Slow Cooker Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs

Slow Cooker Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs

Introduction

Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple and the rich umami flavor of teriyaki? In a world where mealtime often feels rushed, many overlook the art of slow cooking, believing it requires too much time. However, did you know that preparing Slow Cooker Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs not only saves you time but also brings a vacation vibe to your dinner table? With merely 10 minutes of prep and a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, you can enjoy a vibrant, flavor-packed meal in no time. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Ingredients List

To create your Slow Cooker Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs, you’ll need:

• For the Meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Teriyaki Sauce:

  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey (feel free to substitute with maple syrup for a vegan alternative)
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)

For added flavor, consider incorporating red pepper flakes for a hint of spice, or swap out soy sauce for gluten-free tamari to accommodate dietary needs.

Timing

The Slow Cooker Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs take a total of 90 minutes to prepare and cook—20% less time than many traditional meatball recipes that often require hours. Here’s the breakdown:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 80 minutes (on low)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped green onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to combine the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring that the mix is well integrated.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

With your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set them aside. This step is crucial—uniform size ensures even cooking!

Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, and pineapple chunks. Stir continuously until the sugar has dissolved. Mix the cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce, stirring until it thickens.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Meatballs

Place the meatballs in your slow cooker and pour the teriyaki sauce over them. Ensure all meatballs are coated, cover, and set your slow cooker to low for 80 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the cooking time is up, gently stir the meatballs to coat them in sauce. Serve them over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and additional green onions for a delightful presentation.

Nutritional Information

Serving these meatballs provides approximately:

• Calories: 250 per serving
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fats: 10g
  These stats denote a balanced meal that is filling yet not overly indulgent.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Looking to make this dish even healthier? Here are some tips:

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef to lower calories and saturated fats.
• Use whole grain breadcrumbs for added fiber.
• Incorporate grated carrots or zucchini into the meatball mixture for extra nutrients and moisture.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Slow Cooker Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs with:

• Coconut rice for an aromatic twist.
• Steamed broccoli or snap peas to add a crunchy vegetable contrast.
• Pineapple and cucumber salad for a refreshing side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing Meatballs: This can make them tough. Mix just enough until combined.
2. Skipping the Sauce Thickening: Always add cornstarch at the end for the right consistency.
3. Not Browning Before Cooking: While optional, browning meatballs first can add extra flavor.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze meatballs with sauce in a freezer-friendly container; they’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Conclusion

Creating Slow Cooker Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs is not only a delicious choice but also a time-efficient one. This recipe allows for flexibility, healthy variations, and endless serving possibilities. Try it out and enjoy a tropical twist at home. If this recipe intrigued you, feel free to share your results or check out our other delicious recipes!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes! If using frozen meatballs, add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time.

Q2: How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and breadcrumbs.

Q3: Can I cook it on high instead of low?
Yes, if you choose to cook on high, reduce the cooking time to about 40 minutes.

Enjoy the cooking journey, and don’t forget to share your experience!

Slow Cooker Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs

A delightful combination of sweet pineapple and umami teriyaki flavors, these meatballs are easy to prepare in a slow cooker, making for a vibrant and flavorful meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Asian, Hawaiian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey for a leaner option
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs use panko for extra crunch
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 each egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Teriyaki Sauce

• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup for a vegan alternative
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening
• 1 cup pineapple chunks canned or fresh

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped green onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
• Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set them aside.

Making the Teriyaki Sauce

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, and pineapple chunks. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
• Mix the cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce, stirring until it thickens.

Cooking

• Place the meatballs in your slow cooker and pour the teriyaki sauce over them. Ensure all meatballs are coated.
• Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 80 minutes.

Serving

• Once cooking time is up, gently stir the meatballs to coat them in sauce. Serve over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and additional green onions.

Notes

Consider adding red pepper flakes for spice or using gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Keyword Easy Dinner, Hawaiian Meatballs, Slow Cooker Meatballs, Sweet Meatballs, Teriyaki Meatballs

Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.

📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest