Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

by Sally Thompson January 13, 2025, 5:40 am

There’s something irresistible about the combination of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors, especially when they come together in one bite-sized delight. These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are tender, juicy, and packed with umami from a flavorful marinade. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a party snack, or even a main dish over rice, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

I love how easy these meatballs are to make, yet they taste like something from a high-end Korean BBQ restaurant. The glaze is sticky, slightly charred, and caramelized to perfection, while the spicy mayo dip adds a creamy, fiery kick. If you’re a fan of bold flavors, this recipe is for you!

Why You’ll Love These Korean BBQ Meatballs

Bursting with Flavor: The mix of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and gochujang gives these meatballs an authentic and delicious Korean BBQ taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish with rice and veggies.
Easy to Make: These meatballs come together quickly and can be prepped ahead of time.
That Spicy Mayo Dip! The creamy, tangy, and spicy sauce pairs perfectly with the savory meatballs.
Great for Meal Prep: Store them in the fridge or freezer for quick meals during the week.

What Kind of Meat Should I Use for Korean BBQ Meatballs?

The best choice for these meatballs is ground beef or a mix of beef and pork. Using 80/20 ground beef ensures a juicy, flavorful bite with just the right amount of fat. If you prefer a lighter option, ground chicken or turkey can work, but they may require an extra splash of sesame oil to maintain moisture. For an authentic Korean-style meatball, combining ground pork and beef gives the perfect balance of tenderness and rich umami flavor.

Options for Substitutions

If you need to tweak this recipe based on dietary preferences or ingredient availability, here are some great swaps:

Meat: Swap beef and pork for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Breadcrumbs: Use panko for a crispier texture or almond flour for a low-carb alternative.
Gochujang: If you don’t have Korean chili paste, mix sriracha with a bit of miso or red pepper flakes.
Soy Sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos work well for a gluten-free option.
Sugar: Brown sugar gives a deep caramelized taste, but honey or maple syrup can also be used.
Egg: If you’re avoiding eggs, try a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) as a binding agent.

These simple swaps help customize the dish to fit your taste and dietary needs while keeping that bold, delicious flavor intact!

Ingredients for Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these flavorful meatballs and the creamy, spicy mayo dip.

For the Meatballs:

1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger, grated
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp sesame oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 green onions, finely chopped

For the Korean BBQ Glaze:

¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp gochujang
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, minced
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken)

For the Spicy Mayo Dip:

½ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp gochujang
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp honey
½ tsp garlic powder

For Garnish:

Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef-pork mix), panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, salt, black pepper, and chopped green onions. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Pan-frying method: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat with a bit of oil. Cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 10-12 minutes).
Baking method: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until fully cooked.
Air fryer method: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Step 4: Make the Korean BBQ Glaze

While the meatballs cook, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) and let the sauce thicken for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Coat the Meatballs

Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a bowl and toss them in the warm Korean BBQ glaze until fully coated.

Step 6: Make the Spicy Mayo Dip

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, gochujang, lime juice, honey, and garlic powder until smooth. Adjust spice level as needed.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving plate, drizzle with extra sauce if desired, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot with the spicy mayo dip on the side.

How Long to Cook the Korean BBQ Meatballs

Cooking times can vary slightly based on the size of your meatballs and your stove, but here’s a general guide:

Searing: Cook the meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until they are nicely browned on all sides.
Simmering in Sauce: Once the sauce is added, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the meatballs simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes. The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.

The sauce should also thicken and coat the meatballs with a glossy, sticky glaze by the end of the cooking time.

Tips for Perfect Korean BBQ Meatballs

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger make a huge difference in flavor.
Don’t Overmix the Meat: Overworking the meat mixture can make your meatballs dense. Mix just until combined.
Uniform Meatballs: Keep the size consistent for even cooking. A small cookie scoop can help.
Sear for Flavor: Getting a good sear on the meatballs adds a rich, caramelized flavor.
Simmer Slowly: Cooking the meatballs in the sauce at a lower temperature ensures they stay tender while soaking up all the flavors.
Adjust Spice to Taste: Add more or less gochujang and sriracha depending on your heat tolerance.
Make Ahead: You can prepare and freeze the raw meatballs ahead of time for quick meals.
Serve with Fresh Garnishes: Green onions and sesame seeds not only look great but also add fresh flavor and crunch.

These tips will help you achieve perfectly juicy and flavorful Korean BBQ Meatballs every time!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overmixing the Meat Mixture: This can lead to dense and tough meatballs. Mix until just combined.
Skipping the Sear: Searing adds depth of flavor and locks in the juices. Don’t skip this step!
Crowding the Pan: Cook meatballs in batches if needed. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning.
Not Using Enough Sauce: The sauce not only flavors the meatballs but also keeps them moist. Make sure they are well-coated.
Rushing the Simmer: Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce to absorb the flavors fully.
Forgetting to Check Temperature: Always ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160°F (71°C).
Making the Sauce Too Early: If you make the sauce too early and it thickens too much, you might need to add a splash of water when reheating.
Not Adjusting for Spice: The heat level can vary with gochujang and sriracha. Taste as you go!

What to Serve With Korean BBQ Meatballs?

These flavorful meatballs pair well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are eight great ideas:

🥢 Steamed Jasmine Rice

The perfect way to soak up the delicious Korean BBQ sauce.

🥗 Cucumber Salad

A refreshing side with a light, tangy dressing to balance the rich meatballs.

🍜 Garlic Noodles

Slippery, garlicky noodles make an excellent, comforting base.

🥬 Stir-Fried Vegetables

A mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas adds color and crunch.

🍚 Fried Rice

Turn this dish into a full meal by serving the meatballs with vegetable or kimchi fried rice.

🥒 Pickled Vegetables

Korean-style pickles (like radish or cucumber) offer a zesty contrast to the savory meatballs.

🥢 Lettuce Wraps

Use crisp lettuce leaves as wraps for a fresh and healthy twist.

🍶 Miso Soup

A light and warm soup to start the meal or enjoy on the side.

These options provide a good mix of freshness, crunch, and balance to complement the bold flavors of the meatballs.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftover Korean BBQ Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure the meatballs are fully cooled before storing to maintain their texture and flavor.

Freezer: You can freeze these meatballs for up to 3 months. Place the cooked and cooled meatballs on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together.

Reheating:

Microwave: Heat meatballs in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm. Add a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist.
Stovetop: Warm them in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of the sauce or a splash of water. Cover with a lid to prevent drying out.
Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture.

These methods will help you enjoy the meatballs just as much the second (or third!) time around.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general estimate for one serving (about 4 meatballs with sauce and dip):

Calories: 320
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 820mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 7g

These values can vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used, but this gives you a good idea of the nutritional profile. The meatballs offer a good balance of protein and flavor, with a bit of indulgence from the spicy mayo dip!

Frequently Asked Questions

🤔 Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture and form the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

🌶 How Can I Make the Meatballs Spicier?

To increase the heat, add more gochujang to the sauce or a dash of red pepper flakes. You can also mix a bit more sriracha into the spicy mayo dip.

🥡 Can I Use Frozen Meatballs Instead of Making Them from Scratch?

Absolutely. While homemade meatballs offer the best flavor, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs to save time. Just cook them according to package instructions before adding to the sauce.

🍖 Can I Make These Meatballs with Chicken or Turkey?

Yes! Ground chicken or turkey works well in this recipe. Since they are leaner, you might want to add a bit of sesame oil to the mixture for extra moisture.

🍜 What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Sauce?

If your sauce isn’t thick enough, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the simmering sauce until it thickens.

🥗 Are These Meatballs Gluten-Free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce. Double-check that your gochujang is gluten-free as well.

🥡 How Do I Prevent the Meatballs from Falling Apart?

Make sure to include the egg and breadcrumbs in the mixture as they act as binders. Also, avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs dense and prone to falling apart.

🍱 Can I Double This Recipe for a Party?

Definitely! This recipe doubles well. Just ensure your skillet or baking dish is large enough, or cook in batches to maintain even cooking and flavor distribution.

Conclusion

These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are a must-try for anyone who loves bold, savory flavors with a touch of heat. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or as a standout appetizer for parties. If you make this recipe, don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest and share it with your family and friends. They’ll thank you for bringing such a delicious dish to the table!

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