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Are you ready to whip up a meal the whole family will love? My Teriyaki Meatball Bowls are packed with flavor and super easy to make! With juicy meatballs, a rich homemade teriyaki sauce, and tasty sides, this recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner. Let me guide you step-by-step to create a tasty dish that brings smiles to the table. Get ready to dive into this delicious adventure!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, with simple steps that make it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Flavorful and Healthy: The teriyaki sauce combined with lean ground chicken or turkey makes for a delicious yet nutritious meal.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out the vegetables or grains, allowing for endless variations to suit your taste.
- Great for Meal Prep: These meatball bowls are perfect for meal prepping; they store well and reheat beautifully!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Teriyaki Meatballs
– 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
I use ground chicken or turkey for these meatballs. They stay moist and tasty. Panko breadcrumbs help create a light, crispy texture. They soak up flavors but don’t make the meatballs dense. Green onions add a fresh taste. Ginger gives a warm, zesty kick. Garlic boosts the flavor with its savory notes.
Teriyaki Sauce Components
– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
I prefer low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option. It keeps the dish from being too salty. Honey or agave syrup sweetens the sauce. You can choose either based on your taste. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that enhances the dish. Rice vinegar gives a tangy zest, balancing out the sweetness.
Accompaniments
– 1 cup cooked jasmine rice (or brown rice)
– 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
– Sesame seeds for garnish
– Extra green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
I love serving teriyaki meatballs over cooked jasmine rice. It soaks up all that delicious sauce. Brown rice is a great choice for added fiber. Steamed broccoli adds a nice crunch and bright color. Finish with sesame seeds for a nutty touch and sliced green onions for extra freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step helps the meatballs cook evenly. While the oven warms up, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This paper keeps the meatballs from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Mixing the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground chicken or turkey with 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs. Add in 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Pour in 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce. Using your hands, mix everything well. You want all the flavors to blend. A good mix keeps your meatballs tasty and moist.
Baking and Preparing the Sauce
Now it’s time to shape the meatballs. With your hands, form the mixture into balls, each about 1.5 inches wide. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving space between each one. This space helps them cook evenly. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
While the meatballs bake, prepare the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey (or agave syrup), 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. Stir the mixture until smooth. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often. The sauce will thicken slightly, making it perfect for coating the meatballs.
Once the meatballs are done, place them in a large bowl. Pour the sauce over them and gently toss. This ensures every meatball gets a tasty coating.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Meatballs
To keep your meatballs moist, use ground chicken or turkey. This meat is lean but still juicy. Add panko breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture and hold in moisture. Mix the meat with breadcrumbs, green onions, ginger, and garlic well. This ensures that every bite is flavorful.
Cooking times can vary by oven. If your oven runs hot, check the meatballs a bit early. Aim for a golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F. This is the perfect point for cooking meatballs.
Teriyaki Sauce Enhancements
To thicken your sauce, let it simmer longer. This helps reduce the liquid and makes it stick better to the meatballs. You can also mix a little cornstarch with water for a quick thickening trick.
For flavor variations, try adding red pepper flakes for heat or sesame seeds for crunch. You can even stir in pineapple juice for a fruity twist. These options can make your teriyaki sauce unique.
Serving Suggestions
When serving, choose colorful bowls to make the dish pop. Layer the rice at the bottom, then add meatballs and broccoli on top. Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions for garnish.
For sides, crispy edamame or a simple cucumber salad work well. You can also offer a wedge of lime or lemon. A squeeze of citrus can brighten the dish and enhance the flavors.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh ginger and green onions for the best flavor in your meatballs and sauce.
- Perfect Meatball Texture: If your mixture feels too wet, add a bit more panko breadcrumbs to help hold the meatballs together.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your taste, you can adjust the amount of honey or agave syrup in the teriyaki sauce for a sweeter or more savory flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These meatballs can be made ahead of time and frozen. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to serve!
Variations
Protein Substitutes
You can easily switch the meat in your teriyaki meatballs. Use ground beef or pork for a different flavor. For a plant-based option, try crumbled tofu or lentils. These choices can still give you tasty meatballs. Each protein type brings its own unique taste.
Rice Options
Rice is a great base for your bowls, but you can mix it up. Try quinoa for a nutty taste. Cauliflower rice is a low-carb choice. Both options add nice texture and flavor. You can also use brown rice for a healthy twist. Each type of rice will change the dish’s feel.
Additional Toppings
Toppings can really make your bowl shine. Add sliced radishes for crunch. Shredded carrots give a sweet bite. You could also use avocado slices for creaminess. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten your dish. These extras not only taste great but also look beautiful!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your teriyaki meatball bowls fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps keep the meatballs and rice moist. They can last up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to let them cool before sealing. This prevents condensation, which can make food soggy.
Freezing Tips
If you want to freeze meatballs, do it in two parts. Freeze meatballs and sauce separately. Let meatballs cool completely before freezing. Place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. For the sauce, pour it into a container. Label both bags with the date. They can last for up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating Instructions
When it’s time to eat, reheat meatballs in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs on a baking sheet for even heating. Bake for about 15 minutes. For the sauce, warm it in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir often to keep it from burning. This method makes sure your meatballs stay juicy and the sauce stays flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat?
Yes, you can use many types of meat for these meatballs. Ground beef or pork works well. You can also use plant-based proteins, like lentils or chickpeas, for a veggie option. The key is to keep the texture right. Adjust the cooking time if you use different meats.
What can I serve with teriyaki meatball bowls?
These meatball bowls pair well with several sides. Try steamed veggies like carrots or snap peas. You can also serve a light salad or pickled cucumbers for a fresh taste. For drinks, green tea or sparkling water works nicely. These options balance the rich flavors of the teriyaki sauce.
How do I know when meatballs are fully cooked?
To check if your meatballs are done, use a meat thermometer. They should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, cut a meatball in half. The inside should be no longer pink. The juices should run clear. This ensures your meatballs are safe and tasty!
In this article, we explored how to make delicious teriyaki meatballs. We covered the key ingredients, like ground meat and flavorful sauces. I shared steps for mixing, baking, and serving these tasty meatballs. We also discussed helpful tips for perfecting your dish, along with variations and storage methods. Finally, I gave answers to common questions.
Remember, with each effort, you can create a meal that delights everyone. Enjoy making teriyaki meatballs and experimenting in the kitche
Teriyaki Meatball Bowls
Delicious meatballs coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce served over rice and broccoli.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
- 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 cup cooked jasmine rice (or brown rice)
- 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
- to taste sesame seeds for garnish
- to taste extra green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken (or turkey) with the panko breadcrumbs, finely chopped green onions, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and mix thoroughly.
Form the mixture into meatballs, each about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining soy sauce, honey (or agave syrup), sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Stir until smooth and bring to a gentle simmer, cooking for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Once the meatballs are fully baked, place them in a large bowl and pour the teriyaki sauce over them, gently tossing to coat.
To serve, place a scoop of cooked jasmine rice at the bottom of each serving bowl and top with teriyaki meatballs and steamed broccoli florets.
Garnish with sesame seeds and additional sliced green onions before serving.
For an attractive presentation, use colorful bowls and place a pair of chopsticks beside each serving. Consider adding a wedge of lime or lemon for a fresh squeeze of citrus right before enjoying.
Keyword meatballs, rice bowl, teriyaki
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