Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, perfectly suited for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying game day snacks, or looking for a family dinner option, these meatballs will impress everyone at the table. With juicy meatballs glazed in a rich sauce and served alongside a creamy spicy dip, this dish stands out as both an appetizer and a main course.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavors: Each meatball is packed with delicious Korean-inspired seasonings that create an unforgettable taste experience.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, anyone can whip up this dish quickly.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these meatballs work well for various occasions, from casual get-togethers to festive dinners.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The unique combination of flavors appeals to a wide range of palates, making it a hit among family and friends.
- Leftover Friendly: These meatballs taste great the next day! Enjoy them hot or cold for lunch or snack.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or air fryer basket
- Saucepan
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A spacious mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without mess.
- Baking sheet or air fryer basket: These tools ensure even cooking of the meatballs, whether baking or air frying.
- Saucepan: Perfect for simmering the glaze that brings all the flavors together.
- Whisk: A whisk helps achieve a smooth consistency in your spicy mayo dip.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
For the Glaze
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken)
For the Spicy Mayo Dip
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, salt, black pepper, and chopped green onions. Mix gently until just combined.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
For baking:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes.
For air frying:
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Cook meatballs for 10–12 minutes; shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
In a saucepan over medium heat:
Combine soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
Simmer gently.
Stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken.
Step 5: Coat Meatballs in Glaze
Toss cooked meatballs in warm glaze until fully coated.
Step 6: Prepare the Spicy Mayo Dip
In a small bowl:
Whisk together mayonnaise, gochujang, lime juice, honey, and garlic powder until smooth.
Step 7: Serve
Transfer glazed meatballs to a serving plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot with spicy mayo dip on the side.
How to Serve Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip make for an exciting and flavorful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual dinner, these meatballs are versatile enough to please any crowd.
On Skewers
- Great for parties: Thread the meatballs onto skewers for easy serving and a fun presentation.
- Add veggies: Incorporate bell peppers and onions between the meatballs for added color and taste.
With Rice
- Serve over rice: Place the glazed meatballs atop a bed of steamed jasmine or brown rice for a hearty meal.
- Flavor boost: Drizzle some extra spicy mayo on top for an added kick.
As Appetizers
- Small portions: Serve meatballs individually on toothpicks for bite-sized appetizers at gatherings.
- Garnish ideas: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for visual appeal.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Fresh alternative: Wrap the meatballs in lettuce leaves for a refreshing, low-carb option.
- Add toppings: Include shredded carrots and cucumber slices for extra crunch.
With Noodles
- Tossed together: Combine cooked noodles with the glaze from the meatballs for a delicious noodle dish.
- Satisfying meal: Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a complete meal.
How to Perfect Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
To ensure your Korean BBQ Meatballs turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose quality meat: Use fresh ground beef or a mix of beef and pork for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overmix: Combine ingredients gently to keep the meatballs tender; overmixing can make them tough.
- Use an ice cream scoop: For uniform size, use an ice cream scoop when forming your meatballs to ensure even cooking.
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer; beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
- Experiment with spices: Adjust gochujang levels based on your heat preference; adding more can enhance spiciness.
- Make ahead: Prepare meatballs in advance and refrigerate or freeze before cooking for quick meal prep later.
Best Side Dishes for Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Pairing side dishes with your Korean BBQ Meatballs can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Kimchi: This traditional fermented side adds tangy flavor and probiotics, making it a perfect match.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli complements the rich flavors of the meatballs well.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad provides crunch and balances out the spice from the dip.
- Fried Rice: Whip up some fried rice with vegetables to soak up all that delicious sauce from the meatballs.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can serve as a comforting starter alongside your main dish.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory meatballs.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds texture and brightness.
- Pickled Radishes: These add a zesty note that cuts through richness, enhancing each bite of the dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to watch for.
- Incorrect meat mixture: Using only one type of meat can affect flavor and texture. Mixing beef and pork provides a richer taste and tenderness.
- Overmixing the meat: Mixing too vigorously can result in dense meatballs. Combine ingredients gently until just mixed for the best texture.
- Skipping the glaze: The glaze is essential for flavor. Don’t skip it; make sure to coat the meatballs thoroughly for maximum taste.
- Not measuring ingredients: Eyeballing ingredients can lead to imbalanced flavors. Stick to the measurements provided for the best results.
- Ignoring resting time: Letting the meatballs rest briefly after cooking helps them retain moisture. This step is crucial for juicy meatballs.
- Serving without garnish: Skipping garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions can make your dish less appealing. Add these for both flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Korean BBQ Meatballs in an airtight container.
- They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
- Place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, checking frequently until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep them moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative, but it may require additional seasoning for enhanced flavor.
How do I make these meatballs gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Korean BBQ Meatballs, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.
What can I serve with Korean BBQ Meatballs?
These meatballs pair well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even as sliders on buns.
How spicy are these Korean BBQ Meatballs?
The spice level primarily comes from gochujang. Adjust the amount based on your preference if you like it milder or spicier.
Final Thoughts
These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are not only delicious but also versatile! Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, they bring bold flavors to any table. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite spices or trying different dipping sauces. Enjoy making this crowd-pleaser!
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18 meatballs 1x
Description
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors that will elevate any gathering. These juicy meatballs are glazed in a rich, tangy sauce and paired with a creamy spicy dip, making them perfect for parties, game days, or family dinners. The bold Korean-inspired seasonings create an unforgettable taste experience that appeals to everyone at the table. Quick and easy to prepare, this versatile dish can be served as an appetizer or main course, ensuring it is always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy leftovers hot or cold for a delightful snack!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- ¼ cup soy sauce (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp gochujang (for glaze)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (for glaze)
- 1 tsp garlic, minced (for glaze)
- 1 tsp ginger, minced (for glaze)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken glaze)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (for dip)
- 1 tbsp gochujang (for dip)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey (for dip)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (for dip)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, soy sauce, gochujang, garlic, ginger, egg, brown sugar, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and green onions.
- Form mixture into meatballs (1 to 1.5 inches in diameter).
- Bake on a baking sheet for 18–20 minutes until cooked through.
- For the glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger; simmer. Add cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Toss cooked meatballs in the glaze until fully coated.
- For the spicy mayo dip: Whisk together mayonnaise, gochujang, lime juice, honey, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
