Korean BBQ Meatballs: 5 Delicious Reasons to Try Today

Name: Korean BBQ Meatballs: Juicy, Bold, and Completely Craveable
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Korean Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 2 green onions, finely chopped; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp gochujang; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp rice vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste; Sesame seeds and scallions (for garnish); For the Spicy Mayo Dip:; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp gochujang; 1 tsp lime juice; 1 tsp honey

Jump to Recipe

There’s something magical about Korean BBQ meatballs. You get that sweet-savory-umami punch from the gochujang and soy sauce, the juicy meatball bite, and then – BAM – a hit of spicy mayo that ties it all together. This is one of those dishes that makes your taste buds sit up straight and say, “Hey, what is THAT?”

These meatballs are perfect for rice bowls, wraps, or just snacking right off the tray. They come together fast, bake beautifully, and hit all the right notes of comfort and zing. Let’s dig in.

Korean BBQ Meatballs Full Recipe Section

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 large egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for texture)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp gochujang
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp rice vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds and scallions (for garnish)

For the Spicy Mayo Dip:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp gochujang
1 tsp lime juice
1 tsp honey

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Lightly oil the surface or spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic, ginger, green onions, egg, breadcrumbs, cornstarch (if using), soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang, brown sugar, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense.

Step 3: Shape and Chill
Scoop out roughly 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Chill the tray in the fridge for 10 minutes to help the meatballs hold their shape while baking.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown on the outside and cooked through (internal temp should reach 160°F or 71°C). You can broil them for the last 1–2 minutes for extra caramelization.

Step 5: Make the Spicy Mayo & Serve
While the meatballs bake, whisk together the mayonnaise, gochujang, lime juice, and honey in a small bowl until smooth. Serve the meatballs warm with a side of the spicy mayo, and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.

Time & Yield

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~310 kcal/serving

Why Korean BBQ Meatballs Are the Best

Balanced Flavor: Sweet, salty, spicy, umami – it’s all there.
Perfect Texture: Juicy inside, lightly crisp outside.
Baked, Not Fried: Easier and cleaner, with no compromise on taste.
Fast & Flexible: 35 minutes, start to finish.

Korean BBQ Meatballs Fusion Appeal

That spicy mayo? It’s the lovechild of Korean heat and creamy Western comfort. It turns these meatballs into something special, something you want to dip everything into. Perfect for anyone who likes a little global flair in their food.

Benefits of Cooking Korean BBQ Meatballs at Home

Nutritional Control: Cut back on sodium or swap in ground turkey.
Budget-Friendly: Cheaper than takeout, tastier too.
Customizable: Add veggies like shredded carrot or spinach.
Kid-Friendly: Tame the spice, serve with ketchup if you must.
Meal Prep Heaven: Freeze cooked meatballs, reheat anytime.

Korean BBQ Meatballs Serving Suggestions

Over steamed white rice or sticky rice bowls
Tossed with noodles or zoodles
On skewers for party apps
Wrapped in lettuce with extra herbs
Tucked in bao buns or sliders
Drizzled with spicy mayo as a salad topper

Cooking Tips for Korean BBQ Meatballs

Use fresh garlic and ginger – pre-minced just won’t hit the same.
Don’t overmix the meat or you’ll get rubber balls.
Chill meatballs for 10 mins before baking to help them hold shape.
Double the spicy mayo – you’ll want more, trust me.

Korean BBQ Meatballs Flavor Variations

Honey-Garlic Glaze: Swap mayo dip for a sticky soy-honey sauce.
Teriyaki Style: Use teriyaki sauce instead of gochujang in mix.
Thai Fusion: Serve with coconut peanut sauce.
Vegan Version: Sub in lentils or plant-based meat, flax egg, and go from there.

Try these crispy Asian-style chicken bites with Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken—packed with flavor and crunch.
Explore more spicy-sweet Asian chicken dishes with Sweet Chili Chicken—perfect if you love that balance of heat and sweetness.
Love beef? These savory beef recipes perfect for weeknight dinners like Garlic Butter Beef Bites are hearty and satisfying.
For a twist on ground beef meals, check out flavor-packed ground beef dishes like Savory Caramelized Onion Meatloaf.
Planning a themed meal? Don’t miss these fun meatball variations for festive occasions with Halloween-ready Mummy Meatballs.

Table of Benefits

Benefit	Description
Nutritional Control	Customize meat, spice, and sodium levels to suit your dietary needs.
Budget-Friendly	Far more cost-effective than ordering takeout or dining out.
Customizable	Easily adapt with vegetables, sauces, or protein swaps.
Kid-Friendly	Adjust heat levels and serve with familiar sides for younger eaters.
Meal Prep Friendly	Make ahead, freeze, and reheat for quick weeknight meals.

FAQ

Can I make Korean BBQ meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can shape the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Cooked meatballs also reheat beautifully and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Is gochujang very spicy?

Gochujang has a medium spice level with deep umami and a slight sweetness. If you’re spice-sensitive, start with half the amount and adjust to taste.

Can I air-fry the meatballs instead of baking?

Absolutely. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until cooked through and golden.

What other proteins can I use?

Ground turkey, chicken, or pork all work great. Just adjust cooking time based on fat content and density.

What can I serve with these meatballs besides rice?

Try them with lettuce wraps, in noodle bowls, over a salad, or even in slider buns for a fun party appetizer.

Conclusion

These Korean BBQ meatballs pack a punch without being a pain to make. They’re fast, flavorful, and infinitely flexible – perfect for weeknight dinners, party trays, or freezer meals. Give them a try today and bring that Korean BBQ vibe into your kitchen.

Ready to roll some bold meatballs? Get that oven going and let’s cook!

Invite visitors to check out more delicious ideas—visit my Pinterest page for more fusion-inspired meals and quick cooking tips!

Korean BBQ Meatballs: Juicy, Bold, and Completely Craveable

Table of Contents