Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip: A Flavor-Packed Beginner-Friendly Recipe

Name: Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground chicken; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste); 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 green onions, finely chopped; ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon gochujang; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon honey; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Sesame seeds (for garnish); Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Get ready for a culinary adventure with these Korean BBQ Meatballs, a vibrant blend of flavors that brings an exciting twist to your dinner table! With a delightful mixture of savory meatballs paired with a zesty spicy mayo dip, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite. Best of all, it’s simple enough for beginners, making it a perfect choice for your next gathering or weeknight meal.

Why Make This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The combination of ground meat, gochujang, and a medley of seasonings creates a rich, authentic Korean BBQ flavor.
Beginner-Friendly: Quick prep and cooking methods make these meatballs achievable for cooks of every skill level.
Versatile Dipping Sauce: The spicy mayo dip not only complements the meatballs but works great as a versatile condiment for other dishes too.

If you’re looking to impress your friends and family or simply want to elevate your dinner routine, these Korean BBQ Meatballs are the perfect solution! Combining flavor, convenience, and a touch of fun, they promise to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Korean BBQ Meatballs

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients below to make your BBQ meatballs and spicy mayo dip.
Ingredients for Meatballs:

1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground chicken
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 green onions, finely chopped

Ingredients for Spicy Mayo Dip:

½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon gochujang
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon honey
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Mix the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef (or chicken), panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, salt, black pepper, and chopped green onions. Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Overmixing will result in dense meatballs.
Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or baking sheet while you preheat your cooking surface.
Cook the Meatballs: You can choose from three different methods to cook your meatballs – pan-frying, baking, or grilling.

Pan-Frying: Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally to brown evenly.
Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the meatballs on it. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place meatballs directly on the grill grates and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning to ensure even cooking.

Prepare the Spicy Mayo Dip: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, gochujang, lime juice, honey, and garlic powder until smooth. Adjust spiciness and sweetness to taste.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the meatballs are fully cooked, serve them hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, alongside the spicy mayo dip.

Storage Tips for Korean BBQ Meatballs

Temperature: Store meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Storage Time: They can be kept for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze leftover meatballs. They will stay fresh for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

How to Serve Korean BBQ Meatballs

Present your Korean BBQ Meatballs in a fun or elegant manner to impress your guests:

Platter Presentation: Arrange the meatballs on a large serving platter with the spicy mayo dip in a small bowl at the center, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Skewered Option: Serve them on skewers for easy grabbing at parties.
Side Dishes: Pair them with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or a simple salad to create a complete meal.

Tips to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs

Keep it Moist: To ensure tender meatballs, avoid overmixing. Just blend until the ingredients are combined.
Customize Flavor: Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochujang based on your preference.
Use Ground Turkey: If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef or chicken.

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground meat with a plant-based alternative such as lentils or finely chopped mushrooms mixed with tofu for a meat-free version.
Spicy Twist: For added heat, incorporate minced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the meatball mixture or the spicy mayo dip.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you are ready to cook.

Q: What can I serve with Korean BBQ Meatballs?

Steamed rice or fried rice.
Kimchi or pickled vegetables for a traditional side.
A simple salad as a refreshing complement.

Q: Are these meatballs gluten-free?

A: To make them gluten-free, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure soy sauce is gluten-free as well.

Dive into this deliciously spicy and savory recipe for Korean BBQ Meatballs, and you’ll never look back! Their full flavor, ease of preparation, and irresistible side of spicy mayo will keep you wanting to whip up another batch time and again. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a fancy gathering, these flavorful meatballs are your go-to recipe. Enjoy your culinary journey into Korean cuisine!

Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip