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Sweet & Spicy Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 310
A flavorful and protein-packed meal featuring tender sesame chicken meatballs, crispy broccoli, and a sweet and spicy ginger sesame sauce. Serve with coconut rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a delicious, well-balanced dinner.

Ingredients

For the Sweet & Spicy Ginger Sesame Sauce:

  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1 tbsp red chili paste (e.g., sambal oelek)
  • 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
  • 1 tsp arrowroot starch (or cornstarch)

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 lb lean ground chicken (or ground turkey)
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • 2 green onions, finely diced (about ¼ cup)
  • ½ cup finely diced cilantro
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tbsp fresh grated ginger
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Broccoli:

  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 3–4 cups broccoli florets

For Serving:

  • Coconut rice or brown rice
  • Scallions, sliced
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Chopped roasted peanuts

Instructions 

  • Prepare the Sauce
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, sesame oil, sesame seeds, red chili paste, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and arrowroot (or cornstarch). Set aside.
  • Make the Meatballs
    In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, green onion, cilantro, garlic, ginger, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with clean hands, then form into 16 evenly-sized meatballs.
  • Cook the Meatballs
    Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat and add sesame oil. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F), about 10–12 minutes. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Once done, transfer to a plate and set aside.
  • Cook the Broccoli
    Wipe the skillet clean and add 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Add the broccoli florets and cook, stirring frequently, for 6–8 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. The broccoli should develop a slight char for extra flavor.
  • Combine & Simmer
    Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the sauce over everything and simmer on low heat for 2–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Serve & Garnish
    Serve the meatballs and broccoli over your choice of rice. Garnish with sliced scallions, fresh cilantro, and chopped peanuts. Enjoy!
Calories: 310kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Keyword: Sweet & Spicy Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls