Meatballs for Bentos Recipe

Name: Meatballs for Bentos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 300 grams Ground beef and pork; 1 Japanese leek (green part); 2 tsp Katakuriko; 1 dash Salt and pepper; 1 piece worth Juice from grated ginger; 2 tbsp Soy sauce; 2 tbsp Mirin; 2 tbsp Water; 1 1/2 tbsp Sugar; 2 tsp Katakuriko; 2 tsp Vinegar (optional); 1 dash Vegetable oil

Servings: persons

300 grams Ground beef and pork
1 Japanese leek (green part)
2 tsp Katakuriko
1 dash Salt and pepper
1 piece worth Juice from grated ginger
2 tbsp Soy sauce
2 tbsp Mirin
2 tbsp Water
1 1/2 tbsp Sugar
2 tsp Katakuriko
2 tsp Vinegar (optional)
1 dash Vegetable oil

1
Mix the ingredients together.
2
Vinegar is optional!
3
I usually doesn't put it in, but I do sometimes when we want a refreshing taste.
4
Finely mince the green part of the leek.
5
Tip: The white part of the leek is fine to use as well if there's no green part!
6
You can also use scallions or different types of Japanese leeks.
7
Put ground meat in a bowl, add the ingredients and knead well.
8
Roll into about 3.5 cm balls.
9
Heat a frying pan, add a little bit of vegetable oil, and place the rolled meatballs.
10
Cook the meatballs while rolling them around to brown on all sides over medium or so heat.
11
Once the meatballs are all browned, cover with a lid and cook for about 3 minutes over low heat.
12
Remove the lid off and wipe off excess oil that seeped out of the meat with a paper towel.
13
Tip: A lot of oil renders so remove thoroughly.
14
Mix the ingredients from Step 1 thoroughly once more, and pour into the pan.
15
Tip: The katakuriko will have settled to the bottom at this point, so it's necessary to stir it again before pouring into the pan.
16
Stir using a heat-resistant spatula (or similar) and reduce the sauce.
17
It's done once the sauce starts to thicken and form a coating around the meatballs!
18
The meatballs, delicious even when cold, are done!
19
Everyone loves this in bentos!
20
This can be served for dinner of course, in addition to using them for bentos - and for lunch at home too of course.
21
They are also great as drinking snacks, served with the finely shredded white part of a leek!

465

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 300 grams Ground beef and pork, 1 Japanese leek (green part), 2 tsp Katakuriko, 1 dash Salt and pepper, and more.

Yes, Meatballs for Bentos falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Meatballs for Bentos

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions