Honey Soy Meatballs Rice Bowls with Sesame Lime Dressing

Posted on May 23, 2025

Honey Soy Meatballs Rice Bowls with Sesame Lime Dressing

If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare, look no further than these Honey Soy Meatballs Rice Bowls with Sesame Lime Dressing. This dish brings together succulent meatballs infused with sweet and savory flavors, served over a bed of fluffy rice and topped with vibrant vegetables. The zingy sesame lime dressing adds a refreshing twist that elevates the entire meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for Honey Soy Meatballs Rice Bowls with Sesame Lime Dressing is a true crowd-pleaser. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:

  • Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a rich and complex flavor profile that is both sweet and savory. The addition of fresh lime juice in the dressing brightens the dish, making every bite a delight.
  • Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. The meatballs can be baked in the oven while you prepare the rice and vegetables, making it a hassle-free dinner option.
  • Customizable: Feel free to swap the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. This dish is versatile, allowing you to add your favorite seasonal veggies or even switch out the protein.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein from the meatballs and loaded with vitamins from the vegetables, this meal is not only delicious but also good for you. You can easily make it healthier by using brown rice and lean ground turkey.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a meal that’s as nutritious as it is tasty, then trying out these Honey Soy Meatballs Rice Bowls with Sesame Lime Dressing is a must. Here’s why:

  • Meal Prep Friendly: These bowls are perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare a large batch of meatballs and store them in the fridge or freezer. Reheat them throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.
  • Family-Friendly: Kids will love the sweet flavor of the honey soy meatballs, making this dish a hit for the whole family. Plus, allowing kids to help assemble their own bowls can make mealtime fun.
  • Great for Entertaining: Impress your guests with this vibrant rice bowl. The colorful presentation and delicious flavors make it an excellent choice for casual get-togethers.
  • Satisfying and Filling: With protein from the meatballs and carbs from the rice, this meal is filling and keeps you satisfied for hours. It’s a perfect combination to fuel your day.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To create these Honey Soy Meatballs Rice Bowls with Sesame Lime Dressing, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients

  • For the Meatballs:
    • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
    • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
    • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 egg
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Honey Soy Sauce:
    • 1/4 cup soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
  • For the Rice Bowls:
    • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
    • 1 cup steamed broccoli
    • 1 cup shredded carrots
    • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
  • For the Sesame Lime Dressing:
    • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
    • Juice of 1 lime
    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
    • 1 teaspoon honey
    • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Necessary Utensils

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooking pot for rice
  • Steamer for vegetables (or microwave-safe dish)

Detailed Recipe Steps

Follow these detailed steps to prepare your Honey Soy Meatballs Rice Bowls with Sesame Lime Dressing:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, green onions, minced garlic, egg, soy sauce, honey, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  2. Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
  3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  4. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and browned.

Step 2: Make the Honey Soy Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  2. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice Bowls

  1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
  2. Steam broccoli and prepare shredded carrots.

Step 4: Make the Sesame Lime Dressing

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Rice Bowls

  1. In a bowl, layer cooked rice, steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and meatballs.
  2. Drizzle the honey soy sauce over the meatballs and top with the sesame lime dressing.
  3. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

FAQs

What can I serve with Honey Soy Meatballs Rice Bowls with Sesame Lime Dressing?

You can serve these rice bowls with a side of steamed vegetables, pickled ginger, or a simple salad for extra freshness. They also pair nicely with a light soup.

Can I make Honey Soy Meatballs Rice Bowls with Sesame Lime Dressing ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them before serving, and assemble the rice bowls just before eating.

Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?

Absolutely! You can use ground chicken, pork, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you prefer a vegetarian option.

Is the Sesame Lime Dressing necessary?

While the dressing adds a delicious zing, you can skip it if you prefer. The honey soy sauce provides plenty of flavor on its own.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Conclusion

Now that you have this incredible recipe for Honey Soy Meatballs Rice Bowls with Sesame Lime Dressing, it’s time to get cooking! This dish is not only packed with flavor but also offers a healthy balance of protein and vegetables. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below, and feel free to share this recipe with friends and family. Enjoy your delicious meal!

For more delicious recipes, check out our other posts on Sweet Teriyaki Beef Skewers and Spicy Honey Chicken Tenders. You can also find some great ideas on Pinterest.

Honey Soy Meatballs Rice Bowls with Sesame Lime Dressing

Honey Soy Meatballs Rice Bowls with Sesame Lime Dressing

A delicious and hearty rice bowl featuring honey soy meatballs, steamed vegetables, and a zesty sesame lime dressing, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb Ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1/4 cup Breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Finely chopped green onions
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 Egg
  • 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Honey
  • 1 teaspoon Ground ginger
  • to taste Salt and pepper

For the Honey Soy Sauce

  • 1/4 cup Soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Honey
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Cornstarch mixed with water Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water

For the Rice Bowls

  • 2 cups Cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 cup Steamed broccoli
  • 1 cup Shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup Chopped cilantro (optional)

For the Sesame Lime Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons Sesame oil
  • 1 Juice of lime
  • 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Honey
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, green onions, minced garlic, egg, soy sauce, honey, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, then form into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and browned.
  • In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Cook rice according to package instructions. Steam broccoli and prepare shredded carrots.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
  • In a bowl, layer cooked rice, steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and meatballs. Drizzle the honey soy sauce over the meatballs and top with sesame lime dressing. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.

Notes

Feel free to customize the vegetables in the rice bowls or add your favorite toppings!
Keyword honey soy, meatballs, rice bowls, sesame dressing

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