Finding a quick weeknight meal that’s both easy and pretty healthy can be tough. I’m always looking through Costco for something that fits the bill, something with good protein that isn’t full of junk and is ready in minutes.
That’s when I saw these Amylu Teriyaki & Pineapple Chicken Meatballs. The box looked good, promising “No Antibiotics,” “Gluten-Free,” and “14g of Protein.” But how do they taste? I bought a box to find out. Here’s my honest review.
What’s in the Box?
Where to Find It: I found these in the refrigerated section at the Pembroke Pines, Florida Costco, near the other sausages and pre-cooked meats.
- Are they already cooked? Yes, they are fully cooked. You just have to heat them up, which saves a lot of time.
- What are the ingredients? The list is pretty clean. It’s mostly just Chicken Raised Without Antibiotics and Dried Pineapple, with a sauce powder made from Tamari Soy Sauce.
- Allergens: The package says it CONTAINS: SOY.
Price & Value
The 46 oz (2.88 lb) box costs $14.99 at my local Costco. Inside, you get about 60 meatballs, which is roughly 25 cents per meatball. For a quick protein source, I think that’s a great price.
How to Cook Amylu Chicken Meatballs
The package surprisingly doesn’t list any heating instructions. So, for anyone looking for the Amylu teriyaki pineapple meatballs cooking instructions, here are the best ways I found to make them.
Stovetop (My Favorite Way):
- Put the meatballs in a non-stick pan with a little bit of water or oil.
- Heat them over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning them every so often until they’re browned and hot. This gives them the best color and texture.
Air Fryer:
A lot of people ask, “How long do you cook Amylu teriyaki pineapple meatballs in the air fryer?”
- Set your air fryer to 375°F.
- Cook them for 6-8 minutes, and make sure to shake the basket about halfway through.
Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Put the meatballs on a baking sheet and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re heated through.
Crock-Pot / Slow Cooker:
This is perfect for parties. Just place the meatballs in your slow cooker with a bit of extra teriyaki or BBQ sauce and heat them on LOW for 1-2 hours. They’ll stay warm and ready to serve.
How Do They Taste?
These meatballs have a really nice sweet and savory flavor. You can definitely taste the teriyaki, and the bits of pineapple add a nice sweetness. They aren’t spicy at all. The texture is firm but still juicy not spongy or processed like some other brands.
I really like them, but the flavor is pretty bold. If you’re not a big fan of sweet and savory together, you might find them a little strong. Chopping them up for a stir-fry is a great way to mix the flavor in with other ingredients.
Easy Meal & Recipe Ideas
If you’re wondering what to make with Amylu teriyaki pineapple meatballs, they’re super easy to use. Here are a few simple ideas:
- Quick Appetizer: Just heat them and serve with toothpicks. It’s a perfect, no-fuss party snack.
- Easy Dinner Bowl: This is my favorite way to eat them. I serve the meatballs over white rice with some steamed broccoli. I also found that adding a little Bachan’s Japanese BBQ Sauce (which Costco also sells) makes a great glaze.
- Meatball Skewers: Put the meatballs on skewers with chunks of fresh pineapple and bell peppers, then heat them on the grill or in the oven.
Are They Healthy?
Let’s look at the Amylu teriyaki pineapple meatballs nutrition info. For four meatballs, you get:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 14g
- Total Fat: 7g
- Total Carbs: 7g
- Sodium: 790mg
On the bright side, you get a good amount of protein for a reasonable number of calories. But here’s the catch: the sodium is through the roof. We’re talking 33% of your daily salt in just four meatballs. So even with good ingredients, that salt level means I’m treating these as a fun, convenient meal, not an everyday health food.
The Final Verdict & Rating
| Taste | Value | Convenience | Nutrition | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 | 6/10 | 8/10 |
So, my final verdict is that these Amylu meatballs from Costco are a winner for a quick, flavorful meal. They taste great and you get a lot for your money. The only real drawback for me is the salt content.
My Final Tip: The box comes with two sealed packs of meatballs. Here’s a little tip I’ve learned: check both packs when you get home. I usually toss one straight into the freezer if I know I won’t get to it within a week. It freezes perfectly and it’s just a good way to make sure nothing goes to waste.
- You should grab a bag if: You need a super fast meal starter or party appetizer and aren’t worried about salt.
- Maybe pass on these if: You’re on a strict low-sodium diet or just aren’t a fan of bold, sweet flavors.
FAQs
Are these already cooked?
Yep, they’re fully cooked. You’re just heating them up.
What’s the best way to cook them?
I’d stick with either a pan on the stove for 5-7 minutes or an air fryer at 375°F for 6-8 minutes. Both work great.
What do you serve with them?
They’re perfect as a quick appetizer with toothpicks, or you can make a full meal with some rice and veggies.
Other Quick Meals from Costco You Might Like
- If you’re looking for another easy chicken option, check out my review of the Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips.
- For something different but just as convenient for taco night, I also recommend the Del Real Pork Carnitas.
- And if you want a great frozen appetizer, you might want to try the Royal Asia Prawn Hacao.