These Hawaiian Meatballs are tender and juicy and super easy to throw together for a party. The sweet, sticky, and tangy sauce will keep you licking your fingers long after they are gone!

Hawaiian Meatballs

I am a sucker for Asian Pineapple Ginger Meatballs, also called Hawaiian meatballs or Waikiki Meatballs.

Have you ever noticed how fast they go when anyone puts them out as part of a “Pu Pu” platter? They go faster than the egg rolls or the chicken wings even.

In case you haven’t noticed, I am a fan of meatballs. They make great tapas. Easy to make and you can go so many directions with them. 

Hawaiian meatballs are tender and juicy. And they hit all the right notes with their tangy pineapple sauce.

Perfect for game days or an easy recipe for dinner. Just serve over some white rice!

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Ingredients Needed

Meatballs – Use frozen meatballs, either beef, chicken, or pork.

Pineapple juice – Canned or bottled. Fresh won’t work in this recipe.

Soy sauce – Substitute coconut aminos if needed

Rice wine vinegar – You can use Mirin if you have it.

Brown sugar – Light brown sugar is best.

Ginger – Fresh ginger has the best flavor. You can buy it in a squeeze tube for easy use.

Cornstarch – To thicken the sauce.

Garnishes – Sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds.

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How to make Hawaiian Meatballs

First: Place meatballs in a slow cooker.

Second: Make a cornstarch slurry by combining the brown sugar and cornstarch. Pour in the pineapple juice, soy sauce, and vinegar. Stir to combine and remove any lumps. Stir in the ginger to combine.

Third: Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the pre-made meatballs and stir to coat them evenly. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours.

Fourth: When ready to serve, garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How long do they last?

Keep them on the warm setting while serving. If you have leftovers, cool them completely. Then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the microwave, on the stove top, or place back in the crock pot on low until heated through.

Can I freeze them?

You can make these ahead of time and freeze for up to 2 months. Place in an airtight container or ziploc freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat. 

Can I make these on the stove top?

If you want to make these on the stove top, prepare as usual just place in a large pot on the stove. Keep on low until heated through.

Why use cornstarch instead of flour to make the sauce?

Cornstarch is pure starch and flour still has proteins and fiber in it. Also, cornstarch works way better at absorbing water, which is why it causes the sauce to thicken.

Also, using cornstarch creates the glossy look in the sauce.

Tapas Tips & Tricks

• ​Buy frozen meatballs or make homemade meatballs. Just be sure to start with them frozen.
• This recipe works with beef, chicken, pork, or turkey meatballs.
• Add pineapple chunks and slices of bell peppers for more sweetness and color.
• Use canned pineapple if adding chunks or juice to the sour pineapple sauce.
• Don’t use fresh pineapple. The acidity makes the sauce foamy and the pineapple is too tough.
• Serve them on King’s Hawaiian Rolls and make sliders the whole family will love.

The only limit is your imagination when it comes to cocktail meatballs. Want more recipes? Check out this list!

1. Grape Jelly Meatballs
2. Teriyaki Meatballs
3. Sweet & Sour Meatballs
4. Firecracker Meatballs
5. BBQ Steakhouse

To see the rest of the list of 40+ Best Meatball Appetizers check out this post.

Looking to make these a full meal? Check out What to Serve with Meatballs for delicious side dish ideas.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

Sweet pineapple, spicy ginger, and tender meatballs make this Hawaiian Meatball recipe a hit! Serve as an appetizer or a main dish over a bed of rice. These make the perfect appetizer or freezer meal for a busy weeknight.

More Easy Party Foods

• Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
• Chinese Char Siew Style Meatballs
• Hawaiian Pizza Sliders
• Hawaiian Popcorn Snack Mix

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