Description
These Sweet and Spicy Hawaiian Meatball Bowls combine savory meatballs with the tropical sweetness of pineapple and a tangy sriracha sauce. Served over rice, this quick and flavorful dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner that brings a taste of the islands to your table in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Bowls
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can pineapple chunks, drained
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, panko bread crumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon sriracha, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into approximately 1-inch meatballs. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking.
- Cook Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil if needed. Cook the meatballs for 5 to 7 minutes per side, turning carefully to brown all sides evenly. Ensure they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
- Make the Sauce: While the meatballs cook, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, the remaining 1 tablespoon honey, rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sriracha in a small bowl until well combined. This sauce will provide a sweet and tangy complement with a spicy kick.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top each with meatballs and pineapple chunks. Drizzle the prepared sauce evenly over the bowls and garnish with chopped green onions for freshness and color.
- Serve: Serve the bowls warm as a satisfying, balanced meal that combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be used instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level to your liking.
- For gluten-free option, substitute panko bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Adding chopped green onions as garnish adds both flavor and a pop of color.
- Use freshly cooked rice for the best texture and taste.
