Teriyaki Meatball Bowls (Printer-friendly)

Savory meatballs glazed in teriyaki, paired with steamed rice and refreshing cucumber slices.

# What You Need:

→ 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)

# Steps:

01 - Cook the rice following package instructions, then keep warm until ready to serve.
02 - Set oven to 400°F and 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 - Shape the mixture into 20 to 24 small meatballs and place 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. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture simmers.
07 - Add cornstarch slurry and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until thickened and glossy, then remove from heat.
08 - Toss baked meatballs in the teriyaki sauce until fully coated.
09 - Divide cooked rice among four bowls and top with glazed meatballs, sliced cucumber, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced spring onions.
10 - Serve immediately while warm.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes restaurant-quality but comes together faster than ordering takeout.
  • The meatballs stay tender and juicy, never dry or rubbery like homemade ones can be.
  • One bowl feeds you completely, no side dishes required unless you want them.
02 -
  • Don't skip the cornstarch slurry or your sauce will stay thin and run off the meatballs instead of clinging to them.
  • The meatballs need to be fresh and still warm when they hit the glaze so they absorb the flavors and finish cooking slightly in the residual heat.
  • Cucumber adds a cooling contrast that's essential; skipping it makes the bowl feel one-dimensional and heavy.
03 -
  • Freeze extra meatballs before baking and pop them straight into the oven frozen if you want a quick dinner later.
  • Make the glaze a day ahead so the flavors deepen, then reheat it gently before tossing with fresh hot meatballs.
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