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Carrot Pineapple Turkey Meatballs

Carrot Pineapple Turkey Meatballs with Pineapple Glaze

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5 from 3 reviews

This Carrot Pineapple Turkey Meatballs recipe is easy to make and packed with vegetables, plus a pineapple glaze for extra flavor. Prep them ahead of time and eat warm or cold for a quick lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 cup finely chopped carrots (i used the food processor)
  • 1/2 cup diced red pepper
  • 8 oz diced pineapple (in 100% juice, drain and reserve juice)
  • 1/4 cup green onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt 

For the glaze*:

  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice (or orange juice)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 12 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar)
  • 12 tsp fresh ginger (or ginger paste)
  • sriracha to taste, optional
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch + 1 Tbsp water

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine turkey, carrots, peppers, pineapple, green onion, panko, egg and seasonings. (I chop the diced pineapple a little bit further into smaller pieces before adding)
  2. Mix well and form into meatballs of desired size. This should make 20-24 larger meatballs or approximately 36 smaller meatballs.
  3. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400 degrees. Cook time will vary based on size of meatballs but should be 15-20 minutes. Flip meatballs once after 9 minutes.  Check to make sure internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
  4. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, ginger and sriracha and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat, mix cornstarch with water and add to sauce. Stir for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Taste and add more maple syrup, sriracha or ginger if needed.
  6. Remove from heat. Once meatballs are done, brush with glaze and serve.

Notes

If you’re using fresh pineapple, you can sub orange juice for pineapple juice in the glaze.

You can also substitute a storebought teriyaki sauce or marinade for the glaze