Hawaiian Meat Balls
Hawaiian Meat Balls are savory, tender beef balls coated with a sweet-sour sauce, perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, cracker crumbs, chopped onion, evaporated milk, and seasoned salt in a bowl.
- Mix lightly but thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into 30 meat balls.
- Roll the meat balls in flour.
- Brown the meat balls in shortening.
- Drain excess fat from the meat balls.
- Prepare the Sweet-Sour Sauce (recipe not provided).
- Pour the sauce over the meat balls.
- Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can substitute the cracker crumbs with breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes for a different texture. Make sure to not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender. If you're short on time, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These Hawaiian Meat Balls pair beautifully with steamed rice or a fresh salad. Serve them alongside a colorful vegetable stir-fry or roasted sweet potatoes for a complete meal. They also make a great appetizer, served with toothpicks and a side of the Sweet-Sour Sauce for dipping. Consider pairing with Spicy Thai Beef Salad for a delightful multi-course experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying out, cover, and heat until warmed through. You can also microwave them in short intervals, checking frequently.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hawaiian Meat Balls contains roughly 256 calories, with 1g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 24g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time. Shape them as directed, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze them for longer storage. Just ensure they are placed in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid.
What can I use if I don’t have evaporated milk?
If you don't have evaporated milk, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular milk and heavy cream. Use about 1/3 cup of milk mixed with 2 tablespoons of cream to achieve a similar richness. Alternatively, unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk can also work in this recipe.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add some heat to your Sweet-Sour Sauce, consider incorporating ingredients like sriracha, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste preference. This will elevate the overall flavor profile of the dish and complement the meatballs nicely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).