Name: Korean Meatballs : Sweet & Spicy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or pork, or a mix); ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 green onions, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup gochujang (Korean chili paste); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice preference); 1 teaspoon lime juice; ½ teaspoon honey; Sesame seeds; Chopped green onions

Looking for a delicious twist on classic meatballs? These Korean Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are bursting with bold flavors, featuring juicy beef (or pork), a sweet and spicy BBQ glaze, and a creamy, tangy dipping sauce. Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack, these Korean BBQ meatballs are guaranteed to be a hit!

Whether you’re making veggies on the grill for a side, craving grandma recipes with a modern twist, or exploring recipes Korean cuisine, this dish is packed with umami-rich ingredients and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet, Spicy & Savory – The perfect balance of bold Korean flavors.
Juicy & Tender Meatballs – A combination of ground beef, pork, and flavorful seasonings.
Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer – Great for game nights, parties, or BBQs.
Easy & Quick – Ready in under 30 minutes.
Pairs Perfectly with BBQ – Serve alongside grilled veggies for a complete meal.

Ingredients Needed

For the Korean Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef (or pork, or a mix)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt

For the Sweet & Spicy BBQ Sauce:

¼ cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon garlic, minced

For the Spicy Mayo Dip:

¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
1 teaspoon lime juice
½ teaspoon honey

For Garnishing:

Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make these Korean BBQ meatballs, you’ll need:

Mixing bowls
Baking sheet or skillet
Whisk
Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, mix ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt until well combined. Shape into 1-inch meatballs (about 15-18 meatballs).

2. Cook the Meatballs

Oven Method (Healthier Option):

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned and cooked through.

Pan-Fried Method (Crispiest Version):

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Sear meatballs for 3-4 minutes per side, then lower heat and cook through for another 5 minutes.

3. Make the Sweet & Spicy BBQ Sauce

In a small saucepan, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Toss the Meatballs in the Sauce

Add the cooked meatballs to the saucepan and toss to coat evenly in the glaze.

5. Make the Spicy Mayo Dip

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and honey.

6. Serve & Garnish

Arrange the meatballs on a platter, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and serve with the spicy mayo dip on the side.

Tips for the Best Korean Meatballs

Use a mix of beef and pork – This keeps the meatballs juicy.
Don’t overwork the meat mixture – Mix just until combined for tender meatballs.
Make them spicier – Add more gochujang or red pepper flakes.
For extra crispiness, broil for 2 minutes at the end.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
Overcooking the meatballs – Cook just until done to avoid dryness.
Not tasting the sauce – Adjust sweetness or heat to preference.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

For a stylish presentation:

Serve on a wooden board with dipping sauce in the center.
Pair with steamed rice or grilled veggies for a meal.
Garnish with extra sesame seeds and cilantro for color.

Variations and Recipe Swaps

Air Fryer Korean Meatballs – Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.
BBQ Meatballs on the Grill – Skewer meatballs and grill over medium heat.
Vegetarian Korean Meatballs – Use mashed chickpeas or tofu instead of meat.
Gluten-Free Version – Swap soy sauce for tamari and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet with extra sauce or microwave for 30 seconds.

What to Serve with Korean Meatballs

These meatballs pair perfectly with:

Steamed jasmine rice – To soak up the sauce.
Veggies on the grill – Like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Kimchi or pickled vegetables – For an authentic Korean side.

FAQs

1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! Form the meatballs and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.

2. Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes, but add extra breadcrumbs to prevent dryness.

3. How spicy are these meatballs?
Mild to medium spice—adjust with more or less gochujang.

4. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Baking at 400°F keeps them lighter but still flavorful.

Korean Meatballs : Sweet & Spicy

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Author: Lyndy kitchen
Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 15
Total Time: 25
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Korean