Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip: A Flavor-Packed Appetizer

If you’re craving something savory, sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive, these Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are just what you need! These tender, juicy meatballs are glazed with a sticky Korean BBQ sauce, then drizzled with a creamy, spicy mayo for an explosion of flavor.

Perfect for parties, game nights, or weeknight dinners, these meatballs come together quickly and will leave everyone reaching for more. Serve them as an appetizer, main dish, or even in rice bowls—they’re versatile and absolutely delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Savory & Sweet with a Spicy Kick – The balance of flavors in the BBQ glaze is incredible.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Great as an appetizer, snack, or dinner.
Easy to Make – Quick prep and minimal ingredients.
Pairs Well with Anything – Serve with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef (or ground pork/chicken/turkey)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt

For the Korean BBQ Glaze:

¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

For the Spicy Mayo Dip:

¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 teaspoon lime juice
½ teaspoon soy sauce
½ teaspoon honey (optional)

For Garnish:

Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
Mix well until evenly combined.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the baking sheet.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

2. Make the Korean BBQ Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Make the Spicy Mayo Dip

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, soy sauce, and honey.
Taste and adjust spice level as needed.

4. Toss & Serve

Toss the baked meatballs in the Korean BBQ glaze until well coated.
Drizzle with spicy mayo and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Serve immediately with extra spicy mayo for dipping!

Serving Suggestions

As an Appetizer: Serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Over Rice: Pair with steamed rice and sautéed veggies for a full meal.
In Lettuce Wraps: Wrap in butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
With Noodles: Toss with ramen or soba noodles for an Asian-inspired pasta dish.

Tips for the Best Meatballs

Use Fresh Ginger & Garlic – This enhances the flavor of both the meatballs and sauce.
Don’t Overmix the Meat – Mixing too much makes meatballs tough.
Bake or Pan-Fry – Baking is healthier but pan-frying adds extra crispiness.
Make Ahead & Freeze – Freeze cooked meatballs and reheat for an easy meal.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in a pan over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.

Why These Korean BBQ Meatballs Are a Must-Try

These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are bold, flavorful, and insanely addictive. Whether you’re serving them at a party, a family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, they deliver the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy.

So, grab your ingredients and make a batch today—you won’t regret it!