If you’re craving a cozy dinner packed with sweet and savory flavors, these Teriyaki Beef Meatballs with Sticky Rice are perfect for you! The juicy, tender beef meatballs are coated in a rich teriyaki sauce, and when paired with soft, fluffy rice, they make a satisfying meal the whole family will adore. Get ready to indulge in this easy yet delicious dish!
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What Makes This Recipe Special
This dish brings together the comforting warmth of tender meatballs with a sweet, salty glaze that clings to every bite. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this is the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to for weeknight dinners.
Reasons to Love This Recipe:
- Sweet & Savory Balance: The homemade teriyaki sauce is rich, slightly sweet, and packed with umami.
- Quick & Simple: Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights.
- Family-Friendly: The flavors are mild but rich enough to please everyone.
- Customizable: Add veggies or swap sides to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatballs:
- Ground Beef (1 lb): Juicy and flavorful, it’s perfect for meatballs.
- Egg (1 large): Binds the mixture for perfect texture.
- Breadcrumbs (½ cup): Helps the meatballs hold their shape.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Adds a touch of depth and savoriness.
- Green Onion (2, chopped): For freshness and a hint of sweetness.
- Soy Sauce (2 tbsp): Adds a salty, umami punch to the meatballs.
- Sesame Oil (1 tsp): A hint of nuttiness.
- Black Pepper: To taste.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For frying.
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- Soy Sauce (½ cup): Base of the sauce.
- Honey (2 tbsp): Natural sweetness that balances the salty soy.
- Brown Sugar (1 tbsp): For a deeper caramelized sweetness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances the savory richness.
- Ginger (1 tsp, grated): A warming touch of spice.
- Cornstarch Slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water): Thickens the sauce to coat the meatballs.
- Sesame Seeds (1 tbsp): For garnish.
For the Sticky Rice:
- Jasmine or Sushi Rice (1 cup): Cooked to fluffy perfection.
- Water (2 cups): For cooking rice.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances the flavor of the rice.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Large skillet
- Medium pot for rice
- Small saucepan for sauce
Let’s Make Teriyaki Beef Meatballs with Sticky Rice
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined. - Shape and Cook the Meatballs:
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. - Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. - Coat the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are cooked through, pour the teriyaki sauce over them in the skillet. Toss gently to coat, letting them simmer for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors. - Cook the Sticky Rice:
While the meatballs are simmering, cook the rice in a pot with water and salt according to package instructions. Fluff the rice with a fork once cooked. - Serve and Enjoy:
Scoop a generous portion of sticky rice onto each plate, top with teriyaki meatballs, and garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions. Dig in!
What to Serve with This Dish
- Steamed broccoli or bok choy
- Roasted carrots or snap peas
- Cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame
Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Meatballs
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the beef can result in dense meatballs.
- Even Size: Use a cookie scoop for uniform meatballs that cook evenly.
- Control the Sweetness: Adjust the honey and brown sugar to taste.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground chicken works beautifully in this recipe.
- Is there a gluten-free option? Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes! The sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Conclusion
These Teriyaki Beef Meatballs are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with tender meatballs and a sticky sauce that’s simply irresistible. Pair them with sticky rice, and you’ve got an unforgettable meal!
Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your dish turns out.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 780mg

Teriyaki Beef Meatballs with Sticky Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
If you’re craving a cozy dinner packed with sweet and savory flavors, these Teriyaki Beef Meatballs with Sticky Rice are perfect for you! The juicy, tender beef meatballs are coated in a rich teriyaki sauce, and when paired with soft, fluffy rice, they make a satisfying meal the whole family will adore. Get ready to indulge in this easy yet delicious dish!
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- Ground Beef (1 lb): Juicy and flavorful, it’s perfect for meatballs.
- Egg (1 large): Binds the mixture for perfect texture.
- Breadcrumbs (½ cup): Helps the meatballs hold their shape.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Adds a touch of depth and savoriness.
- Green Onion (2, chopped): For freshness and a hint of sweetness.
- Soy Sauce (2 tbsp): Adds a salty, umami punch to the meatballs.
- Sesame Oil (1 tsp): A hint of nuttiness.
- Black Pepper: To taste.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For frying.
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- Soy Sauce (½ cup): Base of the sauce.
- Honey (2 tbsp): Natural sweetness that balances the salty soy.
- Brown Sugar (1 tbsp): For a deeper caramelized sweetness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances the savory richness.
- Ginger (1 tsp, grated): A warming touch of spice.
- Cornstarch Slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water): Thickens the sauce to coat the meatballs.
- Sesame Seeds (1 tbsp): For garnish.
For the Sticky Rice:
- Jasmine or Sushi Rice (1 cup): Cooked to fluffy perfection.
- Water (2 cups): For cooking rice.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances the flavor of the rice.
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined. - Shape and Cook the Meatballs:
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. - Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. - Coat the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are cooked through, pour the teriyaki sauce over them in the skillet. Toss gently to coat, letting them simmer for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors. - Cook the Sticky Rice:
While the meatballs are simmering, cook the rice in a pot with water and salt according to package instructions. Fluff the rice with a fork once cooked. - Serve and Enjoy:
Scoop a generous portion of sticky rice onto each plate, top with teriyaki meatballs, and garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions. Dig in!
Notes
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the beef can result in dense meatballs.
- Even Size: Use a cookie scoop for uniform meatballs that cook evenly.
- Control the Sweetness: Adjust the honey and brown sugar to taste.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired