Go Back
- 1 pound ground chicken or turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated For the meatballs, I prefer ground chicken or turkey. Both options keep the dish light yet filling. The breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs. Fresh green onions add a nice crunch. Minced garlic and grated ginger bring out rich flavors. - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended) - 1/4 cup pineapple juice - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch The sauce is crucial for flavor. Soy sauce gives it that umami kick. Pineapple juice adds sweetness and tang. Sesame oil enhances the aroma, while brown sugar balances the salty flavor. Cornstarch thickens the sauce for a nice glaze. - 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks - 1 bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces (any color) - Salt and pepper to taste - Wooden or metal skewers Fresh pineapple chunks add a juicy burst. I like to use bell peppers for color and crunch. Season with salt and pepper for added taste. Make sure to have skewers ready, so you can thread everything together easily. {{ingredient_image_1}} - In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken or turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. - Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until combined. - Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size. You should make around 20-24 meatballs. - In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, sesame oil, brown sugar, and cornstarch. - Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, which takes about five minutes. - Once thick, remove the sauce from heat and set it aside. - Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. - If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent burning. - Thread the meatballs, fresh pineapple chunks, and bell pepper pieces onto each skewer. Alternate them as you like. - Brush the skewers with the teriyaki sauce before placing them on the grill. - Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them occasionally and brush with more teriyaki sauce. Look for grill marks and ensure the meatballs are fully cooked. - Once grilled, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. - Serve the meatball skewers drizzled with any leftover teriyaki sauce. You can garnish with more chopped green onions if you wish. To ensure your meatballs are fully cooked, check their center. Use a meat thermometer; the center should reach 165°F. This keeps your meal safe and tasty. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes, turning them often. This gives them nice grill marks and helps them cook evenly. To prevent skewers from burning, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling. This trick helps keep them from catching fire. If you use metal skewers, you don’t need to worry about soaking. Just make sure they are clean and ready. For a fun presentation, serve skewers on a large platter with fresh lettuce leaves. Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce over the skewers for a glossy look. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an extra touch. You can also garnish with chopped green onions for color. Pair these skewers with jasmine rice or a light salad. The sweetness of the pineapple works well with both. You can also serve them with a side of steamed veggies for a colorful plate. Always use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic and ginger really boost the taste of your meatballs. Using ripe pineapple also adds more sweetness and flavor. To adjust sweetness, add more or less brown sugar to the sauce. If you want it saltier, add a bit more soy sauce. Taste the sauce as you go, and find the right balance for your palate. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pineapple and high-quality ground meat enhance the flavor of your skewers significantly. Perfect Skewering: Alternate between meatballs, pineapple, and bell pepper for a balanced flavor and visual appeal. Monitor Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium heat to achieve nice grill marks without burning the skewers. Rest Before Serving: Allow skewers to rest for a couple of minutes after grilling to help the juices redistribute within the meatballs. {{image_2}} You can switch out ground chicken or turkey for ground beef or pork. This adds richness and flavor. If you want a lighter option, try ground turkey breast. You can also use plant-based meat for a vegetarian twist. For veggies, bell peppers work well, but you can use zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms too. These choices keep it fun and fresh. To bake the meatball skewers, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. This method gives you a crispy outside without a grill. If you prefer air frying, set your air fryer to 375°F. Cook for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Both methods save time and add convenience. Want to spice things up? Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the meatball mix. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten the dish. You can also try other sauces. Swap teriyaki for sweet and sour sauce or barbecue sauce for a different taste. Each change can bring a new twist to your skewers, making them unique every time. To store any leftovers, place the skewers in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in a microwave or on a skillet. Heat until the meatballs are warm throughout. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. For freezing, wrap the cooked skewers tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven or on the grill. This helps the meatballs retain their juicy texture. In the fridge, these skewers last about three days. If you freeze them, they stay good for about three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your flavorful meal anytime with proper storage! You can use crushed crackers or oats as a substitute for breadcrumbs. Both options work well to bind the meatballs. You can also use ground nuts for a gluten-free choice. Just keep in mind that the texture may change a bit. Yes, you can prepare the skewers ahead of time. Assemble them and store them in the fridge for a few hours. Just brush them with teriyaki sauce before grilling. This saves time when you want to cook. To check if the meatballs are done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. You can also cut one open; it should no longer be pink inside. Make sure they are cooked evenly. Yes, you can make a vegetarian version using plant-based meat or mashed beans. Add in the same flavorings and binders. You can also use mushrooms for a meaty texture. This way, everyone can enjoy the skewers. Absolutely! Store-bought teriyaki sauce can save you time. Just make sure to check the flavor and sweetness. You might want to adjust it by adding more garlic or ginger for a fresh taste. You can easily make tasty meatball skewers with ground chicken or turkey. We covered key ingredients like garlic, ginger, and fresh veggies. I walked you through making a rich teriyaki sauce and grilling the skewers. Remember to check for doneness and feel free to mix things up with different flavors. These skewers are fun for any gathering. Enjoy creating and sharing this dish with loved ones!

Pineapple Teriyaki Meatball Skewers

Delicious skewers of meatballs, pineapple, and bell peppers glazed with a homemade teriyaki sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
  • 1 unit bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • to taste unit salt and pepper
  • as needed unit wooden or metal skewers

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken or turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
  • Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs.
  • In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, sesame oil, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Heat over medium heat until the sauce thickens, stirring constantly. This should take about 5 minutes. Once thick, remove from heat and set aside.
  • Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
  • Assemble the skewers by threading the meatballs, pineapple chunks, and bell pepper pieces onto each skewer, alternating them as desired.
  • Brush the assembled skewers with the teriyaki sauce before placing them on the grill.
  • Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with additional teriyaki sauce, until the meatballs are fully cooked and have grill marks.
  • Once grilled, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
  • Serve the meatball skewers drizzled with any leftover teriyaki sauce and garnish with more chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

Serve the skewers on a large platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves. Drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds for an elegant touch.
Keyword grilling, meatballs, pineapple, skewers, teriyaki