If you’re in the mood for spicy, flavorful and slightly spicy flavours These meatballs from Korea are an absolute must-try! from tender beef, aromatic ginger and garlic, a savory soy sauce and touch of spice from gochugaru these meatballs are a perfect combination with sweet, salty and spicy flavours.
Dipped in drizzled with a gochujang sauce that is creamy These Korea-style beefballs are ideal for dinners on the week for party snacks, as well as meals prep. The best part? They’re baked rather than deep-fried which makes them healthier and keeping them deliciously juicy and delicious.
Let’s get started on this simple Korean barbeque meatballs recipe which will soon become the staple of your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Korean Barbecue Meatballs Recipe
Juicy & Flavorful – The perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.Easy to Make – Ready in just 30 minutes, with simple pantry ingredients.Healthier Alternative – Oven-baked instead of fried, with a protein-packed balance.Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for meal prep, game day snacks, or rice bowls.Bold Korean Flavors – Featuring gochugaru, soy sauce, and sesame oil for an authentic touch.
Ingredients for Korean Barbecue Meatballs
Meatball Ingredients
1 1 lb ground beef (or substitute 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with) 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs (adds an airy, crisp texture)1 egg (binds the ingredients together)2 cloves of garlic, chopped (adds the depth of flavor)1 teaspoon grated ginger (for fresh and spicy kick)2 tablespoons of soy sauce (umami-rich base)1 tablespoon sesame oil (adds the rich, nutty aroma)1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes to provide mild spice) 1 teaspoon of black pepper (enhances flavor)1/2 teaspoon black pepper (enhances flavors)1 teaspoon honey (balances the spice)2 tablespoons of green onions chopped (adds freshness to the finish)
For the Creamy Gochujang Sauce
1 cup mayonnaise (creamy and rich)1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chili paste that provides heat)1 tablespoon honey (adds an extra sweetness) 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar (balances acidity)1 tablespoon water (to thin if necessary)
How to Make Juicy Korean Barbecue Meatballs – Step by Step
Step1: Preheat Your Oven
- Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees F (200degC).
- Cover the edges of a baking pan with parchment to keep it from sticking.
Step2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
- in a mixing bowl large enough mix: Panko breadcrumbs, ground beef, Garlic and ginger Soy sauce Sesame oil and Gochugaru honey, black pepper and green onions
- Mix until it is completely combined, However, do not overwork the meat otherwise the meatballs will become tough.
Step3: Shape and Bake the Meatballs
- The mixture is then rolled to form one-inch balls of meat and put them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes for a total of 15-18 minutes, or till golden brown and cooked ( internal temp: 160degF).
Step4: Prepare the Creamy Gochujang Sauce
- A small mixing bowl mix together: Mayonnaise, Gochujang Honey Rice vinegar water (if required for the consistency to be thinner)
Step5: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve your tender meatballs with the gochujang sauce that is creamy and delicious..
- Garnish garnish with additional fresh green onion along with Sesame seeds to create a stunning end.
Pro Tips for the Best Korean Barbecue Meatballs
Use high-quality beef 80/20 ground beef will give you the most succulent texture.Don’t overmix the mix can result in the meatballs tough meatballs.Customize the heat level –
- More Spicy? Use 1/2 teaspoon gochujang instead.
- More spicy? Add an extra tablespoon gochugaru.Perfectly Round Meatballs: Lightly oil your hands prior to rolling to avoid sticking.
Best Ways to Serve Korean Barbecue Meatballs
In a bowl of steamed rice – A classic traditional Korean rice bowl.With Asian Slaw – A fresh, crisp contrast.In an Korean Meatball Sub, drizzle additional sauce to make a spicy sandwich! Served with noodles – Toss with soy-glazed noodles to create an exotic dish.As an appetizer, serve with toothpicks, and additional sauce to dip.
Nutritional Information for Korean Barbecue Meatballs
Serving (4-5 meatballs) contains: Serving (4-5 meatballs) contains:
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 20g
- Sugar: 5g
For a less calorie alternative choose ground turkey instead of beef!
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerator:
- Keep your items in an airtight container for up to 4 days..
Freezer:
- You can freeze cooked or raw meatballs at least 3 months..
- To reheat: Bake at 350degF (175degC) for 10 minutes.
Meal Prep Tip:
- The recipe can be doubled and frozen the other half to make easy meal prep for the week..
FAQs – Answering Your Top Questions
1. Do I have to make these meatballs in advance?
Yes! You can make and then refrigerate the meatballs in their raw form in up to 24 hrs prior to baking.
2. What else can I make instead of gochujang?
Try Sriracha and miso paste to get the same depth of flavor.
3. Can I air fry the Korean meatballs?
Yes! You can air fry it at 350degF for 12-14 mins and shake at least halfway through.
4. What’s the most effective way create these without gluten?
Make use of Gluten-free Panko Breadcrumbs and use tamari instead of soy sauce..
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Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells – Easy Family Dinner Idea
Final Thoughts – Make These Juicy Korean Meatballs Today!
These juicy Korean barbecue meatballs make the perfect blend of strong spicy, sweet, and spicy tastes. They can be served on rice, in sandwiches, or as an appetizer They’ll be the perfect success with all!
Test this delicious recipe now and tell us your preferred method of serving these in your comments!
Make sure to pin this recipe onto Pinterest and Facebook for other people to take pleasure in!
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Korean Barbecue Meatballs – Best Sweet & Spicy Recipe
Description
If you’re craving bold, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, these Juicy Korean Barbecue Meatballs are a must-try! Made with tender beef, aromatic garlic and ginger, umami-rich soy sauce, and a hint of heat from gochugaru, these meatballs pack a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
Drizzled with a creamy gochujang sauce, these Korean-style meatballs are perfect for weeknight dinners, party appetizers, or meal prep. Best of all? They are baked instead of fried, making them healthier while keeping them super juicy and flavorful.
Let’s dive into this easy Korean BBQ meatballs recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or substitute with chicken)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs (adds a light, crispy texture)
1 egg (binds the mixture together)
2 cloves garlic, minced (adds depth of flavor)
1 teaspoon ginger, grated (for a fresh, spicy kick)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (umami-rich base)
1 tablespoon sesame oil (adds a nutty aroma)
1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes for mild heat)
½ teaspoon black pepper (enhances the flavors)
1 tablespoon honey (balances the spice)
2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (adds a fresh finish)
For the Creamy Gochujang Sauce
½ cup mayonnaise (creamy and rich)
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chili paste for heat)
1 teaspoon honey (adds a touch of sweetness)
½ teaspoon rice vinegar (balances acidity)
1 tablespoon water (to thin if needed)
Instructions
Step1: Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
Ground beef
Panko breadcrumbs
Egg
Garlic & ginger
Soy sauce & sesame oil
Gochugaru, black pepper, honey, and green onions - Mix until fully combined but don’t overwork the meat, or the meatballs will be tough.
Step3: Shape and Bake the Meatballs
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 160°F).
Step4: Prepare the Creamy Gochujang Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
Mayonnaise
Gochujang
Honey
Rice vinegar
Water (if needed for a thinner consistency)
Step5: Serve & Enjoy
- Drizzle the warm meatballs with the creamy gochujang sauce.
- Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful finish.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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Use High-Quality Beef – 80/20 ground beef gives the juiciest texture.
Don’t Overmix – Overworking the mixture makes tough meatballs.
Customize the Heat Level –
- Less Spicy? Use ½ teaspoon gochujang instead.
- Spicier? Add 1 extra teaspoon gochugaru.
Perfectly Round Meatballs – Lightly oil your hands when rolling to prevent sticking.
