If you’re craving a quick, crowd-pleasing dish that bursts with sweet and savory flavors, you’re seriously going to want to try this Teriyaki Meatballs with Pineapple Recipe. I absolutely love how the tangy pineapple balances perfectly with the rich teriyaki sauce, making every bite feel like a little celebration in your mouth. Plus, it’s a super easy recipe that takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish — perfect for weeknights or busy days when you want something tasty without fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity at its finest: Just three main ingredients make for a fuss-free dish that still impresses.
- Perfect sweet-savory combo: The pineapple adds brightness that complements the teriyaki’s deep umami flavors.
- Versatile for any occasion: Whether as an appetizer or a full dinner, it’s a guaranteed hit.
- Family approved: My kids actually ask for seconds every time I make it — that’s always a good sign!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Teriyaki Meatballs with Pineapple Recipe lies in choosing the right ingredients that come together easily and taste amazing. I always grab frozen turkey meatballs for a leaner option, but beef or pork works too — and don’t skip on that pineapple in juice, it really lifts the whole dish.
- Frozen meatballs: Using frozen turkey meatballs is a game-changer for quick meals — just straight from the bag, no shaping required.
- Teriyaki sauce: P.F. Chang’s Teriyaki Sauce is my go-to because it’s balanced with the right blend of sweetness and soy flavor, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
- Pineapple chunks or tidbits in juice: The juice adds a natural glaze and sweetness that pairs perfectly with teriyaki; you can drain some if you want a thicker sauce.
- Rice (optional): I like serving these meatballs on a bed of fluffy white or jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Variations
I love that this Teriyaki Meatballs with Pineapple Recipe is such a flexible starting point — you can easily mix it up depending on what you have or your dietary preferences. Trust me, adjusting it a bit here and there only makes it better and keeps things interesting!
- Add veggies: Sometimes I toss in bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color — it’s a simple way to sneak in some greens.
- Swap the meatballs: Ground chicken or beef meatballs work beautifully if turkey’s not your thing; keep an eye on cooking times since they vary.
- Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha kicked up the heat and gave the dish a fun twist for adults.
- Slow cooker style: I’ve had success popping everything in the crockpot for a few hours — the flavors deepen and it’s ultra tender.
How to Make Teriyaki Meatballs with Pineapple Recipe
Step 1: Heat things up and combine
Start by pouring your teriyaki sauce into a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Let it warm gently for a minute or two — this is when the sweet aroma really kicks in. Then, add your frozen meatballs directly to the pan. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand, which saves so much time.
Step 2: Add pineapple and simmer
Once the meatballs begin to warm through (around 5 minutes), stir in the pineapple chunks along with their juice. This juicy addition creates a wonderful glaze that coats the meatballs beautifully. Let everything simmer together for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce thickens up nicely.
Step 3: Check flavors and serve
Give everything a final taste — sometimes I add a splash more teriyaki sauce if I want it sweeter or a quick squeeze of lime for a zesty pop. Then, serve immediately over steamed rice if you like; the rice soaks up all that tangy sauce. Easy, peasy, and downright delicious.
Pro Tips for Making Teriyaki Meatballs with Pineapple Recipe
- Don’t thaw the meatballs: Cooking them frozen prevents them from drying out and saves you precious prep time—I swear by this shortcut.
- Use juice from the pineapple: Incorporating the juice really amps up the sauce’s flavor and naturally sweetens the dish without added sugars.
- Simmer gently: Keep the heat moderate so the sauce reduces slowly and coats the meatballs with a sticky, luscious glaze.
- Avoid overcrowding: Give the meatballs room to warm evenly or stir often to prevent sticking and ensure consistent cooking.
How to Serve Teriyaki Meatballs with Pineapple Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for fresh garnishes here — a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds instantly adds a lovely nutty crunch and some chopped green onions bring that fresh pop of green and mild bite. Sometimes I even throw on a handful of fresh cilantro for a bright herbal note. These simple touches really make the dish look and taste even better.
Side Dishes
Serving these meatballs over steamed jasmine rice is my favorite way to soak up all the delicious teriyaki sauce. You could also throw together a quick cucumber salad or steamed broccoli for something green and fresh on the side. I’ve found pairing the meatballs with a simple Asian slaw also adds a nice tangy crunch that balances the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I love serving these meatballs on toothpicks as easy finger food — just keep extra sauce nearby for dipping. Another idea is to pile them high in a hollowed-out pineapple boat to amp up the tropical vibes. I once did that for a summer BBQ and everyone was impressed by how fun and festive they looked!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers I have go straight into an airtight container and into the fridge. They usually last about 3 to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen as they sit. I always give them a good stir before reheating because the sauce can thicken up in the fridge.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these meatballs a few times and they freeze really well! Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then pack them into freezer-safe bags or containers. They keep nicely for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the meatballs into a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to loosen things up. Stir gently until warmed through. This keeps the meatballs juicy and the sauce nicely glossy — avoid high heat or they can get dry.
FAQs
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Can I make Teriyaki Meatballs with Pineapple Recipe from scratch without frozen meatballs?
Absolutely! You can prepare homemade meatballs using ground turkey, beef, or pork mixed with seasoning and binders like breadcrumbs and egg. Just brown them thoroughly before adding the sauce and pineapple to simmer. The cooking time might be a bit longer, but the fresh meatballs can be even more flavorful.
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What can I use as a substitute for P.F. Chang’s Teriyaki Sauce?
If you don’t have that brand on hand, any good-quality bottled teriyaki sauce works fine. Alternatively, you can quickly whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a little cornstarch slurry to make a homemade version.
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Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply add all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours or until meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened. This method is great for hands-off preparation and for keeping the meatballs warm at parties.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
It depends on the meatballs and teriyaki sauce you use. Some frozen meatballs and teriyaki sauces contain gluten, so look for certified gluten-free versions if you are avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Meatballs with Pineapple Recipe has become one of my absolute favorite go-to meals for busy evenings where I still want something comforting and full of flavor. I love how little effort it takes but how much joy it brings to everyone at the table. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be adding this one to your regular rotation too — it’s just that good!
Print
Teriyaki Meatballs with Pineapple Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Easy Teriyaki Meatballs is a quick and delicious recipe featuring frozen turkey meatballs simmered in sweet and savory teriyaki sauce with pineapple chunks. Perfect for a fast 30-minute dinner or as a flavorful appetizer, this dish combines just three main ingredients and can be served over rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 32-ounce package frozen meatballs
Sauce
- 1 14-ounce jar P.F. Chang’s Home Menu Teriyaki Sauce for Dipping, Cooking & Marinating
- 1 20-ounce can pineapple chunks or tidbits in juice
Optional
- Rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat to begin warming.
- Add the sauce and pineapple: Pour in the entire jar of teriyaki sauce and the canned pineapple chunks with their juice directly into the pan with the meatballs.
- Simmer and cook: Stir the mixture to combine and let it simmer gently for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is thickened and bubbling.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove from heat and serve the teriyaki meatballs over cooked rice if desired, making it a complete meal.
Notes
- This recipe only requires three main ingredients—making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick meal.
- You can also prepare these meatballs in a crockpot as an appetizer by combining the ingredients and cooking on low for 3-4 hours.
- Using pre-cooked frozen meatballs significantly reduces preparation time and simplifies the cooking process.
- Serve with steamed rice or veggies to balance the meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 118 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 2784 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
