Polynesian Beef Bites
Sweet and savory Polynesian Beef Bites feature flavorful meatballs in a tangy pineapple sauce, perfect for entertaining or casual gatherings with a tropical flair.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3/4 cup uncooked oatmeal ⓘ
- 1 can water chestnuts, diced and finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon monosodium glutamate ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon onion salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- dash of Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 (8 1/2 oz.) crushed pineapple ⓘ
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 cup beef bouillon ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, oatmeal, water chestnuts, monosodium glutamate, onion salt, garlic salt, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, Tabasco sauce, and milk in a bowl.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into small balls using about 2 tablespoons of mixture for each.
- Place the meatballs under the broiler until browned on all sides, shaking the pan frequently to keep them round.
- Drain off excess grease and set the meatballs aside.
- Drain the pineapple, reserving the juice.
- In a saucepan, mix together the brown sugar and cornstarch.
- Add the reserved pineapple juice, beef bouillon, vinegar, and 2 teaspoons soy sauce to the saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly until thickened and clear.
- Boil for 1 minute.
- Stir in the pineapple and chopped green pepper.
- Combine the sauce with the cooked meatballs.
- Simmer everything together for about 10 minutes.
- Serve the sauce and meatballs in a chafing dish with wooden picks for spearing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, substitute half of the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. If you can't find water chestnuts, chopped celery can add a similar crunch. Ensure to shake the pan frequently while broiling the meatballs to keep them round and evenly cooked. Adding a bit of ginger to the sauce can enhance the flavor, similar to some Asian-inspired beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Polynesian Beef Bites with toothpicks as an appetizer or alongside a fresh green salad for a light meal. They pair beautifully with rice or noodles and could also be a great addition to a party platter. For a complete dinner, offer sides like steamed vegetables or a tropical fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Polynesian Beef Bites contains roughly 1027 calories, with 18g protein, 200g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (92% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (57% of the Daily Value), and calcium (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 770mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
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 these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and cook them in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator once cooled. When ready to serve, heat the sauce and toss the meatballs until warmed through. They are perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests.
What can I use instead of cornstarch for thickening?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a thickening agent. Just mix it with a little water to create a slurry before adding it to the sauce. Alternatively, you could use arrowroot powder or tapioca flour for a gluten-free option.
How can I make these meatballs spicier?
To add more heat to your Polynesian Beef Bites, increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or add minced jalapeños to the meat mixture. You could also incorporate crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce for an extra kick. Adjust according to your spice preference!
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).