Name: korean bbq meatballs with spicy mayo dip
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: korean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or pork; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp grated ginger; 2 green onions, finely chopped; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste); 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp gochujang; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tsp grated ginger; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1-2 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste); 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 tbsp soy sauce; Sesame seeds; Chopped green onions; Crushed red pepper flakes

Welcome to the ultimate guide on making the perfect Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip! This flavor-packed dish is a crowd-pleaser, combining the rich, savory tastes of Korean BBQ with a kick of spicy mayo. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a fun weeknight dinner, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. So, let’s dive in and learn how to make this delicious recipe!

(Note: the recipe card directly below.PDF )

Why You’ll Love These Korean BBQ Meatballs

There are so many reasons to love these Korean BBQ Meatballs. First off, they’re bursting with flavor. The combination of soy sauce, gochujang, garlic, and ginger creates a marinade that’s both savory and slightly sweet. Plus, the spicy mayo dip adds an extra layer of heat and creaminess that complements the meatballs perfectly.

But that’s not all. These meatballs are also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. And if you’re looking to impress your guests, these meatballs are sure to do the trick. They look fancy, but they’re surprisingly straightforward to prepare.

And let’s not forget about the leftovers. These meatballs taste just as good the next day, making them perfect for meal prepping. Just reheat and enjoy!

korean bbq meatballs with spicy mayo dip

Ingredients for Korean BBQ Meatballs

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Korean BBQ Meatballs:

For the Meatballs:

ground beef or pork
panko breadcrumbs
milk
egg
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

One of the best things about this Korean BBQ Meatballs recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

Vegetarian Korean BBQ Meatballs: Swap out the ground meat for a plant-based alternative or use mushrooms and lentils as a base.
Extra Spicy Meatballs: Add more gochujang or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture for extra heat.
Baked Meatballs: Instead of pan-frying, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Gluten-Free Meatballs: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or almond flour as a binder.

How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs

Making Korean BBQ Meatballs is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, panko breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter.
Cook the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
Make the Korean BBQ Sauce: While the meatballs are cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, gochujang, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl.
Glaze the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are cooked, pour the Korean BBQ sauce over them and toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Prepare the Spicy Mayo Dip: In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, lime juice, and soy sauce until smooth.
Serve: Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter, drizzle with any remaining sauce, and sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and red pepper flakes. Serve with the spicy mayo dip on the side.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to make your Korean BBQ Meatballs even better:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh garlic, ginger, and green onions for the best flavor.
Adjust the Spice Level: Taste the meatball mixture and the spicy mayo dip as you go. You can always add more gochujang or Sriracha if you prefer it spicier.
Avoid Overmixing: Be gentle when mixing the meatball ingredients. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatball mixture and the sauces up to a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

How to Serve

Korean BBQ Meatballs are a delicious appetizer or main dish. Here are some serving suggestions:

Appetizer: Serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Main Dish: Pair the meatballs with steamed rice or noodles and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Party Food: These meatballs are perfect for parties. Set them out with the spicy mayo dip and watch them disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Korean BBQ Meatballs are great for meal prepping. Here’s how to make them ahead and store them:

Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatball mixture and the sauces up to a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Reheat: Reheat the meatballs in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freeze: To freeze, let the meatballs cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef or pork?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey will work just as well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or almond flour as a binder to make these meatballs gluten-free.

How can I make the meatballs less spicy?

Reduce the amount of gochujang in the meatball mixture and the Sriracha in the spicy mayo dip. You can also add a bit more honey to the BBQ sauce for a sweeter flavor.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?

Yes, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. Just be sure to glaze them with the BBQ sauce after baking.

How long do the meatballs keep in the refrigerator?

The meatballs will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just store them in an airtight container.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

And there you have it—the ultimate guide to making delicious Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip. This flavor-packed dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a fun appetizer or a satisfying main dish, these meatballs have you covered. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you.

Happy cooking!