I still remember the first time I made Hawaiian turkey meatballs it was a sunny afternoon in my little kitchen in Crete. I wanted to create something comforting yet exciting, something that combined a familiar homey feeling with a touch of tropical sweetness. As I stirred the ground turkey with fragrant garlic, green onions, and a hint of ginger, I imagined my grandmother smiling, proud that I was taking a classic approach and giving it a playful twist. The moment I poured the pineapple sauce over the golden-baked meatballs, the aroma filled my kitchen and brought a warm smile to my face.
Hawaiian turkey meatballs are one of those dishes that feel like a hug on a plate. Sweet, tangy, and full of flavor, they’re perfect for a weeknight dinner, a cozy family meal, or even a party appetizer. The combination of lean turkey, pineapple, and a savory-sweet glaze makes every bite juicy and satisfying. Over the years, I’ve perfected this recipe to keep it simple yet bursting with flavor, just like I like my cooking: straightforward, cheerful, and delicious.
Whether you’re new to cooking or just looking for a healthier twist on a classic comfort food, these Hawaiian turkey meatballs are a must-try. They’re quick to prepare, easy to bake or pan-fry, and guaranteed to make everyone smile. So grab your apron, and let’s bring a little taste of Hawaii and a lot of love into your kitchen!
Ingredients 🧺
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for baking or pan-frying)
For the Pineapple Glaze:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thicker glaze)
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
- Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. - Mix the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, green onions, egg, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until evenly combined. Avoid overmixing this keeps your meatballs tender. - Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. - Bake or Pan-Fry
- To bake: Brush lightly with olive oil and bake for 18–20 minutes, until cooked through and golden.
- To pan-fry: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides for 8–10 minutes, then cover and cook until fully cooked.
- Prepare the Pineapple Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine pineapple chunks, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Simmer for 5–7 minutes. If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve cornstarch in 1 tbsp water and stir it into the glaze. Cook for another 2 minutes until glossy. - Coat the Meatballs
Pour the warm pineapple glaze over the meatballs or toss them gently in a bowl. Ensure each meatball is coated with that sweet, tangy goodness. - Serve & Enjoy
Serve your Hawaiian turkey meatballs with steamed rice, quinoa, or a side of sautéed vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions 🍽
These meatballs are perfect for:
- A family dinner with rice and broccoli
- Party appetizers served with toothpicks
- Meal prep lunches for the week (they keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days)
- Adding a tropical twist to spaghetti or zucchini noodles
They’re versatile, easy, and crowd-pleasing every single time.
Tips & Variations 📝
- Spicy Twist: Add 1 tsp sriracha to the glaze for a sweet-spicy flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Mini Meatballs: Make smaller meatballs to serve as fun finger food at parties.
- Extra Juicy: Mix 1–2 tbsp Greek yogurt into the meatball mixture for extra moisture.
- Frozen Option: Freeze unbaked meatballs on a tray, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Hawaiian Turkey Meatballs Recipe Card 📋
⏱ TIME COOK: 35 minutes
🧺 INGREDIENTS: See above for meatballs and pineapple glaze.
👩🍳 INSTRUCTIONS: Mix, shape, bake/fry, prepare glaze, coat, serve.
📝 NOTE: Don’t overmix the turkey mixture to keep meatballs tender.
🥗 Nutrition (per serving, 4 servings):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 12g
- Sugar: 8g
100-Word Short Version of the Recipe ✨
Hawaiian turkey meatballs are sweet, savory, and irresistibly easy! Mix 1 lb ground turkey with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, green onions, egg, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Shape into balls and bake or pan-fry until golden and cooked through. For the pineapple glaze, simmer 1 cup pineapple chunks with honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar until glossy. Toss the meatballs in the glaze, ensuring every bite is coated in that tropical sweetness. Serve with rice, quinoa, or veggies. Perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or meal prep these meatballs bring warmth, flavor, and a taste of Hawaii to your kitchen.
Conclusion 💛
Hawaiian turkey meatballs are a dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors, a little nostalgia, and a lot of love. They’re easy to make, healthy, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. This recipe reflects my philosophy of cooking: simple, flavorful, and full of warmth. Whether it’s a quiet dinner at home or a lively gathering, these meatballs never fail to impress. Give them a try, and let your kitchen be filled with the tropical aromas and joyful memories that make every meal special.