3 cup sauce
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Preheat the oven to 400°F, and alter the oven rack to the center place. Line a big, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and put aside.
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Place the entire meatball components besides the hen (panko, egg, scallion, garlic, ginger and salt) in a medium bowl and blend nicely with a fork. Add the bottom hen and blend nicely utilizing the identical fork. Use moist arms to form the combination into roughly 16 meatballs.
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Organize the meatballs on the ready baking sheet. Bake them till they’re cooked via, about 12 to fifteen minutes.
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Whereas meatballs prepare dinner, put together the sauce.
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Warmth a big skillet over medium warmth and add the coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and pineapple. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to mix flavors.
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When the meatballs are finished, switch the meatballs to the skillet and gently toss with the sauce and coat nicely. Prepare dinner one other minute then garnish with cilantro.
Final Step:
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Serving: 4 meatballs with saucewith 1/3 cup sauce, Energy: 353 kcal, Carbohydrates: 17 g, Protein: 27.5 g, Fats: 20 g, Saturated Fats: 13 g, Ldl cholesterol: 132.5 mg, Sodium: 822 mg, Fiber: 1.5 g, Sugar: 9.5 g
