When you’re craving something satisfying, sweet, savory, and just a little spicy, these Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls hit the spot in all the right ways. They’re packed with flavor, comforting textures, and come together in under an hour, making them an ideal choice for weeknight dinners.

The combination of juicy homemade meatballs coated in sticky Korean BBQ sauce served over fluffy rice with fresh veggies is unbeatable. It’s a dish that’s rich in umami and balanced with just the right hint of tang and crunch. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal-prepping for the week, this is a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowl

This dish brings everything you love about Korean BBQ into one cozy bowl. The meatballs are juicy and tender, with a flavor base that leans on garlic, ginger, and sesame. The sauce caramelizes beautifully and gives that irresistible sticky glaze. Paired with warm rice and crunchy vegetables, it’s a complete meal that satisfies on every level.

Plus, you can customize the toppings however you’d like. Add a jammy egg, sprinkle on sesame seeds, or load it up with pickled veggies for that true Korean flair.

What Kind of Meat Should I Use for the Meatballs?

You can use ground beef, pork, or a mix of both for the meatballs. Beef gives a rich, hearty flavor while pork adds juiciness and tenderness. A 50/50 blend creates the perfect texture and depth. If you prefer something leaner, ground turkey works great too—just be sure not to overcook so it stays moist.

Ingredients for the Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls

This recipe shines because every element brings a burst of flavor or texture to the bowl. From the savory richness of the meatballs to the fresh bite of garnishes, it all works in harmony. Here’s what you’ll need to make it happen:

Ground beef: Provides a hearty, beefy base for the meatballs.
Ground pork: Adds juiciness and enhances flavor complexity.
Garlic: Brings sharp, aromatic flavor to the meatballs.
Ginger: Adds warmth and a touch of spice.
Green onions: Lends brightness and color.
Soy sauce: Infuses umami and saltiness into both meatballs and sauce.
Sesame oil: Gives that distinct nutty, toasty depth.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and maintain tenderness.
Egg: Essential for keeping the meatballs together.
Brown sugar: Balances the savory and adds that caramelized edge to the sauce.
Gochujang: Delivers the bold heat and sweetness iconic to Korean BBQ.
Rice vinegar: Cuts through richness with a tangy brightness.
Cooked rice: Acts as the fluffy, starchy base for soaking up all the flavor.
Cucumber: Adds a cooling crunch.
Carrots: Shredded for a fresh, crisp bite.
Sesame seeds: For a subtle crunch and nutty finish.

How To Make the Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, breadcrumbs, and an egg. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix to keep the texture tender.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 18–20 minutes until cooked through and golden.

Step 3: Prepare the Korean BBQ Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, make the sauce by simmering soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a saucepan until thickened slightly. This will take about 5 minutes on medium heat.

Step 4: Coat the Meatballs

Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the sauce until well coated. Let them sit in the warm pan for a few minutes to soak up all that sticky, flavorful glaze.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Spoon hot cooked rice into bowls, then top with saucy meatballs, fresh cucumber slices, shredded carrots, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. You can add a soft-boiled egg or kimchi if you want to elevate the flavor even more.

How to Serve and Store Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls

This dish is perfect for serving fresh out of the kitchen or preparing ahead for easy grab-and-go meals. Each batch makes enough to feed four people generously, especially when paired with rice and toppings. Serve it hot, right after assembling, so you get the full contrast of sticky-sweet meatballs with cool, crunchy veggies and steamy rice.

If you have leftovers, store the meatballs and sauce separately from the rice and toppings to preserve textures. Keep everything in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the meatballs gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. The rice can be warmed with a damp paper towel to revive its fluffiness.

What to Serve With Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls?

Steamed Edamame

Lightly salted and steamed edamame pairs beautifully with this meal, adding a plant-based protein and a bright green pop.

Kimchi

For an authentic Korean bite, serve a side of kimchi. Its fermented tanginess cuts through the richness of the meatballs.

Miso Soup

A small bowl of warm miso soup makes for a comforting start to the meal or a balanced side.

Pickled Radish or Daikon

These tangy, crisp additions bring an exciting contrast and help cleanse the palate.

Roasted Seaweed Snacks

Crunchy and salty, roasted seaweed adds a nice texture boost if crumbled over your rice bowl.

Sautéed Bok Choy

A quick stir-fry of bok choy with garlic and sesame oil can round out your plate with even more greens.

Spicy Mayo Drizzle

Mix mayo with a little sriracha and drizzle over the top for a creamy, spicy finish.

Soft-Boiled Eggs

These add creaminess and richness that takes your bowl to the next level. Just slice one in half and nestle it on top.

Want More Bowl Ideas?

If you love these Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls, you’ll definitely want to check out some of these other crave-worthy meals that hit similar comforting notes:

Try the Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe when you’re in the mood for a one-pot dinner that’s hearty and full of rich flavor.
For another twist on creamy comfort food, the Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is simple, fast, and always satisfying.
Go for the Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta when you want silky, cheesy goodness to round out your day.
Need something with a smoky kick? Check out the One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for bold flavors and easy cleanup.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how your bowls turned out. Did you add kimchi or go for the spicy mayo drizzle? Maybe you swapped the meat for turkey or added roasted veggies?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better and smarter.

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