Instant Pot Asian Meatballs are the perfect easy weeknight meal. They are made with ground beef, rice, and a delicious Asian-inspired sauce.
If you love easy Asian-inspired recipes then this is the recipe for you. These meatballs are so simple to make and taste amazing.
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Most of the time when we think about meatballs, we automatically think of the Italian meatballs served with spaghetti. Did you know that most cultures have their own meatball version that dates back to at least 2100 BC?
Why I Love This Recipe
Asian-inspired meatballs are a favorite of mine because they’re so versatile. They’re usually made with ground beef and often served as a meal or snack.
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Easy to make
- Always a hit at parties
- Perfect for picky eaters
If you love meatball recipes you may also enjoy this Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe.
Ingredients
This list of ingredients may seem long, but these Instant Pot meatballs are well worth the trip to the grocery store.
Meatballs:
- ground beef
- eggs
- breadcrumbs
- green onions, chopped
- garlic, minced
- ginger paste
- olive oil
Sauce:
- ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
- white wine vinegar
- honey
- soy sauce
- ginger paste
- freshly ground black pepper
Rice:
- rice
- water
Substitutions
Pork: Ground pork can be used to make these meatballs instead of beef.
Vinegar: Regular vinegar can be used in place of the white wine vinegar.
Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools
You need seven kitchen tools to help you make these Asian meatballs and rice.
- Large Mixing bowl
- Instant Pot
- Trivet
- Tall Trivet
- Pressure-cooker safe dish
- medium mixing bowl
- pastry brush
How to Make Instant Pot Asian Meatballs
This meatballs and rice meal is so simple to make but it does take a few steps. Follow these simple steps to make this dish.
Step 1: Mix the meatballs
In a large bowl, mix together all of your ingredients for your meatballs.
Step 2: Shape the meatballs
Divide your meat mixture into 10 sections. With the palm of your hand, place the meat inside and roll it into a ball.
Step 3: Add the meatballs to the Instant Pot
Add 1 cup of water to the inside of your Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside. Place each meatball on top of the trivet. Your meatballs can be stacked if need be.
Step 4: Add the rice
Using a tall trivet, place your water and rice together in a pressure-safe dish. You can use Pyrex bowls, Bundt pan, or even loaf pans!
Step 5: Pressure cook the meatballs
With your lid on, close the sealing valve. Set your Instant Pot to High Pressure for 7 minutes.
Step 6: Make the sauce
While your meat and rice are cooking, mix together everything for your sauce in a medium-sized bowl. Set aside.
Step 7: Release the pressure
After the time has finished, do a quick release. Carefully remove everything from your IP or allow the inside to cool.
Step 8: Brush the meatballs with sauce
Once your meatballs have been removed, use a pastry brush to brush the sauce on your meatballs. Use as much or as little as you would like!
Step 9: Serve the meatballs
Serve your meatballs over your rice. Top with sesame seeds and green onions!
Variations / Options / Add-Ins
Do you want to personalize this recipe? Here are some variations and add-ins that you can use.
Chicken: If you are not a fan of beef, ground chicken would work well in this recipe.
Water Chestnuts: If you want to add a little crunch to this recipe, add water chestnuts to your rice before cooking.
Spicy: Top your dish with crushed red pepper flakes or add them to your sauce for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some of my favorite ways to serve up these Instant Pot meatballs.
These Instant Pot Asian Meatballs go great with a side of steamed broccoli or asparagus. If you are in the mood for something a little heartier, try serving them over some Shirataki noodles for a low-carb meal.
FAQs
Do you have questions about these Instant Pot Asian Meatballs? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
You can reheat your meatballs in a microwave for one to two minutes until warm.
Yes, you can freeze leftover meatballs. They will last in the freezer for up to three months.
More Meatball Recipes
If you like meatball recipes, give these recipes a try:
Ready to get cooking? Print off the recipe card below or toggle on Cook Mode to keep your screen from going dark while you follow along on your phone or tablet.
📋 Recipe
Instant Pot Asian Meatballs and Rice
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Instant Pot
- Trivet
- Tall Trivet
- Pressure-cooker safe dish
- medium mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 lbs. ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 4 green onions chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Sauce
- 2/3 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ginger paste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Rice
- 1 cup rice
- 1 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together all of your ingredients for your meatballs.
- Divide your meat mixture into 10 sections. With the palm of your hand, place the meat inside and roll into a ball.
- Add 1 cup of water to the inside of your Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside. Place each meatball on top of the trivet. Your meatballs can be stacked if need be.
- Using a tall trivet, place your water and rice together in a pressure safe dish. You can use Pyrex bowls, Bundt pan, or even loaf pans!
- With your lid on, close the sealing valve. Set your Instant Pot to High Pressure for 7 minutes.
- While your meat and rice are cooking, mix together everything for your sauce in a medium sized bowl. Set aside.
- After the time has finished, do a quick release.
- Carefully remove everything from your IP or allow the insides to cool.
- Once your meatballs have been removed, use a pastry brush to brush the sauce on your meatballs. Use as much or as little as you would like!
- Serve your meatballs over your rice. Top with sesame seeds and green onions!
Nutrition
Need to run to the store for a few ingredients first? Don’t forget to pin this recipe so you can find it when you’re ready to cook!
