Pork Meatballs and Rice Recipe
Table of Contents
Meatballs are very versatile food — you can have them on their own, pair them up with a bowl of rice, put them in bread, or use them to top noodles. If you want a dish that can consume all throughout the week that can never be boring, we’re giving you a recipe that ticks all your boxes. Check out this delicious, sticky-sweet Asian Pork Meatballs with Rice Recipe!
Asian Pork Meatballs and Rice Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground pork
- 1/2 to 2 cups medium or long-grain rice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce, divided
- 2 tablespoon fish sauce, divided
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 6 scallions, diced
- 1/4 panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger (grated)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
- Optional: scallions, sesame seeds
How to Make Asian Pork Meatballs and Rice
- Cook your rice using a rice cooker. You can also do it over the stove.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Prepare a large baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, add the ground meat, minced garlic, egg, soy sauce, panko breadcrumbs, fish sauce, ginger paste, and diced scallions. Using your hands, gently mix all the ingredients together. Be careful to not overmix. You may add salt and pepper to the meatball mixture if you wish.
- Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the meat mixture into balls. Place them on wax paper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, reduce heat to medium heat and cook meatballs for 3 to 5 minutes or until they’re golden brown on all sides. Make sure that you don’t cook the meatballs entirely.
- Transfer the pork meatballs to the prepared baking sheet. Place into the oven and bake the meatballs for 15 to 20 minutes or until they’re cooked through.
- While the meatballs are cooking in the oven, get a small bowl to make the sauce. Add soy sauce, fish sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, maple syrup, and cornstarch. Whisk to combine, then set aside.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and place your previously used skillet on the stove over low heat. Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the stove and return the meatballs to the skillet. Pour in the sauce and mix, making sure that the pork meatballs are evenly coated. The sauce should thicken very quickly. Set aside.
- Uncover your cooked rice and fluff with a fork, then divide among bowls or plates.
- Top the rice with the cooked meatballs. If desired, sprinkle scallions and sesame seeds before serving.
- Serve.
Recipe Tips
- This recipe is gluten-free.
- This recipe calls for ground pork but you can also use other meats such as ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken.
- White rice is used in this recipe but you can use other types of rice.
- You may also use instant rice. Simply boil the rice according to the package instructions.
- Aside from rice, you can also serve the meatballs with a bowl of noodles.
- Do a taste test before cooking all the meatballs. Form a small ball and fry it in the skillet. Eat and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- You can make this recipe ahead using a few options: make the meat blend in a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. You can also completely cook the pork balls and store them in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- You can also make a dipping sauce on the side. Simply combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon chili sauce, and a splash of fish sauce in a small bowl and dip the meatballs in it as you eat.
- If you want to increase the flavor of the meatballs, you can include fresh parsley or fresh cilantro in the mixture.
- This Asian Pork Meatballs and Rice dish is the perfect meal prep recipe. You can make the meatballs and freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Use a parchment sheet in between layers to make them easier to thaw.
Final Note
The great flavors of these pan-seared pork meatballs are perfect with rice and other food! They’re quick and easy to make too, making them ideal for anyone who wants a homemade meal after a long day. Furthermore, this Asian Pork Meatballs recipe is a good base for other meatball recipes. Simply substitute the pork with your preferred meat and you have a great dish in your hands!
Searching for more delicious rice recipes for your family? Have a look at our collection.
