Name: Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece ginger, grated; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste); 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 2 green onions, finely chopped; ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar; 1 tbsp gochujang; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tsp garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, minced; 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken); ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp gochujang; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 tsp honey; ½ tsp garlic powder; Sesame seeds; Chopped green onions

These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are bursting with bold, savory flavors and a kick of spice. The juicy, tender meatballs are coated in a sweet and savory Korean BBQ glaze, while the creamy and spicy mayo dip pairs perfectly to elevate this dish. Perfect as an appetizer or a main course, these meatballs are ideal for parties, game days, or family dinners.

Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Korean BBQ Meatballs are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and spicy. The meatballs are juicy and flavorful, while the glaze brings a wonderful depth of taste with just the right balance of sweetness and umami. Paired with the creamy, tangy, and spicy mayo dip, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these meatballs will impress everyone with their bold, mouthwatering flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

1 lb (450g) ground beef
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger, grated
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp sesame oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 green onions, finely chopped

For the Korean BBQ Glaze:

¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp gochujang
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, minced
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken)

For the Spicy Mayo Dip:

½ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp gochujang
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp honey
½ tsp garlic powder

For Garnish:

Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions

Directions

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, salt, black pepper, and chopped green onions. Mix gently until just combined.
Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Cook the Meatballs:
- Pan-frying method: Heat oil in a large skillet and cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 10-12 minutes).
- Baking method: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 18-20 minutes.
- Air fryer method: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Make the Korean BBQ Glaze: In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Simmer over medium heat, then stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the glaze.
Coat the Meatballs: Toss the cooked meatballs in the warm glaze until fully coated.
Make the Spicy Mayo Dip: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, gochujang, lime juice, honey, and garlic powder until smooth.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and serve with the spicy mayo dip.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 4 servings
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Meat Variations: You can use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef for a lighter option.
Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu as a substitute for ground beef to make a vegetarian version.
Heat Level: Adjust the amount of gochujang or add a splash of sriracha to the glaze or mayo dip to customize the spice level to your preference.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: These meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F (175°C), or in the microwave until heated through. If frozen, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat for these meatballs?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork if you prefer. Ground beef is traditional, but feel free to experiment with different meats.

2. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can form the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months before cooking.

3. What if I don’t have gochujang?

If you can’t find gochujang, you can substitute it with a combination of miso paste and a little bit of chili paste or sriracha, although the flavor may not be quite the same.

4. Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce instead of the homemade glaze?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought BBQ sauce, but for an authentic Korean flavor, the homemade glaze is highly recommended.

5. How can I make the meatballs spicier?

Increase the amount of gochujang in both the meatball mixture and the glaze. You can also add a touch of sriracha to the glaze or the mayo dip for extra heat.

6. Can I make the spicy mayo dip without gochujang?

Yes, you can substitute gochujang with a combination of mayo and sriracha or chili sauce for a similar spicy flavor.

7. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?

Yes, baking the meatballs is a healthier option and still results in a delicious outcome. Just follow the baking instructions provided.

8. Can I freeze the Korean BBQ meatballs after cooking them?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing and store them in an airtight container.

9. How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart while cooking?

Make sure the meatball mixture is well-combined and that the meatballs are shaped firmly. If they seem too loose, add a little more panko breadcrumbs to help bind them.

10. What can I serve with these Korean BBQ Meatballs?

These meatballs pair well with steamed rice, a fresh cucumber salad, or a side of kimchi for an authentic Korean meal experience.

Conclusion

Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are a flavorful and fun dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The tender meatballs are coated in a savory, sweet glaze and served with a creamy, spicy dip that will have everyone reaching for more. Easy to make and full of bold, exciting flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.