Sweet Soy Glazed Meatball Bowls

$- 1 lb ground chicken (or turkey) - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1 egg, beaten - 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste To make the meatballs, you start with ground chicken or turkey. This gives the meatballs a great texture. Breadcrumbs help hold the meatballs together. A beaten egg adds moisture and binds everything. Green onions, ginger, and garlic provide a burst of flavor. Sesame oil adds a nice nutty taste, while salt and pepper enhance the overall flavor. - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening) The sweet soy glaze is what makes these meatballs shine. Soy sauce gives a rich umami flavor. Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness. Rice vinegar gives a slight tang. The cornstarch slurry thickens the glaze, making it stick to the meatballs. - Jasmine rice or quinoa - Steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables - Sesame seeds for garnish For serving, I like to use jasmine rice or quinoa as the base. They soak up the glaze well. Steamed broccoli or mixed veggies add color and health. A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top adds crunch and a nice look. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large bowl. Add 1 pound of ground chicken or turkey. Next, mix in 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs. Crack and beat 1 egg, then pour it into the bowl. Chop 2 tablespoons of green onions finely and add them. Grate 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger and toss it in, too. Mince 2 cloves of garlic and mix that in as well. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over the mixture. Finally, sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to combine everything well. Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Shape the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they have some space between them. Bake the meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes. They should be cooked through and golden brown when done. While your meatballs bake, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, add 1/4 cup of soy sauce. You can use tamari if you need a gluten-free option. Mix in 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. Now, take 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and mix it with 1 tablespoon of water. Add this slurry to the saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. This will take about 2 to 3 minutes. Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the sweet soy glaze over the meatballs and toss gently to coat them evenly. While the meatballs sit, prepare your jasmine rice or quinoa. Cook according to package instructions. Steam some broccoli or mixed vegetables as well. To serve, divide the rice or quinoa among bowls. Place the glazed meatballs on top and arrange the steamed vegetables alongside. For a final touch, sprinkle sesame seeds over everything. Enjoy your delicious meal! To get juicy meatballs, make sure you mix the meat gently. If you overmix, they can become tough. Aim for a light touch when forming the meatballs. Use a scoop to make them uniform. This helps them bake evenly. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the best results. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown. This shows they are done and delicious. You can easily personalize the sweet soy glaze. If you want more heat, add chili flakes or sriracha. For a richer flavor, try using dark soy sauce instead. If you prefer a tangy taste, add more rice vinegar. You can also swap honey for maple syrup for a vegan option. Mix and match to find your favorite flavor. To make a balanced meal, pair your meatballs with healthy sides. Jasmine rice or quinoa adds fiber and protein. Steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables bring vitamins and minerals. You can even add a fresh salad for more crunch. Don’t forget to sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a tasty finish. This adds flavor and makes your meal look great. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will enhance the flavor of your meatballs significantly. Always opt for fresh over powdered for the best results. Don't Overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, you can adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup in the glaze for a sweeter or less sweet flavor. Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to swap out broccoli for other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to suit your taste and make it colorful! {{image_2}} You can swap the ground chicken for other meats. Ground turkey works well too. Beef or pork will give a richer flavor. For a lighter option, try ground chicken breast. Each choice brings its own taste to the dish. To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also pick gluten-free breadcrumbs. This way, you can enjoy the same tasty meatballs without the gluten. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or chickpeas instead of meat. Mash them well and mix with breadcrumbs and spices. If you want a vegan option, skip the egg and use flaxseed meal as a binder. Combine one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This makes a great base for your meatballs. You can store leftover meatballs in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Reheat meatballs in the oven for the best texture. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Put the meatballs on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use the microwave if you are in a hurry. Just place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking often. To freeze the meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They will last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use different meats for this recipe. Ground turkey or pork works well. You can even use beef if you prefer. Each type adds its own flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed. To spice things up, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture. You can also mix in some sriracha or chili paste in the sweet soy glaze. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This helps you find the right heat level for you. If you want to replace honey, you can use maple syrup. Agave nectar is another good option. Both will still give you that sweet flavor. You can also try brown sugar mixed with a little water for a similar taste. You can definitely prepare this dish ahead of time. Make the meatballs and glaze, then store them separately in the fridge. Reheat them when you’re ready to serve. This makes for quick and easy meals throughout the week. You learned about making tasty meatballs with a sweet soy glaze. I walked you through ingredients, steps, and tips, and shared variations for everyone. Remember to adjust flavors and textures to fit your taste. Whether you stick to the basics or switch things up, you can create a meal that delights. Enjoy every bite and share your creations with friends and family! Happy cooking!$

Sweet Soy Glazed Meatball Bowls

Delicious meatball bowls glazed with a sweet soy sauce, served over rice or quinoa with vegetables.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken (or turkey)
0.25 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg, beaten
2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil
to taste salt and pepper
0.25 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
1 cup Jasmine rice or quinoa
as needed steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables
for garnish sesame seeds

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, green onions, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
While the meatballs are baking, combine soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, and cornstarch slurry in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the sweet soy glaze over them. Toss gently to coat the meatballs evenly.
While the meatballs sit, prepare jasmine rice or quinoa according to package instructions. Steam broccoli or your choice of mixed vegetables.
Divide the rice (or quinoa) among serving bowls, top with glazed meatballs, and arrange steamed vegetables alongside.
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and flavor. Serve immediately with additional green onions if desired.

Notes

Use tamari for a gluten-free option.

Keyword chicken, glazed, meatballs, quinoa, rice, soy sauce