Irresistible Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls Recipe

Recipe By:
Rosy Ranera
Updated:

The tantalizing aroma of sesame chicken meatball bowls wafts through the air, promising a flavor explosion with every bite. Imagine succulent meatballs infused with savory sesame, nestled atop a bed of fluffy rice, kissed by bright green scallions and drizzled in a sweet and tangy sauce that dances on your taste buds.

As I prepared this dish for my family’s Friday night dinner, memories flooded back of my childhood, standing beside my grandmother as she expertly rolled meatballs while regaling me with stories of her culinary adventures. These sesame chicken meatball bowls are not just food; they’re a celebration of flavors, perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The ease of preparation makes this dish a weeknight winner that’s ready in under an hour.
  • You’ll be captivated by the bold flavor profile that balances sweetness and umami.
  • With its vibrant colors and textures, it’s visually stunning and will impress any crowd.
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your pantry staples or dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Ground Chicken: Opt for lean ground chicken for juicy meatballs without excess fat. This will keep your dish light yet satisfying.

  • Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a crisp texture and vibrant color, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

  • Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic brings aromatic depth to the meatballs and sauce. Always choose fresh cloves for the best taste.

  • Sesame Oil: A little drizzle adds nutty richness to the meatballs, making them irresistibly delicious.

  • Breadcrumbs: Use plain or panko breadcrumbs to bind your meatballs together while keeping them tender inside.

For the Sauce:

  • Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce works best here; it lets other flavors shine without being overly salty.

  • Honey: Sweet honey balances the saltiness of soy sauce beautifully, creating a sticky glaze you’ll crave.

  • Rice Vinegar: This adds acidity to the sauce, brightening up all those rich flavors in the bowl.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls

How to Make Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.

Step 3: Form Your Meatballs

With clean hands (yes, we all love getting messy), roll the mixture into meatballs about the size of golf balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake Those Bad Boys

Bake the meatballs in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Your kitchen should smell like heaven by now!

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

While those meatballs are baking away like little flavor bombs, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to simmer gently until it thickens slightly.

Step 6: Assemble Your Bowls

Scoop fluffy rice into bowls (or quinoa if you’re feeling fancy) and top each serving with several golden brown meatballs. Drizzle generously with sauce and garnish with additional chopped green onions for that Instagram-worthy finish.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy these delightful sesame chicken meatball bowls as you reminisce about family meals or create new memories around your table!

You Must Know

  • These Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls are a delightful fusion of flavors, making meal prep a breeze.
  • You can easily customize them based on your taste preferences.
  • The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
  • Perfect for weeknight dinners but versatile enough for meal prepping.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing the meatball ingredients and rolling them into bite-sized wonders. While they’re baking, whip up a quick sauce and prepare your rice or quinoa. This way, everything comes together seamlessly, ensuring that every bite bursts with flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or even tofu if you’re feeling adventurous! Add some heat with sriracha or toss in extra veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for additional crunch and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a minute or two until hot, or sauté them quickly on the stove to retain their crispy exterior.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For perfectly moist meatballs, don’t overmix the ingredients; just combine until blended.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check doneness—165°F is your magic number.
  • Always let meatballs rest before serving; it helps them retain juices and flavor.

I remember the first time I made these Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls for my friends. Their faces lit up with delight—it was like I had served them gourmet food from a restaurant!

FAQs :

What are Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls?

Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls are a delightful and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken meatballs with a savory sesame sauce, served over a bed of rice or vegetables. This dish captures the essence of Asian cuisine, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. You can customize it with various toppings, such as green onions or sesame seeds, to enhance its presentation and taste. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or dinner, Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls provide a satisfying meal that’s both delicious and nutritious.

How do I prepare the meatballs for Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls?

To prepare the meatballs for your Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls, start by mixing ground chicken with breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, and fresh ginger in a bowl. Shape this mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes until cooked through and golden brown. This method ensures that your meatballs are juicy and flavorful, perfect for soaking up the sesame sauce when served in bowls.

Can I make Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls ahead of time! Prepare the meatballs and sauce separately in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the meatballs in the sauce on the stovetop or microwave. Serve over freshly cooked rice or veggies for a quick and easy meal that tastes just as good as when freshly made.

What side dishes pair well with Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls?

Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls pair wonderfully with several side dishes. Steamed broccoli or snap peas complement the flavors beautifully while adding vibrant color to your meal. You can also serve it alongside a simple Asian-style salad with cucumber and carrots dressed in sesame vinaigrette. For those who enjoy extra texture, crispy wonton chips make an excellent crunchy side to elevate your dining experience.

Conclusion for Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls :

Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls offer a delightful combination of flavors that can easily become a family favorite. By preparing tender chicken meatballs infused with savory sesame sauce and serving them over rice or vegetables, you create a nourishing meal perfect for any occasion. The ability to customize toppings adds versatility to this dish, making it enjoyable for everyone at the table. Whether you choose to make it ahead of time or whip it up fresh, these bowls promise satisfaction and taste that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Print

Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls

Savor the delightful flavors of Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls, featuring succulent ground chicken meatballs infused with savory sesame oil and served over a fluffy bed of rice. Drizzled with a sweet and tangy sauce, each bite promises an explosion of taste. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this quick and customizable dish will leave everyone coming back for seconds.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, sesame oil, salt, and pepper until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  3. Roll the mixture into golf-sized meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake for about 20 minutes or until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. While the meatballs are baking, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat until slightly thickened.
  6. Serve meatballs over rice or quinoa and drizzle with sauce; garnish with additional green onions.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 280g)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Feel free to substitute ground chicken with turkey or tofu based on dietary preferences. For added spice, include sriracha in the sauce or toss in extra vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli for enhanced flavor and nutrition.

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