Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
When it comes to comfort food with a delicious twist, Korean BBQ Meatballs stand out as a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. These juicy, caramelized meatballs are glazed in a sticky Korean BBQ sauce, giving them that irresistible umami punch, while the creamy, tangy, and slightly fiery spicy mayo dip adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at a gathering or enjoying them as a main dish over rice, this dish is bound to impress!
Let’s dive into what makes these meatballs so special and why they’ve become a favorite for so many food lovers.
Why You’ll Love These Korean BBQ Meatballs
✔️ Bold, Sweet, and Savory Flavor – Thanks to the Korean BBQ glaze made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey or brown sugar, these meatballs pack an explosion of taste.
✔️ Juicy & Tender Texture – The combination of ground beef (or pork) with breadcrumbs and an egg keeps the meatballs super moist and succulent.
✔️ Perfectly Balanced Heat – While the BBQ sauce has a mild kick, the spicy mayo dip brings an extra layer of creamy heat, making every bite satisfying.
✔️ Easy to Make – These meatballs come together in about 30 minutes, making them great for weeknight dinners or party appetizers.
✔️ Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone loves a good meatball, and this Korean twist makes them even more exciting!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko for a lighter texture)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Korean BBQ Glaze:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste, for a little heat)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 teaspoons water, to thicken the sauce)
For the Spicy Mayo Dip:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or gochujang
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef and pork mixture), breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined, but don’t overwork the meat, or the meatballs may become tough.
2. Shape and Bake (or Fry) the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- (Alternative: You can also pan-fry them in a little oil over medium heat for about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.)
3. Make the Korean BBQ Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger over medium heat.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
4. Coat the Meatballs
- Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl.
- Pour the warm Korean BBQ glaze over the meatballs and toss to coat them evenly.
5. Make the Spicy Mayo Dip
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha (or gochujang), lime juice, and garlic powder.
- Taste and adjust spice levels if needed.
How to Serve These Delicious Meatballs
✔ As an Appetizer – Serve them on a platter with toothpicks and a side of spicy mayo for dipping.
✔ With Rice – Place them over steamed jasmine or sticky rice, drizzled with extra BBQ glaze and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
✔ In Lettuce Wraps – Wrap them in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, crunchy bite.
✔ In Tacos or Sliders – Stuff them in a soft bun or tortilla for an incredible fusion-style dish.
Pro Tips for the Best Meatballs
🔹 Don’t Overmix the Meat – Gently combine the ingredients; overworking the meat can make the meatballs tough.
🔹 Use Panko Breadcrumbs – They absorb moisture better than regular breadcrumbs, keeping the meatballs tender.
🔹 Gochujang = Flavor Bomb – This fermented Korean chili paste adds depth, mild heat, and umami. If you don’t have it, sriracha can be a substitute.
🔹 Make-Ahead Friendly – You can form the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
🔹 Double the Sauce – It’s so good you might want extra for drizzling over rice or veggies!
Common Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well for a leaner option, though beef and pork provide the best juiciness and flavor.
Is this dish very spicy?
Not too much! The gochujang adds a mild warmth, and you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less. The spicy mayo dip is also customizable!
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for a minute or warm them in a pan over low heat.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Recipe for Flavor Lovers!
These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are everything you want in a bite: juicy, saucy, sweet, savory, and a little spicy. Whether you’re making them for a party, game night, or a cozy dinner at home, they’re sure to be a hit.
Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become one of your favorite go-to meals. Enjoy! 😋🔥
