Discover the Amazing Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe Today!

What are Korean BBQ Meatballs?

Korean BBQ Meatballs are a delectable fusion of classic Korean flavors and the comforting texture of juicy meatballs. These bite-sized wonders combine ground beef, aromatic spices, and a sweet-and-spicy sauce, creating a dish that’s perfect for an appetizer, a main course, or even a snack. Originating from the vibrant street food culture of Korea, Korean BBQ Meatballs have become a beloved favorite worldwide, captivating taste buds with their bold and irresistible flavors.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Korean BBQ Meatballs are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. The combination of savory ground beef, fragrant garlic and ginger, and the complex blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and gochujang (Korean chili paste) creates a flavor profile that’s simply out of this world. These meatballs are baked to perfection, resulting in a tender and juicy interior with a slightly crisp exterior. Served with a tantalizing spicy mayo dip, Korean BBQ Meatballs are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or family dinner.

Ingredients Overview

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 inch ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for binding)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish

Spicy Mayo Dip Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon gochujang
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon honey

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Korean BBQ Meatballs

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the meatballs don’t stick.

Make Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, minced garlic, grated ginger, finely chopped green onions, egg, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients together until they are just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Form Meatballs

Roll the meatball mixture into 1-inch sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space between each meatball.

Bake Meatballs

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.

Make Spicy Mayo Dip

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the spicy mayo dip by whisking together the mayonnaise, gochujang, lime juice, and honey in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Serve

Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and garnish them with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Serve the Korean BBQ Meatballs hot, with the spicy mayo dip on the side for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Korean BBQ Meatballs

Ingredient Substitutions

While ground beef is the traditional choice for Korean BBQ Meatballs, you can also use ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner alternative. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

Cooking Tips

When mixing the meatball mixture, be gentle and avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough and dense meatballs. For the best texture, mix the ingredients just until they are combined. To ensure the meatballs hold their shape, you can also add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the mixture.

Nutritional Information

Caloric Content

A serving of Korean BBQ Meatballs (approximately 3-4 meatballs) contains approximately 250 calories, with the majority of the calories coming from the ground beef. These meatballs are a good source of protein, providing around 18 grams per serving.

Health Benefits

The main ingredient, ground beef, is a rich source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, the ginger and garlic used in the recipe provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, while the gochujang adds a flavorful kick of heat and spice.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

What to Serve with Korean BBQ Meatballs

Korean BBQ Meatballs pair beautifully with steamed white rice or Korean-style short grain rice. Serve them alongside a side of kimchi or a fresh, crunchy Korean-style salad for a complete and authentic dining experience. For a heartier meal, you can also serve the meatballs over a bed of steamed or sautéed vegetables.

Drink Pairings

To complement the bold flavors of the Korean BBQ Meatballs, consider pairing them with a refreshing Korean soju, a crisp Korean lager, or a fruity Korean makgeolli (rice wine). For non-alcoholic options, a chilled Korean sweet and fizzy soda or a traditional Korean tea, such as chrysanthemum or oolong, would also make excellent accompaniments.

FAQs About Korean BBQ Meatballs

Can I use ground beef, pork, or chicken for these meatballs?

Absolutely! While the traditional Korean BBQ Meatballs call for ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground pork or ground chicken, depending on your personal preference or dietary requirements. Each protein will offer a slightly different flavor profile, but the overall dish will still be delicious.

Can the Korean BBQ sauce be made from scratch or store-bought?

The Korean BBQ sauce in this recipe is made from a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang (Korean chili paste), brown sugar, and rice vinegar. However, if you prefer a more convenient option, you can certainly use a store-bought Korean BBQ sauce or marinade. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.

Are these meatballs better baked, pan-fried, or air-fried?

The recipe calls for baking the Korean BBQ Meatballs, which results in a tender and juicy interior with a slightly crisp exterior. This method is easy and requires minimal hands-on time. However, you can also pan-fry or air-fry the meatballs if you prefer a more uniform browning or a crispier texture. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for your chosen cooking method.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can absolutely make the Korean BBQ Meatballs ahead of time and freeze them for later use. After forming the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm, about 2 hours. Then, transfer the frozen meatballs to an airtight container or resealable bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply bake the frozen meatballs as directed in the recipe, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
• Kimchi Fried Rice
• Spicy Korean Tofu Stir-Fry
• Gochujang Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Conclusion

Korean BBQ Meatballs are a true culinary delight, blending the bold flavors of Korean cuisine with the comforting texture of homemade meatballs. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with umami goodness that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a delicious and satisfying meal, give these Korean BBQ Meatballs a try, and get ready to be amazed by the flavors that unfold in every bite.

Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!

Print