Teriyaki Meatball Rice Bowls

$For the meatballs, you need: - 1 pound ground chicken or turkey - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped (plus more for garnish) - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper These ingredients come together to create flavorful meatballs. The ground meat gives the dish its base. The breadcrumbs help bind everything. Green onions, ginger, and garlic add a fresh kick. Soy sauce brings saltiness, while sesame oil adds depth. To make the teriyaki sauce, gather: - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil This sauce is sweet and savory. Honey balances the saltiness of the soy sauce. Rice vinegar adds tang, while sesame oil gives it a rich flavor. Together, these create a perfect glaze for your meatballs. For garnishing your bowls, you can use: - Sesame seeds - Extra chopped green onions These garnishes not only add flavor but also make your dish look nice. They provide a little crunch and a pop of color. Enjoy your Teriyaki Meatball Rice Bowls with these tasty touches for a delightful meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for cooking the meatballs evenly. While the oven heats, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of ground chicken or turkey. Then, mix in 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs. Next, add 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions, 1 tablespoon of minced ginger, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Pour in 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything well. Now, shape the mixture into small meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. This size cooks just right. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps with cleanup and stops sticking. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You want them golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check if they reach 165°F (74°C). While the meatballs bake, it's time to whip up the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Cook this mixture over medium heat. Keep an eye on it until it starts to simmer. Once it bubbles, lower the heat. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring often. This will help meld the flavors together. When the meatballs are done, take them out of the oven. Drizzle the teriyaki sauce over the meatballs. Toss them gently to coat each one well. Now, it’s time to assemble your rice bowls. In each serving bowl, place 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice. Top with the teriyaki-coated meatballs. Add a handful of steamed broccoli florets to each bowl. For the final touch, sprinkle sesame seeds and extra chopped green onions on top. Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious meal! To get the best meatball texture, mix well but don’t overwork the meat. Use ground chicken or turkey for a tender bite. Breadcrumbs help keep the meatballs moist. If the mixture feels dry, add a splash of soy sauce. For a firmer meatball, let them chill for 30 minutes before baking. To boost flavor, marinate the meatball mixture. Use a blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This step can add depth and make the meatballs more delicious. You can also marinate the cooked meatballs in teriyaki sauce before serving for extra flavor. Pair these meatballs with cooked jasmine rice and steamed broccoli. You can also add colorful veggies like carrots or bell peppers for a vibrant look. For a crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top. If you want more heat, drizzle with sriracha or chili sauce. Pro Tips Use chilled ingredients: Chilling the ground meat and other ingredients before mixing helps the meatballs hold their shape better during baking. Experiment with proteins: While ground chicken or turkey works well, you can substitute with ground beef or pork for a different flavor profile. Customize your sauce: Adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the teriyaki sauce by varying the amount of honey or soy sauce according to your taste preferences. Add more veggies: Enhance nutrition and flavor by including other steamed vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas in your rice bowls. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this recipe. Ground turkey or chicken works great. If you want a richer flavor, try ground beef. For a lighter option, ground pork is delicious too. Each protein brings its own taste, so feel free to experiment. While teriyaki sauce is tasty, you can mix it up! Try a sweet chili sauce for a kick. A hoisin sauce adds a nice depth of flavor. You could even use a simple soy sauce mix with honey for a quick fix. Each sauce changes the dish, keeping it fresh and fun. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat. This works well in the meatballs. You can also try chickpeas mashed with spices for a unique twist. If you want to go vegan, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. This keeps the sweetness while making it plant-based. After enjoying your teriyaki meatball rice bowls, you might have some leftovers. Place any extra meatballs and rice in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cool them first before sealing the container. This keeps the food safe and tasty. If you want to save some meatballs for later, freezing is a great idea. Allow the cooked meatballs to cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. After that, transfer the meatballs to a freezer bag or container. They will keep well for about three months. When you’re ready to eat, you can thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat your meatballs, there are a few easy methods. You can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop. For the microwave, place the meatballs on a plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. For the stovetop, simmer the meatballs in a little sauce over low heat until heated through. Enjoy them warm, just like when you first made them! You can tell the meatballs are done when they are golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check the inside. The temperature should be at least 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are safe to eat. If you cut one open, it should look firm and no longer pink inside. Yes, you can make this recipe in advance! Prepare the meatballs and sauce the day before. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake. This makes dinner prep quick and easy. Just reheat the meatballs and sauce before serving. These rice bowls pair well with many sides. You can add steamed veggies like carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers. A simple salad with a light dressing also works great. For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts or seeds on top. Yes, you can make a gluten-free version easily. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free option, like tamari. This way, you keep all the great flavors without gluten. Enjoy your delicious meal worry-free! Teriyaki meatballs are a tasty dish you can easily make. We covered the key ingredients, from the meatballs to the sauce and garnishes. I shared step-by-step guidance on mixing, shaping, and baking your meatballs. You learned tips for great texture and flavor, and we also explored fun variations. Don’t forget, proper storage keeps leftovers fresh. Now, you can get creative in the kitchen with these easy recipes and tips! Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Teriyaki Meatball Rice Bowls

Delicious rice bowls topped with teriyaki-coated meatballs and steamed broccoli.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Japanese

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken or turkey
0.25 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
0.25 cup honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups cooked jasmine rice
1 cup steamed broccoli florets
to taste sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for the meatballs.
Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken or turkey with breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions, minced ginger, minced garlic, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, aiming for about 1 inch in diameter. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Bake the meatballs: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should safely reach 165°F or 74°C).
Prepare the teriyaki sauce: While the meatballs are baking, make the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat and allow it to simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Coat the meatballs: After the meatballs finish baking, remove them from the oven. Drizzle the prepared teriyaki sauce over the meatballs, tossing them gently to coat evenly.
Assemble the rice bowls: In serving bowls, divide the cooked jasmine rice evenly. Top each bowl with a generous portion of teriyaki-coated meatballs, then add a handful of steamed broccoli florets alongside.
Garnish and serve: Enhance the aesthetic and flavor by sprinkling sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions over the bowls. Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the full flavors.

Notes

Serve warm for best flavor.

Keyword chicken, meatballs, rice bowls, teriyaki, turkey