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Aloha Meatballs Recipe

These Aloha Meatballs are a surprisingly light yet incredibly flavorful appetizer! Inspired by a fat-free cookbook, this recipe delivers a sweet and sour explosion of taste that will impress even the most discerning palates. No one will guess these juicy meatballs are low-fat – it's our little secret! Perfect for parties, game day, or a weeknight treat.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Calories 131.1 kcal
Protein 18g
Rating 4.4 (7 Reviews)
Aloha Meatballs

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Aloha Meatballs

  • Ground Turkey
  • Cooked Brown Rice
  • Crushed Pineapple With Juice
  • Scallion
  • Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce
  • Ginger
  • Unsalted Chicken Stock
  • Chili Sauce
  • Rice Vinegar
  • Brown Sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Ground Ginger

How to Make Aloha Meatballs

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, gently combine ground turkey/chicken, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, pineapple juice, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Shape the meatball mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
  5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together the pineapple chunks, reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water.
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (about 2-3 minutes).
  7. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a serving bowl. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and toss gently to coat.
  8. Serve immediately and enjoy! Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flair (optional).

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

6 g

Sugar

25g

Fat

6g

Carbs

4g

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60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Preparation Appetizers Dietary Low Sodium Low Saturated Fat Low Calorie Low In Something