Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs

These Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs are a delicious combination of juicy homemade meatballs, sweet pineapple, and a rich teriyaki glaze. The balance of savory soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, honey, and pineapple juice creates an irresistible island-inspired flavor that's perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Served over fluffy rice and topped with green onions and sesame seeds, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple pantry ingredients. The tender meatballs and glossy pineapple teriyaki sauce make this a crowd-pleasing meal that both kids and adults will love.

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Hawaiian-Inspired

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Total Time 45

Servings 6 servings

Calories 445kcal

Cost $15 for the entire recipe

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and measuring spoons
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Garlic press or microplane (optional)
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Large skillet
Medium saucepan
Small bowl (for cornstarch slurry)
Whisk
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
meat thermometer
Serving spoon

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1½ pounds 80/20 ground beef
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 large egg
3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
2 green onions thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic minced
2 teaspoons fresh ginger grated
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Hawaiian Teriyaki Sauce

1¼ cups pineapple juice
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic minced
2 teaspoons fresh ginger grated
1½ tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

For Serving

1½ cups fresh pineapple chunks
2 tablespoons sliced green onions
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Cooked white rice for serving

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, milk, soy sauce, green onions, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Roll the mixture into approximately 24 meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
While the meatballs bake, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pineapple chunks and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly caramelized. Transfer to a plate.
In a medium saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until thickened.
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the toasted sesame oil.
Add the baked meatballs and caramelized pineapple to the sauce. Toss gently until evenly coated.
Return the pan to low heat and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Serve hot over cooked white rice.

Notes

Use the Right Ground Beef

For the juiciest Hawaiian teriyaki meatballs, use 80/20 ground beef. The extra fat keeps the meatballs tender and flavorful while baking. Leaner ground beef can be used, but the finished meatballs may be slightly drier.

Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference

Fresh ginger and garlic provide the best flavor in both the meatballs and the teriyaki sauce. Their bright, aromatic taste complements the sweetness of the pineapple and creates a more authentic homemade teriyaki flavor.

Choose Fresh Pineapple When Possible

Fresh pineapple chunks deliver the best texture and tropical flavor. Lightly caramelizing the pineapple before adding it to the sauce enhances its natural sweetness and adds a subtle depth that makes the dish taste even more special.

Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce

Low-sodium soy sauce helps maintain the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Regular soy sauce can make the sauce too salty after it reduces and thickens.

Don't Overmix the Meatballs

Mix the meatball ingredients only until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense and tough instead of soft and juicy.

Watch the Sauce Consistency

The teriyaki sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of pineapple juice or water. If it's too thin, simmer it for another minute until it reaches the desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

These pineapple teriyaki meatballs are delicious served over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, coconut rice, or brown rice. They also pair well with roasted vegetables, stir-fried vegetables, or Hawaiian macaroni salad for a complete meal.

Make Them Ahead

The meatballs can be baked a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply warm them in the teriyaki sauce until heated through.

Great for Meal Prep

Hawaiian teriyaki meatballs make an excellent meal prep option. Divide them into containers with rice and vegetables for easy lunches and dinners throughout the week.

Leftovers Taste Even Better

As the meatballs sit in the sauce, they absorb even more of the sweet and savory flavors. Many people find that leftovers taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together.