Juicy Hawaiian Pork Meatballs: An Easy Instant Pot Recipe for Sweet & Savory Delight (Weight Watchers Friendly!)

Bring the vibrant flavors of the tropics right into your kitchen with these incredible Hawaiian Pork Meatballs. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue, preparing a fun family dinner, or seeking a delicious yet health-conscious meal, these meatballs are perfectly at home in any setting. Bursting with the irresistible combination of sweet pineapple and savory pork, they offer a taste sensation that’s both exotic and comforting. This Instant Pot recipe makes preparing them incredibly simple, ensuring a flavorful meal is on your table with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love These Hawaiian Pork Meatballs

These aren’t just any meatballs; they’re a culinary escape to the islands. Here are three compelling reasons why these Hawaiian Pork Meatballs deserve a spot in your weekly meal rotation:

1. Exquisite Sweet and Savory Flavor Profile: Hawaiian cuisine is celebrated for its harmonious blend of sweet and savory elements, and this recipe perfectly embodies that spirit. Each meatball is packed with juicy, lean ground pork, infused with aromatic garlic and onion, and then simmered in a rich sauce featuring the tropical sweetness of fresh pineapple chunks and the deep umami notes of soy sauce. The result is a delightful symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to a sun-drenched beach, leaving you craving more with every bite.
2. Effortless Preparation and Convenience: In today’s busy world, simplicity and convenience are key, and these Instant Pot Hawaiian Pork Meatballs deliver on both fronts. With just a handful of readily available ingredients and minimal hands-on prep time, you can have a truly delicious, Hawaiian-inspired meal on the table in under an hour. The Instant Pot does most of the heavy lifting, making this a perfect weeknight dinner solution. Plus, for those managing their diet, these meatballs are a Weight Watchers-friendly option, clocking in at just 4 points per serving, so you can enjoy a satisfying meal without compromising your healthy eating goals.
3. Incredible Versatility for Any Occasion: Beyond their fantastic taste and ease of preparation, these pork meatballs are remarkably versatile. Serve them as a hearty and satisfying main course over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Pair them with your favorite steamed or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Alternatively, transform them into a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering or party. Skewer them with extra pineapple chunks for an attractive presentation that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

Recipe Overview: Quick & Easy

Here’s a snapshot of what to expect when making this delightful dish:

• Yield: This recipe makes approximately 5 servings.
• Serving Size: One serving consists of about 4-5 meatballs, depending on size, along with a generous portion of the flavorful sauce and pineapple.
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8 minutes (plus additional time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and natural release)
• Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Weight Watchers Points: 4 WW Points Per Serving

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting these delectable Hawaiian Pork Meatballs requires a blend of fresh produce and pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the layers of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that make this dish so irresistible.

• 1 pound (450 g) ground pork, 96% lean
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup grated onion, 80 g. (adds moisture and flavor)
• ¼ cup light, sugar-free barbecue sauce, 66 g. (the secret to that tangy sweetness)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste (adjust based on your preference and soy sauce)
• 1 teaspoon oil (for sautéing the meatballs, a neutral oil like olive or avocado works well)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced, 100 g. (adds color and a mild sweetness)
• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks, 300 g. (the star of the show for tropical flavor)
• ¼ cup water, 60 ml (helps create the sauce in the Instant Pot)

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Follow these straightforward steps to create your own batch of succulent Hawaiian Pork Meatballs in the Instant Pot:

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the lean ground pork, minced garlic, onion powder, finely grated onion, light sugar-free barbecue sauce, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.



2. Form the Meatballs: With your hands, gently shape the pork mixture into uniform, small meatballs, each approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or baking sheet as you form them and set aside.



3. Sauté the Meatballs: Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” mode. Add the teaspoon of oil to the inner pot and allow it to heat up. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the meatballs into the pot. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can steam rather than sear the meatballs.
4. Sear for Flavor: Sear the meatballs on all sides until they are beautifully browned, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is crucial for developing a rich depth of flavor and a lovely crust. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside.



5. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same Instant Pot, add the diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften slightly, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this adds extra flavor!). Then, pour in the soy sauce and add the fresh pineapple chunks, stirring everything to combine well.
6. Pressure Cook: Return the browned meatballs to the Instant Pot, gently nestling them into the flavorful sauce and pineapple mixture. Pour the ¼ cup of water over the meatballs. Secure the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring it’s properly sealed, 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. This helps the meatballs stay tender and juicy. After 5 minutes, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.



8. Serve & Enjoy: Carefully open the lid of the Instant Pot. Transfer the aromatic Hawaiian pork meatballs and their luscious sauce to a serving dish. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or vibrant green onions if desired for an extra pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your truly flavorful and tropical Hawaiian-inspired meal!

Variations and Substitutions to Explore

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your personal taste and dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to experiment!

• Flavor Enhancements: For an added aromatic twist, consider incorporating some freshly grated ginger or a pinch of Chinese five-spice powder into the meatball mixture. A dash of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat, complementing the sweetness of the pineapple. You could also add a spoonful of brown sugar or honey to the sauce for an even richer, stickier glaze if you’re not strictly adhering to a sugar-free diet.
• Protein Swaps: If pork isn’t your preference, this recipe works beautifully with other ground proteins. Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent lighter alternatives, maintaining a similar texture. For a richer flavor, ground beef can also be used. For a vegetarian or vegan option, consider using a plant-based ground meat substitute, adjusting cooking times as recommended by the product.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to boost the vegetable content. Diced water chestnuts can add a lovely crunch to the meatballs, while sautéed mushrooms or snap peas can be added to the sauce along with the bell peppers for extra nutrition and texture.
• Garnishes and Textures: Elevate the dish with different garnishes. Toasted sesame seeds, chopped macadamia nuts, or shredded coconut can add unique textures and flavors, enhancing the tropical theme.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Meatballs

Achieve consistently delicious results every time with these helpful tips and tricks:

1. Achieving Perfectly Uniform Meatballs: For meatballs that are not only delicious but also visually appealing and cook evenly, aim for consistency in size and shape. If you have a meat grinder, grinding the pork twice can achieve a super fine, uniform texture. Alternatively, using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon measure can help you portion out the mixture consistently. Lightly wet your hands before rolling to prevent the mixture from sticking. Avoid overworking the meat, which can make the meatballs tough.
2. The Air Fryer Advantage: While the Instant Pot sauté function works wonderfully for browning, for those who love an extra crispy exterior, the air fryer is an excellent alternative. After forming your meatballs, lightly spray them with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. You can then add these browned meatballs to the Instant Pot with the sauce to finish cooking. This method offers a healthier, minimal-oil browning option.
3. Creative Appetizer Presentation: Transform these meatballs into an elegant appetizer. Skewer the cooked Hawaiian Pork Meatballs with additional fresh pineapple chunks and bell pepper pieces. Arrange them artfully on a platter and serve with a small bowl of extra soy sauce, a sweet chili dip, or even a homemade pineapple glaze for dipping. This presentation makes them easy to enjoy at parties and adds a beautiful visual appeal.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: When searing the meatballs, it’s crucial to work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the Instant Pot will lower the temperature and cause the meatballs to steam instead of getting a nice, flavorful sear. This browning step adds significant depth to the final dish.
5. Deglaze for Extra Flavor: After removing the browned meatballs, if there are any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the Instant Pot, deglaze the pot by adding a splash of water, broth, or soy sauce and scraping them up with a wooden spoon. This prevents the “Burn” error and incorporates those delicious flavors into your sauce.

What to Serve with Hawaiian Pork Meatballs

These versatile meatballs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal:

• Rice: Classic white rice or brown rice are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. For a healthier option, try cauliflower rice.
• Noodles: Serve over vermicelli noodles, egg noodles, or even rice noodles for an Asian-inspired twist.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or a medley of stir-fried vegetables complement the flavors beautifully.
• Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or an Asian sesame dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
• Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: For a touch of extra sweetness and a soft bread side, Hawaiian sweet rolls are a delightful choice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

These Hawaiian Pork Meatballs are fantastic for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, allow the meatballs and sauce to cool completely. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat them in the microwave in individual portions, stirring occasionally. Avoid overheating to keep the meatballs tender.

Weight Watchers Points Breakdown

Understanding the Weight Watchers points for each ingredient can help you track your intake accurately. This recipe is designed to be mindful of points, making healthy eating delicious.

• Uncooked 96% lean ground pork: 12 points (for 1 pound)
• Pineapple: 0 points
• Soy sauce: 0 points
• Onion: 0 points
• Black pepper: 0 points
• Olive oil: 1 point (for 1 teaspoon)
• Table salt: 0 points
• Onion powder: 0 points
• Red bell pepper: 0 points
• No-sugar-added barbecue sauce: 1 point (for ¼ cup)
• Water: 0 points
• Garlic: 0 points

Total estimated points for the entire recipe: 14 points. With 5 servings, this averages out to approximately 2.8 points per serving. However, the recipe is optimized to achieve a 4 WW Point Per Serving goal, depending on exact product choices and portioning. Always refer to your personal Weight Watchers plan for precise calculations.

Mahalo for joining me on this culinary journey! These Hawaiian Pork Meatballs are a testament to how easy and rewarding it can be to bring exciting, delicious flavors into your home, even on busy days. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag @drizzlemeskinny or use #drizzlemeskinny on social media. Until next time, happy cooking!