Go Back

Tropical Jerk Meatballs with Sweet and Spicy Kick

Delicious meatballs combining pork and beef with jerk spices and pineapple juice, offering a sweet and spicy flavor perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 meatballs
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Caribbean
Calories: 295
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatball Base
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 pound ground beef (85/15 blend)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs Can substitute for gluten-free crumbs
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup whole milk Can substitute for unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 teaspoons Jamaican jerk seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Flavor Enhancers
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup Caribbean-style jerk sauce or marinade
  • Optional chopped green onions for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
  2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add diced onion and bell pepper; cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and sauté for another 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with ground pork, ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, pineapple juice, cilantro, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, jerk seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until fully incorporated.
  4. Use a small scoop or spoon to shape the mixture into bite-sized balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 1 inch of space between each.
Cooking
  1. Bake the meatballs at 375°F for 20 minutes. Increase the temperature to 425°F and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.
  2. Serve warm with a side of jerk dipping sauce, spicy ketchup, or your favorite hot sauce, and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

These meatballs are great for meal prep. Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze them.