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Delicious Pineapple BBQ Turkey Bacon Meatballs
Alyssa

Delicious Pineapple BBQ Turkey Bacon Meatballs

Delicious Pineapple BBQ Turkey Bacon Meatballs: savory turkey and bacon meatballs glazed in sweet and tangy pineapple BBQ sauce. Perfect for any occasion.
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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey - This lean protein serves as the foundation for our meatballs offering a healthy alternative while still being flavorful.
  • 1 large onion chopped - Adds sweetness and depth to the meatballs, enhancing their overall flavor profile.
  • 2 cloves garlic minced - Garlic brings a fragrant touch that complements both the meatballs and sauce.
  • 1 scallion chopped - Adds a fresh and mild onion flavor, perfect for balancing the rich flavor of the meatballs.
  • 1 large egg - Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together ensuring they maintain their shape while baking.
  • 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs - Provides texture and absorbs moisture leading to perfectly tender meatballs.
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - Adds a nutty flavor and a pleasant crunch to the meatballs.
  • Fresh cilantro chopped - Offers a burst of freshness and brightness, elevating the overall taste.
  • Salt and pepper to taste - Essential for seasoning to balance the flavors.
  • Oil for baking - Used to grease the baking sheet helping to achieve a lovely golden color.
For the sauce:
  • 1 cup pineapple juice - The star of the sauce providing sweetness and acidity, ensuring a delightful glaze.
  • 4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce - Adds umami and enhances the savory taste of the sauce.
  • 4 tablespoons tomato paste - Contributes depth and richness to the sauce balancing the sweetness from the pineapple.
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch - Used to thicken the sauce and create a syrupy consistency.
  • 1 tablespoon molasses not blackstrap - Adds another layer of sweetness and helps to round out the flavors.
  • 2 tablespoons honey - Sweetens the sauce enhancing its flavor and giving it a beautiful gloss.
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil optional - Introduces nutty flavor notes, enhancing the Asian-inspired theme of the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce - Adds complexity and depth to the flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger - Provides warmth and spice perfect for balancing the sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Strengthens the garlic flavor in the sauce complementing the meatballs beautifully.
  • 1 cup diced pineapple fresh or canned - Enhances the texture and freshness of the sauce, creating a pineapple-forward flavor.

Method
 

  1. Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground turkey, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 chopped scallion, 1 large egg, 3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds, a handful of fresh chopped cilantro, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Shape this mixture into meatballs of your desired size and place them on an oiled baking sheet. For a firmer shape, you can freeze the meatballs for about 10 minutes.
  2. Bake: Preheat your oven to 410°F (210°C). Bake the meatballs for 10-12 minutes until they turn golden brown and are thoroughly cooked. You can check for doneness by cutting one meatball in half to ensure it's no longer pink inside.
  3. Make the sauce: In a separate skillet, whisk together 1 cup of pineapple juice, 4 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce, 4 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of molasses, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil (if using). Stir in 1 cup of diced pineapple. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Finish up: Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the skillet with the sauce over low heat. Gently toss the meatballs until they are well-coated and glazed with the sauce. Allow them to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  5. This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the full impact of the flavors, but it will also make delightful leftovers!