Introduction

If you’re searching for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish, these Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are a must-try! Imagine tender, juicy meatballs coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory Korean BBQ sauce, served with a creamy, spicy mayo dip that adds the perfect kick. Whether you’re preparing appetizers for a party or need a quick dinner solution, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. It’s a breeze to make, uses simple ingredients, and caters to all taste buds. Gather your loved ones, because this dish is about to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Simple and approachable: This recipe uses pantry-friendly ingredients, so you don’t need to hunt for specialty items.
• Versatile for any occasion: From casual dinners to festive gatherings, these meatballs shine on every table.
• Bold, exciting flavors: A perfect mix of sweet, savory, and spicy creates an unforgettable taste experience.

Suitable For

• Perfect as party appetizers served with toothpicks.
• Great for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week.
• Adaptable for dietary preferences: swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives to fit your needs.

Ingredients for Korean BBQ Meatballs

Core Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:

For the Meatballs:

• Ground beef (or substitute with turkey or pork): Provides the base for tender, flavorful meatballs.
• Breadcrumbs and egg: Help bind the mixture for a perfect texture.
• Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, and parsley: Add depth of flavor.
• Soy sauce and sesame oil: Bring in that signature Korean-inspired taste.

For the Spicy Mayo Dip:

• Mayonnaise and sriracha: Creamy and spicy, a match made in heaven.
• Sesame oil and lime juice: Add an earthy and tangy twist.

Substitutions and Tips

• Meat Options: Prefer lighter meat? Try ground chicken or turkey. Vegetarian? Use tofu or plant-based ground meat.
• Gluten-Free: Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko and ensure your soy sauce is tamari.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: Add more sriracha or even a pinch of chili flakes to crank up the heat. Prefer it mild? Replace sriracha with sweet chili sauce.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Must-Have Tools

• Mixing bowl: For combining the meatball mixture.
• Skillet or baking sheet: To cook the meatballs.
• Whisk: To blend the spicy mayo dip to smooth perfection.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Parchment paper: Keeps your baking sheet mess-free.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures your meatballs are cooked to perfection.
• Small tongs: Makes glazing and serving the meatballs a breeze.

How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs

Let’s dive into the process of making these delicious Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dish that’s bursting with flavor and impressively easy to make. Ready? Let’s get started!

Step 1: Prep the Meatballs

The foundation of perfect meatballs is getting the mix just right. Here’s how:

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil.

Mix everything thoroughly, but be gentle—you don’t want to overwork the meat, as it can make the meatballs dense. Once combined, roll the mixture into evenly-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. This ensures they cook evenly.

Pro tip: Use a small cookie scoop or lightly oiled hands to make shaping easier and less messy. Place your meatballs on a plate or tray and get ready to cook!

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

You can choose between two methods to cook your meatballs: baking or pan-frying. Both are simple and delicious!

1. Baking Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
2. Pan-Frying Method: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until they’re browned on all sides and fully cooked (about 10–12 minutes).

Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees they’re perfectly done and safe to eat.

Step 3: Prepare the Korean BBQ Sauce

While the meatballs cook, it’s time to whip up the star of the show: the sticky, flavorful Korean BBQ sauce.

In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar.

Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer gently for 3–5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry and stir it into the sauce. Simmer for another minute until it thickens to your liking.

Taste-test the sauce and adjust to your preference—add more honey for sweetness or a pinch of gochujang for extra spice. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Mayo Dip

The spicy mayo dip is the perfect creamy, zesty accompaniment to the meatballs. Best of all? It comes together in under a minute!

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon sriracha, 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder.

Taste and tweak the spice level—add more sriracha if you’re feeling bold or less if you prefer it milder. Cover the dip and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. The chill time lets the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Glaze and Garnish the Meatballs

Once your meatballs are cooked to perfection, it’s time to bring everything together.

Transfer the meatballs to a large bowl and pour the Korean BBQ sauce over them. Gently toss until each meatball is coated in that glossy, sticky goodness.

To serve, place the glazed meatballs on a platter. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of color and added flavor. Don’t forget to serve the spicy mayo dip on the side—it’s a game-changer!

Tips for Success

Making Korean BBQ Meatballs is straightforward, but a few expert tips will take your dish to the next level:

• Don’t overmix the meat: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is evenly incorporated. Overmixing can make your meatballs tough instead of tender.
• Uniform sizing matters: Use a cookie scoop or measure by hand to ensure all your meatballs are the same size. This helps them cook evenly, whether you’re baking or pan-frying.
• Customize your sauce: Love a thick glaze? Add a cornstarch slurry. Prefer it spicier? Increase the gochujang or sriracha. Your sauce can be as bold or mild as you like!

With these tips, your meatballs will come out perfectly every time.

How to Store Korean BBQ Meatballs

Whether you’re saving leftovers or planning ahead, here’s how to store your meatballs:

At Room Temperature

These meatballs are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they can safely sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours if serving during a gathering.

In the Refrigerator

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Freezing Tips

These meatballs are freezer-friendly! Place uncooked or cooked meatballs on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use store-bought Korean BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought sauce is a time-saver and works beautifully in this recipe. Simply heat it up before tossing with your meatballs for a quick glaze.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

This recipe is naturally dairy-free as long as your mayonnaise and condiments are free of dairy. Double-check your labels, and you’re good to go!

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, and it’s a great idea for larger gatherings! Simply double the ingredient quantities, ensuring you have enough space on your baking sheet or skillet for even cooking.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip, try these other recipes from Recipes Easys:

• Lasagna Soup: A comforting bowl of hearty, cheesy goodness.
• Easy Nachos: Quick and crowd-pleasing snack for game day.
• Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A creamy, garlicky one-pot meal everyone will love.
• Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup: Bold, flavorful, and packed with comforting spices.

These recipes complement the flavor profile of the meatballs and provide options for every craving!

Conclusion

These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are a perfect blend of flavors and textures, offering something for everyone. The sticky-sweet glaze and creamy-spicy dip make them irresistible, whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy dinner at home.

Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! Share your experience, leave a comment, or snap a photo to show off your creation. You’ll love how easy it is to make, and your friends and family will thank you for introducing them to this flavor-packed dish. Happy cooking!

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