Creating Rum Glazed Tropical Meatball Skewers can be straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, and parsley. Mix until well combined.
3. Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and browned.
5. Prepare the Glaze: While the meatballs are baking, combine the dark rum, brown sugar, soy sauce, and lime juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
6. Thicken the Glaze (Optional): If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Add it to the saucepan and cook until the glaze thickens.
7. Combine Ingredients: Once the meatballs are finished baking, remove them from the oven and toss them in the rum glaze until fully coated.
8. Skewer the Ingredients: On each skewer, alternate between meatballs, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and red onion to create a colorful arrangement.
9. Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill or back in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, just to heat through and slightly caramelize the glaze.
10. Serve: Remove the skewers from the heat and let them cool slightly before serving.

These steps will guide you in creating this incredible dish effortlessly.