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Sticky Korean BBQ Meatballs with Gochujang Glaze


  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Get ready to fall in love with these *Sticky Korean BBQ Meatballs with Gochujang Glaze*. Tender, juicy meatballs are pan-seared to golden perfection and tossed in a bold, spicy-sweet glaze made with gochujang, soy sauce, and honey. Whether you’re looking for a **quick dinner**, **easy party appetizer**, or **flavor-packed meal prep idea**, this recipe delivers big flavor in a short amount of time. Perfect for **weeknight dinners**, **game day spreads**, or anyone craving **bold food ideas** that come together fast.


Ingredients

Scale

½ pound ground beef

½ pound ground pork

½ cup breadcrumbs

1 large egg

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 green onions, finely chopped

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

3 tablespoons gochujang

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon soy sauce (for glaze)

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil (for glaze)

2 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for slurry)

1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Extra green onions, for garnish

1 tablespoon neutral oil, for cooking


Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil until just combined.

2. Form the mixture into about 18–20 meatballs, rolling them evenly by hand.

3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning to brown all sides, for about 8–10 minutes or until fully cooked. Set aside.

4. In the same skillet, combine gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water. Whisk and bring to a simmer.

5. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the glaze thickens and becomes sticky.

6. Return the meatballs to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the glaze. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.

7. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

8. Serve hot over rice, in lettuce wraps, or with noodles.

Notes

Let the meatballs rest in the glaze for a few minutes before serving to soak up the flavor.

If you want a thicker glaze, simmer it a bit longer or add more cornstarch slurry.

For a lighter version, you can use all ground turkey or chicken—but keep an eye on moisture!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Korean-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5 meatballs
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 640mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: easy dinner, meatball recipe, Korean BBQ, gochujang glaze, quick meal, weeknight dinner, food ideas