Asian Pork Meatball Bowl

Asian-style homemade pork meatballs are seasoned with ginger and coated in a thick ginger-mirin glaze that's both salty and sweet. Served over rice with cucumber ribbons for an easy healthy dinner or meal-prep lunch. Amazing flavor and texture in every bite!

Flavorful homemade pork meatballs are drenched in a thick Asian-style ginger-sesame sauce and served over white rice with cucumber ribbons.

Dinner in a bowl that is everything except boring!

★ Why You'll Love this Recipe ★

These pork meatballs are made from scratch with a simple list of ingredients. They are moist, full of flavor, and are coated in a thick layer of Asian-style ginger sauce.

The sauce features ginger, garlic, mirin, and soy sauce. Sesame seed oil adds that lovely hint of toasted flavor and corn starch thickens this sauce to create more of a thick glaze that coats the meatballs perfectly.

Serve with fresh cucumber ribbons and serve over white rice for an easy, complete, healthy dinner that tastes amazing and can be easily reheated for lunch the next day as well.

These golden-brown spheres glistening with sticky-sweet glaze taste as good as they look. Crisp and caramelized on the outside, these meatballs have a soft inside packed with a balanced blend of Asian seasoning and a hint of spicy heat from the chili flakes.

The sweetness of mirin in the sauce is the perfect match with the salty depth of soy sauce, creating a flavor profile that's complex and addictive!

★ Ingredients You'll Need ★

Here's a look at everything you'll need to make these meatballs as well as the sauce. Save time using ginger and garlic paste.

Meatballs

• Ground pork.
• Ginger. You can use fresh grated, paste, or powder.
• Sea salt. Or regular table salt will work too.
• Panko breadcrumbs.
• Egg. For binding.
• Chili flakes. Adjust to your preferred spice level.
• Green onions.

Sauce

• Soy sauce. Can be adjusted up or down to preferred taste.
• Water. You could also use pork broth for added flavor.
• Mirin. This is a Chinese-Japanese sweet wine that adds amazing flavor.
• Garlic. You can use fresh grated, paste, or powder.
• Ginger. You can use fresh grated, paste, or powder.
• Cornstarch. This thickens the sauce. You don't need much.
• Toasted sesame oil. Creates richness and adds nutty flavor.

Garnish

• Toasted sesame seeds. You can buy these pre-toasted or toast them in an oven or toaster oven. Spread them on an ungreased baking sheet and bake at 400 for just 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant.
• Green onion. Thinly sliced or slice at an angle to add a fancy touch.

Serve with

• Cooked white rice. Jasmine rice is ideal but any rice will work.
• English cucumber. Use a peeler or vegetable mandolin to create thin ribbons for an elegant look and fun texture. Season with salt and pepper if desired and a drizzle of mirin and sesame seed oil.

★ How to Make this Recipe ★

This delicious meatball dish comes together in just a few parts.

Here's a look at what you'll do:

• Mix meatball ingredients.
• Roll to form meatballs.
• Bake meatballs.
• Whisk and heat sauce ingredients.
• Combine meatballs with sauce.
• Garnish and serve with rice and cucumber.

Quite simple. So good!

★ Tips & FAQs ★

What makes Asian Pork Meatballs unique?

Asian-style meatballs are distinctive for their flavorful blend of ingredients inspired by Asian cuisine. This recipe includes a mix of ground pork, soy sauce, mirin, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes to create a delicious salty-sweet flavor with a hint of spice.

Corn starch, which is typically used in Asian cooking to thick sauces, creates that signature sticky sauce. The thickened sauce coats meat, rice, and vegetables nicely adding tons of flavor to every bite.

Can I use other types of meat instead of pork?

Yes, you can experiment with different meats like ground chicken or beef to create variations; however, keep in mind that the unique taste of Asian pork meatballs comes from the specific combination of flavors associated with pork.

Are these meatballs spicy?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on personal preference. You can adjust the amount or chili flakes up or down and can add Sriracha, or other spicy sauces to increase the heat. Conversely, you can reduce or omit these ingredients for a milder version.

How do I prevent the meatballs from being too dense?

To achieve a tender and moist texture, avoid over-mixing the meat mixture. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined. The breadcrumbs and egg will help maintain the desired texture and also holds the meatballs together.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and shape the meatballs in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This makes them a convenient option for parties or busy weeknights.

You can also make a large batch of meatballs and freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Add about 5 minutes of cook time or allow them to defrost first before using in this recipe.

Are there other ways to cook the meatballs besides baking them?

You can bake, pan-fry, or even grill these meatballs based on your preference. Baking is convenient for larger batches, while pan-frying gives a more crispy exterior. If grilling, it's best to use a grill pan or foil to prevent meatballs from falling through the grate. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.

Are there any vegetarian alternatives to Asian Pork Meatballs?

You can experiment with plant-based ground protein. There are a number of options at most stores now. Use it just like you would the ground pork in this recipe.

Can I customize the size of the meatballs?

Yes. You can form the meatballs smaller for appetizers or larger for a main course. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave. Store raw veggies separately.

These meatballs can be frozen in an airtight container with or without sauce for up to 3 months.

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