Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 or 85/15
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, plain or panko
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons gochujang, Korean chili paste
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 cups cooked white rice, short grain or sushi rice
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, optional
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil, for cooking
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Roll into bite-sized balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in a single layer without crowding. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through to 160°F internal temperature. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, whisk together remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Simmer over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, whisking occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.
- Return cooked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat every meatball completely. Cook for 2 more minutes to let the sauce caramelize slightly on the meatballs.
- Scoop warm cooked rice into four serving bowls. Top with glazed meatballs and drizzle any extra sauce from the pan over the rice.
- Arrange sliced cucumber, julienned carrots, and chopped green onions around the meatballs. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Make Ahead: Cook meatballs up to 3 days in advance and store in fridge. Reheat in fresh sauce before serving.
Freezer Friendly: Freeze cooked meatballs without sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge and glaze with fresh sauce.
Spice Level: Reduce gochujang to 1 tablespoon for less heat. Add red pepper flakes for extra kick.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce. Check gochujang label for gluten.
Storage: Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Add fresh vegetables before serving.