Slow Cooker Sensation: Asian Pork Meatballs with Pineapple, Texas Style

In Texas, where bold flavors and big gatherings go hand in hand, there's a dish that brings a touch of the exotic to the Lone Star State’s love for hearty meals: Slow Cooker Asian Pork Meatballs with Pineapple. This dish is perfect for those moments when you want something easy yet delicious to serve at a family dinner, potluck, or game day feast. It's the kind of recipe that fills your home with incredible aromas while requiring minimal effort, thanks to the magic of the slow cooker.

Photo bythissillygirlskitchen.com

A Taste of Texas Meets the Far East

Imagine tender, savory pork meatballs, seasoned with a blend of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, simmering in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce. The flavors are a fusion of Asian-inspired ingredients and the hearty spirit of Texas comfort food. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming these meatballs into a flavorful, juicy bite that’s perfectly complemented by the tropical sweetness of pineapple chunks. The best part? It’s a dish that can be prepped in minutes, left to cook while you go about your day, and ready to impress when it’s time to eat.

Recipe: Texas-Style Slow Cooker Asian Pork Meatballs with Pineapple

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a Texas-style kick)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve the juice)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (additional, for sauce)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, 2 tbsp soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs.
2. Place the meatballs in the slow cooker.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and the additional 1 tbsp of soy sauce. Pour this sauce over the meatballs.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
5. About 20 minutes before serving, stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce to thicken it. Gently mix in the pineapple chunks.
6. Serve the meatballs with a side of jasmine rice or noodles, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

The Perfect Texas Gathering Dish

Whether you're hosting a casual get-together or simply feeding a hungry family, these Slow Cooker Asian Pork Meatballs with Pineapple bring a burst of flavor to the table. The savory meatballs, cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, are a testament to the joys of easy cooking with maximum flavor. The tangy sweetness of pineapple pairs beautifully with the rich, umami notes of the pork, creating a dish that's as satisfying as it is effortless.

Texans love food that packs a punch, and these meatballs deliver in every bite. Whether served over rice, in lettuce wraps, or as a stand-alone appetizer, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Sources:

Slow Cooker Asian Pork Meatballs with Pineapple (thissillygirlskitchen.com)

Asian-Inspired Pork Meatballs with Pineapple in the Slow Cooker (allrecipes.com)

Asian Meatballs - Taste and Tell (tasteandtellblog.com)