Juicy, umami-packed miso chicken meatballs meet fluffy jasmine rice, roasted green beans, crisp lettuce, and a creamy sesame-miso dressing in this wholesome and satisfying meal. Balanced in flavor and texture, this miso meatball bowl is a complete dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep throughout the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This miso meatball bowl is the ideal blend of comfort food and fresh, healthy ingredients. The oven-baked meatballs are rich in umami thanks to the miso, soy, and aromatics, while the crisp vegetables and fragrant rice add freshness and substance. The creamy tahini-miso dressing ties everything together with its savory, nutty flavor. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and ideal for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekend meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the miso meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
For the bowl:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 1/2 cups shredded romaine or butter lettuce
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the miso dressing:
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon white miso paste
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1–2 tablespoons warm water (to thin)
Toppings:
- Chopped cilantro
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Extra green onions
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken or turkey with miso paste, soy sauce, green onions, garlic, ginger, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix just until combined.
- Form into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on one half of the baking sheet.
- Toss trimmed green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on the other half of the sheet.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping the meatballs halfway through, until the meatballs are golden and cooked through.
- While baking, whisk together all miso dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and pourable, adjusting consistency with water as needed.
- To assemble each bowl, layer jasmine rice, shredded lettuce, roasted green beans, and miso meatballs. Drizzle with the miso dressing and garnish with cilantro, sesame seeds, and extra green onions.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 bowls.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Calories per serving: 420 kcal
Variations
- Protein Options: Substitute ground chicken with turkey, pork, or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Vegetables: Swap green beans for broccoli, snap peas, or roasted carrots depending on season and preference.
- Grains: Replace jasmine rice with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Dressing: Add a touch of honey or chili oil to the dressing for a sweet or spicy kick.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat the meatballs and green beans in a microwave or oven until warmed through. Assemble bowls fresh with rice and lettuce just before serving. The dressing can be stored in a sealed jar and shaken before reuse.
FAQs
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the uncooked meatballs up to a day in advance, or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I use red or yellow miso instead of white miso?
Yes, but keep in mind that red miso has a stronger, saltier flavor. Adjust quantities to suit your taste.
Is this bowl good for meal prep?
Absolutely. Prepare all components ahead of time and store separately. Assemble just before eating for the best texture.
Can I pan-fry the meatballs instead of baking?
Yes, pan-fry in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, about 8–10 minutes.
What’s a good substitute for tahini?
You can use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for a different but still creamy and nutty dressing.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is not spicy by default, but you can add chili flakes or sriracha to the dressing for heat.
Can I serve this cold?
Yes, this bowl works well as a cold lunch or picnic option. Just make sure everything is fully cooled before storing.
How do I make the dressing thinner?
Simply add warm water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
Substitute with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, all ingredients in the recipe are dairy-free as written.
Conclusion
The miso meatball bowl is a nourishing, flavorful meal that effortlessly balances hearty protein, crisp vegetables, and a savory sesame-miso drizzle. With its ease of preparation, versatility, and bold flavors, it’s a go-to recipe for healthy weeknight dinners or stress-free meal prepping. Whether enjoyed warm or cold, this bowl delivers satisfying taste in every bite.
Print
Miso Meatball Bowl
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Savor the rich, umami flavor of this Miso Meatball Bowl—featuring tender miso-glazed chicken meatballs, fluffy jasmine rice, crisp roasted green beans, and fresh lettuce, all topped with a creamy sesame-miso drizzle. A balanced, protein-packed bowl perfect for healthy dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the miso meatballs:
-
1 lb ground chicken or turkey
-
2 tablespoons white miso paste
-
1 tablespoon soy sauce
-
2 green onions, finely chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 teaspoon grated ginger
-
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
-
1 egg
For the bowl:
-
2 cups cooked jasmine rice
-
1 1/2 cups shredded romaine or butter lettuce
-
1 cup green beans, trimmed
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the miso dressing:
-
2 tablespoons tahini
-
1 tablespoon white miso paste
-
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
-
1 teaspoon soy sauce
-
1 teaspoon sesame oil
-
1-2 tablespoons warm water (to thin)
Toppings:
-
Chopped cilantro
-
Toasted sesame seeds
-
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
In a large bowl, mix all meatball ingredients until just combined. Form into 1.5-inch balls and place on one side of the baking sheet.
-
Toss green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on the other half of the baking sheet.
-
Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping meatballs halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
-
While baking, whisk together all ingredients for the miso dressing until smooth and pourable.
-
To assemble, start with a base of jasmine rice. Top with shredded lettuce, roasted green beans, and miso meatballs. Drizzle with dressing and garnish with cilantro, sesame seeds, and green onions.
Notes
-
Sub in quinoa or brown rice for a fiber boost.
-
Make it gluten-free by using GF breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
-
These meatballs freeze well—make a double batch for future meals!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Fusion
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 kcal