My Family Loves These Weight Watchers Hawaiian Meatballs

These Hawaiian Pork Meatballs are at home at a backyard bbq or for the main dish of a fun dinner.

Why should you try Hawaiian Pork Meatballs?

1. First and foremost, Hawaiian cuisine is known for its unique blend of sweet and savory flavors, and these meatballs are no exception. Packed with juicy pork and infused with the tropical goodness of fresh pineapple, they’re a delightful combination of flavors that will leave you craving more.

2.  Another reason to give these meatballs a try is their simplicity and convenience. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious Hawaiian-inspired meal on the table in no time. Plus, at just 4 points per serving, they’re a Weight Watchers-friendly option that won’t derail your healthy eating goals.

3. Lastly, these meatballs are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them as a satisfying main course served over rice or alongside your favorite vegetables, or serve them as a tasty appetizer at your next gathering. Either way, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.

Yield: This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.

Serving Size: One serving consists of about 4-5 meatballs, depending on size.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 8 minutes (plus time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and natural release)

Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes

4 WW Points Per Serving

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 g) ground pork, 96% lean 
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup grated onion, 80 g. 
• ¼ cup light, sugar-free barbecue sauce, 66 g. 
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon oil (for sautéing the meatballs)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 red bell pepper, diced, 100 g.
• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks, 300 g. 
• ¼ cup water, 60 ml 
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, minced garlic, onion powder, grated onion, barbecue sauce, salt and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

2. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the pork mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Set aside.

3. Sauté the Meatballs: Turn on the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode and add the oil to the inner pot. Once hot, carefully place the meatballs in the pot, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

4. Sear the meatballs on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside.

5. Prepare the Sauce: In the same Instant Pot, add the diced red bell pepper and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Add the soy sauce and pineapple chunks to the pot, stirring to combine.

6. Pressure Cook: Return the meatballs to the Instant Pot, nestling them into the sauce and pineapple mixture. Pour the water over the meatballs. Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.

7. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.

8. Serve: Carefully open the lid of the Instant Pot and transfer the Hawaiian pork meatballs to a serving dish. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions if desired. Enjoy your flavorful Hawaiian-inspired meal!

Variations and Substitutions

1. For a twist on the classic recipe, consider adding some additional ingredients to customize the flavor to your liking. You could try incorporating some diced onions for added crunch, or experiment with different seasonings like ginger to give the meatballs a different flavor.

2. Another option is to swap out the pork for another protein such as ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try adding some chopped macadamia nuts or shredded coconut for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips and Tricks for Making Hawaiian Pork Meatballs

1. For perfectly round meatballs, be sure to grind the pork twice using a meat grinder or food processor. This will ensure a uniform texture and shape, resulting in meatballs that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

2. While I used the sauté function of the Instant Pot for this recipe, I’ve found that my best meatballs always come from the air fryer. Cooking them in the air fryer gives them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Plus, it’s a healthier cooking method that requires minimal oil.

3. For a delightful appetizer, skewer your Hawaiian Pork Meatballs with pineapple chunks and serve them with a drizzle of soy sauce for dipping. This presentation allows for easy enjoyment and adds a touch of visual appeal

Mahalo for joining me and until next time, happy cooking!

WW Points

Uncooked 96% lean ground pork 12 points
Pineapple 0 points
Soy sauce 0 points
Onion 0 points
Black pepper 0 points
Olive oil 1 point
Table salt 0 points
Onion powder 0 points
Red bell pepper 0 points
No-sugar-added barbecue sauce 1 point
Water 0 points
Garlic 0 points