Looking for a quick, tasty meal? Try my Teriyaki Meatball Rice Bowls! Theyβre packed with flavor and easy to make. Iβll guide you through choosing the right ingredients, making the perfect meatballs, and serving them with fluffy rice. Plus, youβll learn tips to avoid common mistakes and even explore fun variations. Letβs dive into this meal thatβs sure to impress your family and friends!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein from ground chicken or turkey and nutrient-rich veggies, itβs a wholesome meal.
- Flavorful Teriyaki Glaze: The teriyaki sauce adds a delicious sweet and savory flavor that complements the meatballs beautifully.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out the veggies or add your favorite toppings to make it your own!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
For Teriyaki Meatball Rice Bowls, you will need:
- 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Substitutions for Ground Chicken or Turkey
You can use other ground meats if you wish. Ground beef or pork works well in this recipe. For a leaner option, try ground chicken or turkey. If you want a plant-based choice, use ground tofu or lentils. These can mimic the texture and flavor of meatballs.
Alternatives for Teriyaki Sauce
If you donβt have teriyaki sauce, there are easy swaps. You can mix soy sauce with honey or maple syrup for a quick fix. A blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a pinch of sugar also tastes great. For a spicy twist, add some chili paste or sriracha.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Meatball Mixture
To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of ground chicken or turkey. Then, toss in 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs. Next, add 1/4 cup of chopped green onions. Mince 1 clove of garlic and add it in. Grate 1 tablespoon of ginger and mix that in too. Now, beat 1 egg and pour it into the bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce. Mix everything until it is well combined.
Baking the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). While the oven warms up, form the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch wide. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes. They should look golden brown and be cooked through.
Cooking Jasmine Rice and Steaming Vegetables
While the meatballs bake, cook 2 cups of jasmine rice according to the package instructions. In a separate pot, steam 1 cup of broccoli florets and 1/2 cup of shredded carrots until they are tender. Once the meatballs are done, toss them in extra teriyaki sauce to glaze them. Now you can build your rice bowls! Start with a scoop of rice, add meatballs, steamed veggies, and finish with a drizzle of teriyaki sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a nice touch.
Tips & Tricks
How to Make Perfectly Flavored Meatballs
To make great meatballs, start with quality ground chicken or turkey. The mix of meat and other ingredients is key. Use breadcrumbs to keep them moist. Add chopped green onions for a fresh bite. Minced garlic and grated ginger bring a nice zing. Donβt forget to season with salt and pepper! The egg helps bind everything together. Mix well, but donβt overwork it. Shape the meatballs into small balls, about one inch wide. This size cooks evenly and fits well in the bowl.
Presentation Ideas for Rice Bowls
A beautiful bowl makes the meal more fun! Use colorful bowls to make the dish pop. Start with a generous scoop of jasmine rice in each bowl. Place the meatballs on top, then add steamed broccoli and shredded carrots. Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce for shine and flavor. For a final touch, sprinkle sesame seeds and extra green onions on top. This adds color and crunch!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the meatballs. They should be golden brown but not dry. Check them at 20 minutes. If they need more time, watch closely. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Taste the meat mixture before cooking. Lastly, donβt skip the teriyaki sauce drizzle at the end. It enhances the flavor and makes the dish shine.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavor of your meatballs significantly.
- Donβt overcrowd the baking sheet: Space the meatballs out to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
- Experiment with vegetables: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added color and nutrients.
- Adjust sauce to taste: If you like it sweeter, add more teriyaki sauce; if you prefer it saltier, a dash of soy sauce works well.

Variations
Vegetarian or Vegan Options
You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. For the meatballs, use lentils or chickpeas as the base. Mash them up and mix with breadcrumbs, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings. You can also replace the egg with a flaxseed meal or a chia seed mixture. This keeps the texture and helps bind the meatballs. For the teriyaki sauce, check for brands that are vegan-friendly or make your own with soy sauce, maple syrup, and ginger.
Different Protein Options for Meatballs
While I love ground chicken or turkey, you can use other proteins too. Ground beef adds a rich flavor. For a lighter choice, try ground pork. If you want a seafood twist, use minced shrimp or crab. Each protein brings its own taste, so feel free to experiment. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose.
Flavor Variations for Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce is sweet and savory, but you can add your own twist. For a spicy kick, mix in some sriracha or red pepper flakes. If you want a sweeter sauce, add more honey or brown sugar. You can even toss in some pineapple juice for a fruity note. Try adding sesame oil for a nutty flavor, or a splash of rice vinegar for tang. Each change makes the sauce unique and delicious!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Rice Bowls
You can store leftover rice bowls in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the bowls before sealing them. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the rice and meatballs tasty.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat your rice bowls, use the microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, place the bowl in for one to two minutes. Stir halfway to heat evenly. If using a skillet, heat on low until warmed through. Add a splash of water for moisture.
Freezing Meatballs and Rice
You can freeze meatballs and rice separately. For meatballs, let them cool first, then place them in a freezer bag. They last for up to three months. For rice, store it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label everything with the date.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice?
Yes, you can use different types of rice. While jasmine rice is light and fragrant, you might try brown rice for a nutty taste. Sushi rice is another option, as it is sticky and holds together well. Quinoa is also a great choice, adding protein and a unique texture. Each rice type will change the flavor and feel of your dish.
How can I make teriyaki sauce from scratch?
Making teriyaki sauce is easy and quick. You will need soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and ginger. Hereβs a simple recipe:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Combine these ingredients in a small pot. Cook over low heat for about 5 minutes. Stir until the honey fully dissolves. This sauce adds a rich flavor to your meatballs.
What vegetables can I add to the rice bowl?
You can add many vegetables to your rice bowl. Steamed broccoli is a great choice, as it gives a nice crunch. Carrots add sweetness and color. Bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy can also work well. You might even try sautΓ©ed mushrooms or zucchini for variety. Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste!
This blog shows you how to make tasty rice bowls with meatballs. We covered the best ingredients and easy substitutes, plus step-by-step cooking tips. You learned how to prepare, bake, and store your rice bowls. Donβt forget the variations to keep meals exciting. My final thought is to experiment and find what you love. Enjoy every bite of your delicious creatio

Teriyaki Meatball Rice Bowls
IngredientsΒ Β
- 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 egg beaten
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- for garnish sesame seeds
InstructionsΒ
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, beaten egg, salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce. Mix until well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C).
- Form the meat mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the rice and steam the broccoli and carrots.
- Once the meatballs are done, toss them in some additional teriyaki sauce to glaze.
- To assemble the rice bowls, place a generous scoop of jasmine rice at the bottom of each bowl.
- Top the rice with meatballs, steamed broccoli, and shredded carrots.
- Drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish.


