Name: Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon gochujang; 2 teaspoons rice vinegar; 2 green onions, chopped; 2 cups cooked jasmine rice; 1 cucumber, thinly sliced; 1 carrot, shredded; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

If you love bold flavor with minimal fuss, Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls will quickly become a weeknight favorite. Juicy meatballs glazed in a sticky, savory-sweet sauce sit atop warm rice and crunchy pickled veggies. Every bite delivers a beautiful contrast of textures and tastes, making it as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.

This dish brings together everything we love about Korean flavors — garlic, ginger, sesame, and soy — in a form that’s easy to meal prep or serve right out of the pan. Whether you’re looking for something to pack for lunch or need a dinner that impresses without stress, these rice bowls get the job done.

Why You’ll Love This Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowl

Korean BBQ meatball bowls strike a perfect balance between indulgent and fresh. The meatballs are baked instead of fried, making them lighter but still rich and juicy. The BBQ glaze clings to every curve, adding a mouthwatering sheen of flavor. Combine that with soft jasmine rice and tangy vegetables, and you’ve got a full, comforting meal in one bowl. It’s great for families, easy to customize, and makes amazing leftovers too.

What Kind of Ground Meat Should I Use?

While ground beef is a classic go-to, you can easily swap it with ground pork, chicken, or even turkey depending on your taste or dietary needs. Pork delivers that authentic, fatty depth of Korean BBQ, while chicken or turkey keeps things on the leaner side. Whatever you choose, just make sure it has enough fat to stay moist in the oven. Avoid overly lean blends to keep the texture juicy and flavorful.

Ingredients for the Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls

This bowl is all about balance, and every ingredient plays a role. The meatballs need a rich, tender texture with that sweet-savory depth from the sauce, while the bowl itself thrives on contrast—soft rice, crisp veggies, and bold flavor.

Ground beef
Breadcrumbs
Egg
Garlic
Ginger
Soy sauce
Brown sugar
Sesame oil
Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
Rice vinegar
Green onions
Cooked jasmine rice
Cucumber
Carrots
Sesame seeds

How To Make the Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls

Step 1: Prep the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with breadcrumbs, a beaten egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a splash of soy sauce. Use your hands or a spoon to gently combine without overmixing.

Step 2: Form and Bake

Roll the mixture into bite-sized meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Korean BBQ Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar. Simmer on low heat until thickened, stirring often to avoid burning.

Step 4: Glaze the Meatballs

Toss the baked meatballs in the warm glaze until evenly coated. Let them soak up the sauce for a few minutes over low heat.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Scoop jasmine rice into bowls, top with glazed meatballs, thinly sliced cucumber and carrots, green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve warm.

How to Serve and Store Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls

These bowls are best served hot, right after assembling. The warmth of the meatballs and rice pairs perfectly with the cool crunch of the fresh vegetables. Each bowl serves about 4 people, making it ideal for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.

If you’re planning to store leftovers, keep the components separate. Store the meatballs with their glaze in one airtight container and the rice and vegetables in others. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the textures from blending too much. The meatballs reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep them moist.

What to Serve With Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls?

Steamed Broccoli

Mild and lightly seasoned, steamed broccoli adds a pop of green and complements the sweet-spicy glaze of the meatballs.

Kimchi

Nothing brings authentic Korean flair like fermented cabbage. Its tang and heat are just what you need to cut through the richness of the dish.

Miso Soup

A warm, savory starter like miso soup sets the tone for an umami-packed meal.

Seaweed Salad

This adds a briny contrast and refreshing texture alongside the meat and rice.

Korean Pancakes (Pajeon)

Savory pancakes made with scallions or vegetables make for a fun and crispy side option.

Pickled Radish

Crisp and slightly sweet, pickled radishes offer a bright bite to balance out the glaze.

Edamame

Quick to steam and season, edamame pods offer protein and a satisfying snacky side.

Want More Bowl Ideas with Global Flavor?

If you’re loving these Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls, you’re going to want to explore even more globally-inspired bowls that bring bold flavor to your table. Try these:

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl for a fresh and light take on meatballs.
Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta if you’re craving a rich and savory pasta bowl.
Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl for a protein-packed, spicy twist.
Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes and Mushrooms for cozy comfort in a bowl.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce Recipe for a high-protein sauce to drizzle over any grain bowl.

Save This Recipe For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try it with ground turkey or stick with beef? Did you go spicy or mild?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Share your tips or ask questions — we’re all learning together.

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Conclusion

Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls bring together everything that makes comfort food so irresistible: warmth, bold flavor, balance, and versatility. From the juicy glaze-drenched meatballs to the pickled crunch of fresh toppings, every layer hits the mark. Whether you’re hosting friends or feeding your family, this bowl delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss.