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Sticky Honey Garlic BBQ Meatball Bowls with Creamy Sriracha

sticky honey garlic BBQ meatball bowls - featured image

Juicy, tender meatballs glazed in a sticky honey garlic BBQ sauce are served over fluffy rice and veggies, then finished with a creamy, spicy sriracha drizzle. This easy, customizable bowl is perfect for quick weeknight dinners and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular, or gluten-free)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium is fine)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pan searing)
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or other hot sauce
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (regular, light, or vegan)
  • 12 tablespoons sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 23 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
  • 12 cups steamed or roasted veggies (broccoli, snap peas, carrots, or bell peppers)
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, minced garlic, chopped onion, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter). You should get 18-22 meatballs.
  3. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in a single layer and brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes total. (Alternatively, bake on a lined baking sheet at 400°F for 12-14 minutes.)
  4. While meatballs are browning, combine BBQ sauce, honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and sriracha in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often, and let bubble for 2-3 minutes until glossy and thickened.
  5. Add browned meatballs to the pan with the sauce (or pour sauce over meatballs in the skillet). Toss gently to coat. Simmer uncovered, turning occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and sauce is sticky.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and lime juice for the creamy sriracha drizzle. Adjust heat and sweetness to taste.
  7. Divide cooked rice or grain base among serving bowls. Top with steamed or roasted veggies. Arrange sticky honey garlic BBQ meatballs on top, spooning extra sauce over everything. Drizzle with creamy sriracha and garnish with cilantro, sesame seeds, and green onions if desired.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture for tender results. Use a cookie scoop for uniform meatballs. Browning in a skillet gives a great crust, but baking is hands-off. Sauce can be adjusted for thickness with water or broth. Use any veggies or grains you like. Meatballs and sauce freeze well for meal prep.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball bowls, honey garlic, BBQ, sriracha, easy dinner, weeknight, meal prep, comfort food, rice bowls, customizable, gluten-free option, dairy-free option