Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls

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Bring the bold flavors of Korean BBQ into your kitchen with these savory Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls. Juicy, tender meatballs are glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce, then served over fluffy rice with crisp vegetables for a balanced, satisfying meal. The mix of textures—soft rice, sticky sauce, crunchy veggies—makes every bite irresistible.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even impressing guests, this dish takes the essence of Korean barbecue and transforms it into a comforting rice bowl. It’s easy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable—you can switch up the veggies or even the grain base to fit your mood.

Why You’ll Love This Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowl

This recipe brings restaurant-quality Korean BBQ flavors to your dinner table in under an hour. The sauce balances sweet, salty, and umami notes, while the meatballs are moist and flavorful with garlic and ginger. Add fresh toppings like cucumbers, carrots, or kimchi, and you’ll have a wholesome meal that tastes better than takeout.

What Kind of Meat Should I Use for Korean BBQ Meatballs?

Ground beef is the classic choice, but ground pork or a mix of beef and pork will give even juicier results. For a leaner option, ground chicken or turkey also works beautifully while still absorbing all those bold Korean flavors.

Ingredients for Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls

Each ingredient in this recipe helps build bold layers of flavor and texture that make these bowls so satisfying.

  • Ground Beef (or pork blend) – the base of the meatballs, juicy and rich.
  • Breadcrumbs – help bind the meatballs while keeping them tender.
  • Egg – adds structure so the meatballs hold together.
  • Garlic & Ginger – essential aromatics that infuse the meat with depth and warmth.
  • Soy Sauce – gives the meatballs a savory, umami kick.
  • Brown Sugar – balances the saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
  • Sesame Oil – adds a nutty, toasty flavor that’s distinctively Korean.
  • Green Onions – bring freshness and a subtle sharp bite.
  • Cooked Rice – the hearty base that soaks up the sauce.
  • Cucumbers, Carrots, or Kimchi – crisp, refreshing veggies to balance the richness.
  • Korean BBQ Sauce (homemade or store-bought) – the glaze that ties it all together.
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How To Make the Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls

Follow these steps for a foolproof, flavorful meal:

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Mix gently until just combined, then roll into bite-sized balls.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 3: Glaze with Korean BBQ Sauce

Pour the Korean BBQ sauce over the meatballs and let them simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat each one in a sticky glaze.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Spoon warm rice into bowls, top with glazed meatballs, and arrange sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or kimchi around the edges for freshness and crunch.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with sesame seeds, extra green onions, or a drizzle of sriracha if you like heat. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Korean BBQ feast!

Serving and Storing Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls

This recipe makes enough to comfortably serve 4 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. Serve each bowl hot with a generous portion of rice, meatballs, and toppings for a balanced plate.

If you’re meal prepping, store the meatballs and rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep fresh toppings like cucumbers or kimchi separate until ready to serve, so they retain their crunch. For longer storage, freeze cooked meatballs (without sauce) for up to 2 months, then reheat and glaze with fresh sauce when serving.

What to Serve With Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls?

These bowls are hearty on their own, but pairing them with light sides makes the meal even more satisfying:

1. Miso Soup

A warm, comforting starter that complements the bold flavors of the meatballs.

2. Steamed Dumplings

Soft dumplings filled with pork or veggies add another fun element to the meal.

3. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Bright, crisp, and refreshing with a spicy kick.

4. Pickled Radishes

Their tanginess cuts through the savory richness of the dish.

5. Garlic Edamame

A protein-packed side with just the right amount of garlicky goodness.

6. Seaweed Salad

Light, refreshing, and packed with umami.

7. Sweet Mango or Pineapple Slices

A fresh, juicy finish that balances the savory meal beautifully.

Want More Asian-Inspired Dinner Ideas?

If you enjoyed these Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls, you’ll love trying these other flavorful recipes from my kitchen:

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📌 Save this Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowl recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime!

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out—did you try extra heat with sriracha or keep it mild? Did you swap in turkey or stick with beef? I love hearing your kitchen twists.

Explore beautifully curated, health-boosting dishes and more Asian-inspired favorites on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest.

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Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls 1

Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls

  • Author: Nora
  • Total Time: 40
  • Yield: 4 bowls
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Description

Craving a takeout-style bowl that’s faster, cheaper, and packed with big flavor? These Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls deliver caramelized, sticky-sweet meatballs over fluffy jasmine rice with cool, crunchy veggies for balance. The savory sauce leans umami with soy, sesame, and a touch of gochujang heat—perfect for an easy dinner, weeknight meal prep, and satisfying food ideas in under an hour.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (85% lean)

1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

1 tsp toasted sesame oil

2 green onions, finely sliced

3 cups cooked jasmine rice, warm

1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced

1 cup carrots, shredded

1 cup kimchi, chopped (optional)

1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (for sauce)

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)

2 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tsp garlic, minced (for sauce)

1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (for sauce)

1 tbsp toasted sesame oil (for sauce)

2 tsp cornstarch

2 tbsp water

1 tbsp sesame seeds

2 tbsp green onions, sliced (for garnish)

1 tsp sriracha (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook jasmine rice according to package directions.

2. Combine beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions; mix gently.

3. Shape 20–24 small meatballs.

4. Brown meatballs in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat 6–8 minutes to 160°F (71°C).

5. Whisk sauce: soy, brown sugar, gochujang, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil; add cornstarch slurry.

6. Simmer sauce 2–3 minutes until glossy; toss meatballs to coat.

7. Assemble bowls with rice, meatballs, cucumbers, carrots, and kimchi.

8. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and sriracha to taste.

Notes

Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken; add 1 tbsp extra breadcrumbs if mixture is loose.

Double the sauce if you like extra drizzle for the rice and veggies.

  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Korean-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 12
  • Sodium: 980
  • Fat: 24
  • Saturated Fat: 7
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 70
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 30
  • Cholesterol: 135

Keywords: korean bbq meatballs, rice bowls, easy dinner, weeknight meal, meal prep

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