Robyn Sharkey'S Waikiki Meatballs
Juicy meatballs glazed with a sweet pineapple sauce, featuring ginger and green peppers for a tropical-inspired dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2/3 c. cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 1/3 c. minced onion ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ginger ⓘ
- 1/4 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. shortening ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 13 1/3 oz. can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1/2 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 c. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/3 c. green pepper ⓘ
- maraschino cherries ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, cracker crumbs, minced onion, egg, salt, ginger, and milk in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs.
- Melt shortening in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Brown and cook the meatballs until evenly cooked and browned.
- Remove meatballs from the skillet and keep warm.
- Pour off excess fat from the skillet.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and brown sugar until well combined.
- Stir in the reserved pineapple juice, vinegar, and soy sauce until smooth.
- Add pineapple chunks and green pepper to the sauce.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer until heated through and sauce thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. You can also substitute panko breadcrumbs for cracker crumbs for extra texture. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar or honey. Adding crushed red pepper can give the dish a nice kick. Make sure to drain the pineapple chunks well to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. They pair beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. You can also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks for a party. For a complete meal, consider offering a side of 'Depression' Meat Cakes or Meat Balls for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Waikiki meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or sauce, covering to steam and warm through. Alternatively, microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Robyn Sharkey'S Waikiki Meatballs contains roughly 1025 calories, with 15g protein, 202g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (39% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2129mg per serving (93% 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 freeze the meatballs for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs. Shape them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen, but add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
If you don't have cornstarch, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that you might need to cook the sauce a bit longer to achieve the desired thickness.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace ground beef with a plant-based ground meat substitute or even use lentils for a hearty texture. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to complement the flavors of the sauce.
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).