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