Description
Scrumptious sweet and tangy meatballs delight palates with bold Mediterranean flavors. Hearty protein mingles with zesty sauce, creating a memorable dish you cannot resist savoring.
Ingredients
Scale
- 32 oz (907 g) frozen meatballs
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 2 cups (480 ml) pineapple juice
- ½ cup (120 ml) rice vinegar
- 1 cup (160 g) pineapple tidbits, chopped
- ¼ cup (60 ml) ketchup
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) low sodium soy sauce
- 4 tbsps (60 ml) chili sauce
- 2 tbsps (16 g) cornstarch
- ¼ cup (60 ml) cold water
- Rice
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Sauce Preparation: Combine brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, and pineapple juice in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Whisk vigorously until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
- Cornstarch Integration: Dissolve cornstarch in cold water, then slowly pour into the boiling sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce transforms into a glossy, thickened consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- Meatball Infusion: Submerge frozen meatballs completely in the developed sauce. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and allow meatballs to heat thoroughly for 10 minutes, ensuring even cooking and flavor absorption.
- Final Touches: Gently fold in pineapple tidbits, stirring to distribute evenly. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to marry the flavors and warm the fruit. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve piping hot over steamed rice or as a standalone appetizer. The meatballs should be glazed with a vibrant, tangy sauce that glistens and promises a delightful culinary experience.
Notes
- Sauce Intensity Control: Adjust chili sauce quantity to match your preferred spice level, preventing overwhelming heat while maintaining flavor complexity.
- Cornstarch Precision: Mix cornstarch with cold water thoroughly to eliminate lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth sauce texture without unwanted clumps.
- Meatball Heating Strategy: Use low-medium heat during simmering to prevent sauce scorching and guarantee even, gentle meatball warming without compromising tenderness.
- Pineapple Timing Trick: Add pineapple tidbits during the final 3-4 minutes of cooking to preserve fruit integrity and prevent mushiness while maintaining vibrant tropical notes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 196
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg