Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe

Introduction

Korean BBQ Meatballs bring together a delightful mix of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors inspired by traditional Korean barbecue. These tender meatballs, paired with a creamy spicy mayo dip, make a perfect appetizer or main course that’s simple to prepare and bursting with bold taste.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 inch ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for binding)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish

Spicy Mayo Dip:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon gochujang
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon honey

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, egg, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and season with salt and black pepper. Add cornstarch if using, to help bind the mixture.
3. Step 3: Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and nicely browned on the outside.
5. Step 5: While the meatballs bake, prepare the spicy mayo dip by whisking together the mayonnaise, gochujang, lime juice, and honey in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
6. Step 6: Serve the meatballs warm, either drizzled with the spicy mayo or with the dip on the side. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions for added flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken without changing the other ingredients.
• If you prefer spicier meatballs, increase the amount of gochujang in both the meatballs and the dip.
• Adding cornstarch helps the meatballs hold their shape better, especially if your mixture feels too wet.
• Serve with steamed rice or noodle dishes to make a complete Korean-inspired meal.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The spicy mayo dip can be refrigerated separately for up to 5 days; stir well before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these Korean BBQ meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What if I don’t have gochujang? Can I substitute it?

Gochujang adds a unique sweet and spicy flavor, but in a pinch, you can substitute with a mix of chili paste or sriracha combined with a bit of miso paste or soy sauce to mimic the taste. Adjust the amounts to your preferred spice level.

Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.8 from 58 reviews

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

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip combine sweet, spicy, and savory Korean flavors in bite-sized meatballs baked to perfection. Infused with gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, these meatballs deliver a rich umami experience without the need for grilling, making them perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or a flavorful main dish paired with rice or noodles.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 inch ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for binding)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Chopped scallions

Spicy Mayo Dip Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon gochujang
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon honey

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure meatballs don’t stick and cook evenly.
2. Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, minced garlic, grated ginger, finely chopped green onions, egg, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang, brown sugar, rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper. If desired, add cornstarch to help bind the mixture. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
3. Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until meatballs are fully cooked through and nicely browned on the outside.
5. Prepare the spicy mayo dip: While the meatballs bake, whisk together mayonnaise, gochujang, lime juice, and honey in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
6. Serve: Serve the warm meatballs drizzled with the spicy mayo or with the dip on the side. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground pork or a mix of beef and pork for different flavor and texture.
• The cornstarch is optional but helps bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
• Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to allow even cooking and browning.
• Adjust the amount of gochujang in the meatballs and dip to control the heat level to your preference.
• These meatballs can be served with steamed rice, noodles, or wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Korean

Keywords: Korean BBQ Meatballs, Korean meatballs, gochujang meatballs, spicy mayo dip, Korean appetizer, baked meatballs, Korean cuisine