There’s something magical about the bold, smoky-sweet flavors of Korean BBQ, and these meatballs capture that essence in every bite. Juicy, tender, and coated in a rich, caramelized glaze, they bring together the perfect balance of savory and spicy. Whether served as an appetizer or over a bowl of rice, these meatballs are guaranteed to impress. What makes this dish extra special is the creamy, fiery kick of the spicy mayo dip. The cool richness of the mayo balances out the heat from the gochujang and sriracha, making each bite irresistible. Perfect for entertaining or a cozy dinner at home, these Korean BBQ Meatballs will quickly become a favorite on your menu!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Korean BBQ Glaze:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
For the Spicy Mayo Dip:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Directions:
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the Meatballs: Using a small scoop or hands, form 1-inch meatballs (about 20-24 meatballs).
- Sear the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Sear meatballs on all sides for 6-8 minutes until browned.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Add cornstarch slurry if a thicker consistency is desired.
- Simmer the Meatballs: Pour the sauce into the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the meatballs simmer for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked and glazed.
- Make the Spicy Mayo Dip: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice. Adjust to taste.
- Garnish & Serve: Drizzle the spicy mayo over the meatballs or serve on the side for dipping. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Why You’ll Love These Korean BBQ Meatballs
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of umami-rich soy sauce, spicy gochujang, aromatic garlic and ginger, and nutty sesame oil ensures that each bite is bursting with taste.
- Versatile Dish: These meatballs work great as an appetizer, served over rice as a main dish, or even stuffed into lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
- Easy to Make: Unlike traditional Korean BBQ that requires a grill, this recipe is cooked on the stovetop or in the oven, making it accessible for home cooks.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These meatballs store well in the refrigerator or freezer, making them a convenient option for busy weekdays.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether you’re serving them at a party or a family dinner, these meatballs are a guaranteed hit.
Serving Suggestions
While these meatballs are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary sides can enhance the dining experience. Here are a few ideas for serving Korean BBQ Meatballs:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The neutral flavor of rice balances the bold, spicy-sweet meatballs.
- Korean-Style Cucumber Salad: A light, tangy side dish that adds a refreshing contrast.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas bring color and crunch.
- Kimchi: The fermented, spicy, and slightly sour flavors of kimchi perfectly complement the meatballs.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb alternative, wrap the meatballs in crisp lettuce leaves.
- Fried Rice: A more indulgent pairing that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the great things about this recipe is its adaptability. You can modify the ingredients to suit different dietary preferences or ingredient availability without compromising on flavor.
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Protein Substitutions:
- Instead of beef or pork, you can use ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, consider using crumbled tofu or mushroom-based meat substitutes.
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Gluten-Free Adaptation:
- Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
- Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a low-carb and gluten-free version.
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Spice Adjustments:
- If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of gochujang or replace it with a mix of miso and a small amount of red pepper flakes.
- If you love extra heat, add more sriracha or Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru) to the sauce.
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Alternative Dips:
- While the spicy mayo dip is a great complement, you can also serve these meatballs with honey soy glaze, garlic aioli, or even a simple yogurt-based dip for a cooling effect.
Tips for Perfect Meatballs
To achieve the juiciest, most flavorful meatballs, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the meat mixture can result in dense meatballs. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and green onions provide the best flavor. Avoid using powdered substitutes if possible.
- Get a Good Sear: Searing the meatballs before simmering them in sauce adds depth and caramelization.
- Simmer Slowly: Allowing the meatballs to cook in the sauce ensures they absorb maximum flavor.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
One of the best aspects of this recipe is that it stores well, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
- Refrigeration: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Arrange the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat with a splash of water or sauce.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture.
Conclusion:
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are a must-try for anyone who loves bold, savory flavors with a hint of heat. Inspired by traditional Korean BBQ, these meatballs are tender, juicy, and coated in a sticky, umami-rich glaze. The spicy mayo dip adds the perfect creamy kick, making this dish a versatile and irresistible option for any occasion.
Whether you enjoy them as a party appetizer, a quick weeknight dinner, or a meal-prep staple, these meatballs are sure to impress. With the ability to customize ingredients to fit dietary preferences and the ease of preparation, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your collection.