SERVES 6 to 8
These meatballs came to me in a dream. I woke up with tumbling thoughts about a lush combination of pineapple, succulent pork, and creamy-sweet coconut. I was haunted by images of tikis and luaus. The only way to clear my mind was to surrender to the kitchen gods. After three attempts, something still wasn’t quite right. Later, while lost in photos of tropical beaches and coral reefs, I landed on the fiery name, and the rest of the recipe fell into place. These taste even better the second day, so if you can endure the wait, you will be rewarded.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
• 1/2 teaspoon plus 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon plus 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 cup canned crushed pineapple, sugar-free, packed in its own juice
• 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 3–4 scallions, white and green, very thinly sliced (about 1/4 cup)
• 1/2 fresh jalapeño, seeds and ribs removed, finely minced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 pounds ground pork
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, then add the coconut. Toast, stirring often with a wooden spoon, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Set aside to cool.
2. Drain the can of pineapple in a sieve placed over a bowl to catch the juice. You’re going to use the juice later, so save it! Press the pineapple pulp against the sieve with a wooden spoon to extract the excess moisture. Place 1 cup of the drained pineapple in a large mixing bowl. (Save any leftover pineapple for dessert later.)
3. To the pineapple, add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cayenne, coconut aminos, ginger, garlic, scallions, jalapeño, and eggs. Beat with a wooden spoon until combined. With your hands, crumble the pork into the bowl and knead until all of the ingredients are incorporated.
4. To the pineapple, add 1/2 teaspoon salt, coconut aminos, ginger, garlic, scallions, jalapeño, and eggs. Beat with a wooden spoon until combined. With your hands, crumble the pork into the bowl and knead until all of the ingredients are incorporated.
5. Arrange the bowls of pineapple juice, spiced coconut, and seasoned pork for easy access. Measure a level tablespoon of pork to make a meatball. Lightly douse it in the pineapple juice, then roll it in the coconut, pressing the coconut shreds into the meat by lightly rolling the ball between your palms. This is a rare case in which more isn’t better—don’t go too cuckoo with the coconut. Line up the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, about 1/2 inch apart.
6. Slide the meatballs into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until sizzling and golden brown.
