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Sticky Soy Garlic Meatballs with Sesame Rice


  • Author: Stephanie
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

12 oz (340 g) ground beef, pork, or chicken

1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 egg

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)

1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Rice:

1 cup cooked white or jasmine rice

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

2 green onions, sliced


Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

  • In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, salt, and pepper.

  • Form into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

2. Cook the Meatballs

  • Heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 teaspoon oil.

  • Add meatballs and cook 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Sticky Sauce

  • In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.

  • Add soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.

  • Bring to a simmer, then stir in cornstarch slurry. Cook until sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes.

  • Toss cooked meatballs in the sauce until fully coated.

4. Prepare the Sesame Rice

  • Fluff cooked rice and stir in sesame oil.

  • Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

5. Serve

  • Plate sesame rice and top with sticky soy garlic meatballs.

  • Drizzle extra sauce over the top and garnish with more sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

Notes

Make ahead: Meatballs can be prepared in advance and reheated in the sauce.

Protein alternatives: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for variation.

Extra flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Meal prep: Works perfectly for lunches or dinners; keep sauce separate if storing for best texture.

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 20

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450