Teriyaki Meatball Bowls (Printable Version)

Tender meatballs glazed with teriyaki, served over fragrant rice and topped with fresh cucumber.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meatballs

01 - 1.1 lb ground beef or chicken
02 - 1 large egg
03 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated
06 - 2 spring onions, finely chopped
07 - 2 Tbsp soy sauce
08 - 1 Tbsp sesame oil
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

→ Teriyaki Sauce

11 - 1/2 cup soy sauce
12 - 1/4 cup mirin
13 - 1/4 cup water
14 - 2 Tbsp brown sugar
15 - 1 Tbsp honey
16 - 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
17 - 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (slurry)

→ Bowls

18 - 1 1/4 cups uncooked jasmine or sushi rice
19 - 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
20 - 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
21 - 2 spring onions, sliced (for garnish)

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Cook the rice according to package instructions. Set aside and keep warm.
02 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
03 - In a large bowl, mix ground meat, egg, panko, garlic, ginger, spring onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper until just combined.
04 - Form the mixture into 20 to 24 small meatballs and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
05 - Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
06 - In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, water, brown sugar, honey, and rice vinegar. Simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
07 - Add the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat.
08 - Toss the baked meatballs in the teriyaki sauce until evenly coated.
09 - Divide cooked rice into four bowls. Top each with meatballs, sliced cucumber, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced spring onions.
10 - Serve bowls immediately for optimal texture and flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The homemade meatballs stay ridiculously juicy, even after baking
  • That teriyaki glaze coats everything in glossy perfection
  • Crisp cucumber cuts through the richness like a cool breeze
  • Everything comes together in under an hour with zero fuss
02 -
  • Overmixing the meat makes tough meatballs, barely combine it and stop
  • The sauce thickens fast once you add the cornstarch, do not walk away
  • Room temperature meatballs bake more evenly than cold ones
03 -
  • Use a cookie scoop for identical meatballs that cook evenly
  • Let the sauce cool slightly before tossing so it clings instead of sliding off
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