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Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls

Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls
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Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls are a fast and flavorful weeknight meal featuring juicy meatballs infused with bold Korean BBQ flavors, served over fluffy rice with fresh vegetables and toasted sesame seeds. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish combines sweet, smoky, and spicy notes for a satisfying and family-friendly dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef or pork (with about 15-20% fat)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1–2 tsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)

Korean BBQ Sauce

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1–2 tbsp gochujang
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil

Bowls Assembly

  • 3 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • Vegetables like cucumber and carrots for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef or pork with minced garlic, grated ginger, a splash of soy sauce, and gochujang. Mix gently to combine without overworking the meat, then form into small, even-sized meatballs about one inch in diameter.
  2. Cook the meatballs: Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer, cooking and turning occasionally until browned all over and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. Make the Korean BBQ sauce: While the meatballs cook, whisk together soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and sesame oil until smooth and glossy. Adjust sweetness or spice based on your preference.
  4. Combine meatballs with sauce: Pour the sauce over the cooked meatballs in the skillet. Toss gently to coat each meatball thoroughly, cooking for another 2 minutes so the sauce thickens and clings to the meat.
  5. Assemble the bowls: Divide the warm rice into serving bowls. Top each with saucy Korean BBQ meatballs, a handful of fresh sliced cucumber and shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender.
  • Make uniform meatballs for even cooking.
  • Use fresh garlic and ginger to elevate flavor.
  • Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for deeper nuttiness.
  • Let cooked meatballs rest briefly to lock in juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean BBQ, meatballs, rice bowls, quick dinner, weeknight meal, Korean cuisine, spicy meatballs

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/korean-bbq-meatball-rice-bowls/