Waikiki Meatballs
Waikiki Meatballs offer a delightful blend of savory beef, sweet pineapple, and tangy sauce, creating a tropical-inspired dish perfect for casual dinners or entertaining. The combination of flavors appeals to all ages and pairs beautifully with rice, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2/3 cup cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 1/3 cup minced onion ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon shortening
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 (13 1/2 oz.) can pineapple tidbits, drained
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, cracker crumbs, minced onion, egg, salt, ginger, and milk thoroughly. Shape the mixture into tablespoon-sized meatballs.
- Melt shortening in a large skillet over medium heat; brown and cook the meatballs until cooked through.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Pour off excess fat from the skillet.
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch and brown sugar together.
- Stir in the reserved pineapple syrup, vinegar, and soy sauce until smooth.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils and thickens.
- Boil for 1 minute to ensure the sauce is fully thickened.
- Add the cooked meatballs and pineapple tidbits to the skillet; heat thoroughly until hot and coated with sauce.
- Serve the meatballs and pineapple over a bed of rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh ground beef and ensure it's well mixed with the other ingredients to hold shape during cooking. If you don't have cracker crumbs, try using breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as substitutes. Adding a pinch of garlic powder or chopped bell peppers can enhance the flavor profile. For a twist, consider including a dash of soy sauce in the meat mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Waikiki meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair with steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal. This dish is also a great accompaniment to sweet and sour dishes, making it a versatile choice for family dinners. For a fun twist, try them in a sub sandwich with additional sauce.
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 additional sauce to keep them moist, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Waikiki Meatballs contains roughly 1007 calories, with 19g protein, 183g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (42% of the Daily Value), protein (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 use ground turkey instead of beef for this recipe?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time as turkey may cook faster. The flavor will be slightly different, but the dish will still be delicious. Consider adding extra spices to enhance the taste.
How can I make the meatballs spicier?
To add some heat to your Waikiki meatballs, consider mixing in red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños into the meat mixture. Additionally, a splash of sriracha or hot sauce in the sauce can elevate the spice level without overpowering the dish.
What type of rice is best to serve with these meatballs?
Jasmine or basmati rice are excellent choices due to their fragrant and fluffy texture, which pairs well with the sweet and tangy sauce of the meatballs. Alternatively, for a heartier option, serve with brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.
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).