Savory Korean BBQ Meatballs with Roasted Vegetables Recipe

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Korean BBQ Meatballs paired with a rainbow of roasted vegetables. This dish combines the bold, savory-sweet tastes of Korean cuisine with the natural sweetness and heartiness of oven-roasted produce. Whether you’re craving a comforting weeknight meal or looking to impress guests, these Korean BBQ Meatballs are sure to delight.

Table of Contents

The Appeal of Korean Flavors in Meatballs

Korean cuisine has gained widespread popularity for its bold, complex flavors that strike the perfect balance between salty, sweet, and spicy. By incorporating traditional Korean ingredients like gochujang (a savory-sweet chili paste), garlic, and ginger into ground beef, we can elevate ordinary meatballs into a truly extraordinary dish. The result is a tender, flavorful Korean BBQ Meatball that’ll have your taste buds dancing.

The Health Benefits of Roasted Vegetables

Pairing these Korean BBQ Meatballs with a medley of roasted vegetables not only adds vibrant color and texture to the dish, but also boosts its nutritional profile. Vegetables like sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this a wholesome and satisfying meal. Plus, the roasting process caramelizes the natural sugars in the produce, bringing out their inherent sweetness to complement the savory-spicy meatballs.

Gluten-Free Options

For those following a gluten-free diet, this Korean BBQ Meatballs recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, such as Aleia’s brand. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this delicious dish without any dietary restrictions.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make these Korean BBQ Meatballs with roasted vegetables, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Korean Meatballs:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 12 oz brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half
• 2 Tablespoons sesame oil, divided
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, gluten-free if needed (I like Aleia’s)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced with white ends and greens separated
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1 teaspoon Gochujang or sriracha sauce

Korean BBQ Sauce:

• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 1/3 cup maple syrup or brown sugar
• 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
• 1 Tablespoon Gochujang or sriracha sauce, plus more to taste
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch + 1 Tbsp water

Toppings: sesame seeds and green onion

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts is key to this dish, as it brings out their natural sweetness and adds a delightful crunch. The meatballs are carefully mixed and browned to lock in flavor and juiciness. And the Korean BBQ sauce is simmered and thickened to create a glossy, crave-worthy coating for the meatballs.

Perfect Meatballs Every Time

When making the Korean BBQ Meatballs, it’s important to gently mix the ground beef with the other ingredients to avoid overworking the meat, which can result in tough, dense meatballs. Lightly combining the mixture and forming them into evenly sized balls ensures they cook through without becoming dry or crumbly.

Mastering the Korean BBQ Sauce

The secret to the glossy, flavorful Korean BBQ sauce is simmering the soy sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, garlic, and ginger together until the flavors meld. Then, a simple cornstarch slurry is whisked in to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency – not too thin, not too gloopy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to bring the bold tastes of Korea to your table? Here’s how to make these Korean BBQ Meatballs with roasted vegetables:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the sweet potato cubes and brussels sprouts with 1 Tablespoon of sesame oil, then season with a pinch of salt. Spread the veggies out on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, until tender and caramelized.
2. In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, milk, ground beef, scallion whites, grated ginger, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, and the Gochujang or sriracha. Gently mix until just combined, then form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs.
3. Heat the remaining 1 Tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until cooked through, about 8-10 minutes total.
4. While the meatballs are cooking, make the Korean BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic, grated ginger, and Gochujang or sriracha. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Toss the roasted vegetables with a portion of the Korean BBQ sauce. Serve the meatballs over the sauced veggies, drizzling any remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Korean BBQ Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. For a complete meal, consider serving them over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa. They also make a delicious filling for lettuce wraps, allowing the fresh crunch of the vegetables to balance the richness of the meatballs.

As for sides, a cool and crunchy Korean cucumber salad or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds would be the perfect accompaniment. And to quench the heat, pair this dish with a refreshing Korean beer or an iced green tea.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of these Korean BBQ Meatballs with roasted vegetables contains approximately 350 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 28g of carbs, 23g of protein, and 16g of fat. The sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts provide a hearty dose of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while the ground beef offers a satisfying source of lean protein.

For those following a gluten-free diet, the use of gluten-free panko breadcrumbs makes this dish a safe and delicious option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of meat is best for Korean BBQ meatballs?

Ground beef is the traditional choice for Korean BBQ Meatballs, as it provides a nice balance of flavor and texture. However, you could also use a combination of ground beef and ground pork, or even ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs instead of regular panko. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy these Korean BBQ Meatballs without any dietary restrictions.

How long should the meatballs and vegetables roast in the oven?

The sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts should roast for 25-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C), until they’re tender and caramelized. The meatballs, on the other hand, are cooked on the stovetop for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re browned and cooked through.

What sauces or dips pair well with Korean BBQ meatballs?

The Korean BBQ sauce used in this recipe is the perfect accompaniment to the Korean BBQ Meatballs. However, you could also serve them with other Asian-inspired dips or sauces, such as a spicy gochujang aioli, a creamy sesame-ginger dressing, or a tangy pickled vegetable slaw.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
• Spicy Korean Beef Tacos
• Sweet Potato and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry
• Korean-Inspired Meatloaf with Vegetables

Conclusion

Prepare to be wowed by the bold, mouthwatering flavors of these Korean BBQ Meatballs served alongside a medley of roasted vegetables. This dish is a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy, with the added health benefits of nutrient-dense produce. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, these Korean BBQ Meatballs are sure to impress. So what are you waiting for? Get into the kitchen and give this recipe a try!

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!

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