The aroma of sizzling Korean BBQ Meatballs wafting through the kitchen is enough to make any foodie weak in the knees. Imagine tender meatballs infused with a savory blend of spices and flavors that dance merrily on your palate. As you drizzle them with a creamy, spicy mayo dip, anticipation buildsβthis is not just dinner; it’s an experience that brings people together.

Growing up, my family often gathered around for weekend cook-offs, and these delightful meatballs were always the star of the show. Friends and relatives would gather in my tiny kitchen, laughing and sharing stories as we enjoyed this savory treat. Thereβs something magical about food that brings people closer, and trust me when I say these Korean BBQ Meatballs will be your new go-to recipe for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These mouthwatering meatballs are incredibly easy to prepare and packed with flavor
- The spicy mayo dip adds an irresistible kick that complements their taste perfectly
- Their vibrant appearance makes them a hit at gatherings or as a cozy weeknight dinner
- Perfectly versatile, you can serve them as appetizers or over rice for a filling meal
I still remember watching my friends devour these meatballsβeach bite eliciting smiles and happy sighs.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Aim for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy and flavorful meatballs.
- Green Onions: Freshly chopped green onions add a bright flavor and color contrast.
- Garlic Cloves: Use fresh garlic for a punchy flavor that elevates the dish.
- Ginger: A small amount of grated ginger brings warmth and depth to the mix.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs keep the meatballs light and fluffy while providing texture.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps balance flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way in imparting nutty richness to the meat.
- Sriracha Sauce: For those who crave heat, sriracha adds both spice and flavor.
- Mayonnaise: This creamy base is key to making our spicy mayo dip oh-so-delicious.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens up the spicy mayo dip perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha sauce until fully incorporated.
Mold the Meatballs: Using your hands (or an ice cream scoop for uniformity), shape tablespoon-sized portions into balls. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter; they should fit comfortably in your palm.
Cook Them Up: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Add the meatballs in batches without overcrowding; cook until browned on all sidesβabout 8-10 minutes total.
Create the Spicy Mayo Dip: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with lemon juice and sriracha until smooth. Adjust spice levels by adding more sriracha if desired; taste as you go!
Serve It Up: Once cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160Β°F), remove the meatballs from heat and arrange them on a serving platter alongside your spicy mayo dip for dipping glory.
These Korean BBQ Meatballs are sure to impress! Whether you’re hosting friends or simply enjoying a cozy night at home, they’ll bring smiles all around. The combination of flavorsβsavory from the beef and kick from that creamy dipping sauceβwill have everyone asking for seconds (and thirds).
So grab those ingredients and letβs get cooking! Enjoy your culinary journey into deliciousness!
You Must Know
- These Korean BBQ meatballs are delightfully juicy and bursting with flavor
- The spicy mayo dip adds a creamy kick that elevates the dish
- Perfect for gatherings, theyβll have your guests asking for seconds
- Plus, theyβre easy to prepare, making you look like a culinary genius!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the meatballs in a hot pan first to lock in juices, then finish baking them for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add chopped scallions for extra texture and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350Β°F.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For best results, use fresh ingredients; they enhance flavors significantly
- Avoid overcrowding the pan while searing to get that perfect caramelization
- Don’t skip resting time after cooking; it ensures juiciness when you bite into those meatballs
When I first made these Korean BBQ meatballs, my friends devoured them in minutes and insisted I make them every week!
FAQ
Can I freeze Korean BBQ meatballs?
Yes, freeze them before cooking; they maintain great texture and flavor when reheated.
What can I serve with Korean BBQ meatballs?
They pair well with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How spicy is the mayo dip?
The mayo dip can be adjusted; use less gochujang for a milder flavor!
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are tender, flavorful bites that pack a punch. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, these meatballs are sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients
- Ground Beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- Green Onions
- Garlic Cloves
- Grated Ginger
- Panko Breadcrumbs
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
- Sesame Oil
- Sriracha Sauce
- Mayonnaise
- Lemon Juice
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha. Mix until well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook meatballs in batches until browned on all sides (8-10 minutes).
- For the spicy mayo dip, mix mayonnaise with lemon juice and sriracha until smooth; adjust to taste.
- Serve meatballs on a platter with the spicy mayo dip.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs (90g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for lighter options. Add chopped scallions or cilantro for extra flavor. For even cooking, sear meatballs before baking.