Description
These tender beef meatballs are simmered in a sticky-sweet soy glaze with a touch of chili heat and served over fluffy jasmine rice. Finished with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds, they hit all the comforting takeout-style flavors but made easily at home.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 egg
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon soy sauce (for meat mixture)
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons grated garlic
1/3 cup soy sauce (for sauce)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
1 red Thai chili, finely chopped (optional for more heat)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 cups cooked jasmine rice (for serving)
1 tablespoon water (for reheating)
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, panko, grated ginger, grated garlic, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Form into small meatballs using damp hands.
3. Brown the meatballs in a skillet or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until mostly cooked through.
4. In a saucepan, combine 1/3 cup soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes.
5. Bring sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Add meatballs and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Allow sauce to reduce and thicken until it coats the back of a spoon.
7. Rest for 5 minutes to let the glaze settle.
8. Serve over hot jasmine rice. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds.
9. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
10. Reheat gently on the stove with 1 tablespoon water to loosen the sauce.
Notes
Use fresh ginger and garlic for best flavor—grated finely to blend smoothly into the meat.
Let the sauce simmer uncovered to thicken properly; don’t rush it.
Always garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds for flavor contrast and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Meatballs, rice bowl, soy glaze