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Easy Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls

Korean BBQ meatball rice bowls - featured image
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A quick and flavorful recipe featuring juicy meatballs glazed in a sweet-savory Korean BBQ sauce, served over steamed rice for a comforting and easy meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef or pork
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (50 g)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine or short-grain rice
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • Extra green onions, sliced
  • Optional: sliced cucumber or kimchi for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef or pork, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, panko breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Form the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs, about 16 pieces. Keep hands slightly wet to prevent sticking.
  3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Cook meatballs in batches, turning occasionally until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, lower heat and add gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and water. Whisk and simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  5. Return meatballs to the pan and toss gently to coat with sauce. Simmer for another 2 minutes to let flavors meld.
  6. While meatballs cook, steam cooked jasmine rice. To serve, spoon rice into bowls, top with meatballs, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Add cucumber slices or kimchi if desired.

Notes

Do not overmix meatball mixture to keep them tender. Brown meatballs properly for best flavor. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water. For more heat, add Korean chili flakes or sriracha. Use tamari and gluten-free panko for gluten-free version. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as leaner protein alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean BBQ, meatballs, rice bowls, quick dinner, easy recipe, Korean sauce, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/easy-korean-bbq-meatball-rice-bowls-recipe-for-quick-flavor-punch/