Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
If you love sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, these Korean BBQ Meatballs will become your new favorite!
Tender, juicy meatballs coated in a rich Korean BBQ glaze, paired with a creamy spicy mayo dip, create the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors.
Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or a quick dinner, these meatballs are effortless to make yet bursting with bold flavors!
🛒 Ingredients Breakdown & Why They Work
Every ingredient is carefully selected to enhance the texture and depth of flavor:
For the Meatballs:
- Ground Beef (1 lb) – Provides a juicy and tender base.
- Breadcrumbs (½ cup) – Helps bind the meatballs together for a perfect texture.
- Soy Sauce (2 tbsp) – Adds a rich, umami savory depth.
- Sesame Oil (1 tbsp) – Brings a toasty, nutty aroma.
- Brown Sugar (1 tbsp) – Enhances the sweet and caramelized notes.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Essential for bold, garlicky flavor.
- Ginger (½ tsp, grated) – Adds a fresh, warm spice that complements the sweetness.
- Green Onions (¼ cup, chopped) – Gives a mild onion flavor without overpowering.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste) – Balances all flavors beautifully.
For the Sauce & Dip:
- Korean BBQ Sauce (½ cup) – The star of the show! Brings sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy notes.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup) – Adds creaminess and richness to balance the heat.
- Sriracha (1 tbsp) – Brings the perfect amount of heat and tang to the dip.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
🔹 Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
✔️ Ground beef
✔️ Breadcrumbs
✔️ Soy sauce
✔️ Sesame oil
✔️ Brown sugar
✔️ Minced garlic
✔️ Grated ginger
✔️ Green onions
✔️ Salt & pepper
Mix gently but thoroughly to distribute all the flavors evenly.
🔹 Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
🔹 Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
🔹 Step 5: Prepare the Spicy Mayo Dip
In a small bowl, mix together:
✔️ Korean BBQ sauce
✔️ Mayonnaise
✔️ Sriracha
Stir well until smooth and creamy.
🔹 Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve the hot, juicy meatballs with the spicy mayo dip on the side, or drizzle it over the top for extra flavor!
📌 Pro Tips for Perfect Korean BBQ Meatballs
✅ Don’t Overmix the Meat – Overworking makes meatballs dense and tough. Mix gently!
✅ Use Panko Breadcrumbs – They create a lighter, fluffier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
✅ Chill the Mixture for 10 Minutes – Helps the meatballs hold their shape better.
✅ Use a Cookie Scoop – Ensures uniform meatballs for even cooking.
✅ Add a Splash of Milk – Keeps the meatballs extra moist.
✅ Broil for the Last 2 Minutes – Gives a crispy, caramelized exterior.
✅ Air Fry for a Crispier Texture – Cook at 375°F for 12 minutes.
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs (without sauce) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 5 minutes for a crispy finish.
❓ 20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
🔴 General Recipe Questions
1️⃣ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works great but may be less juicy.
2️⃣ Can I make these meatballs in advance?
Yes! Prepare the mixture and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
3️⃣ Can I fry these meatballs instead of baking?
Absolutely! Pan-fry in 2 tbsp oil over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.
4️⃣ How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart?
Make sure to use enough breadcrumbs and don’t overmix the meat.
5️⃣ Can I make these meatballs spicier?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes or extra sriracha to the mixture.
🟢 Storage & Serving Questions
6️⃣ How long do leftovers last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
7️⃣ Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes! Freeze them (without sauce) for up to 3 months.
8️⃣ What’s the best way to reheat them?
Reheat in the oven, air fryer, or microwave (see tips above!).
9️⃣ Can I serve these with rice?
Absolutely! Serve over steamed rice for a full meal.
🔟 Can I use store-bought Korean BBQ sauce?
Yes! Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
🌟 20 Pro Secrets for the BEST Korean BBQ Meatballs
1️⃣ Use freshly grated ginger for maximum flavor.
2️⃣ Swap beef for pork for extra juiciness.
3️⃣ Add a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy twist.
4️⃣ Try hoisin sauce instead of BBQ sauce for a different depth of sweetness.
5️⃣ Mix in finely diced onions for extra moisture.
6️⃣ Chill the meatball mixture before shaping to prevent sticking.
7️⃣ Coat meatballs in cornstarch for an extra crispy exterior.
8️⃣ Use a food processor to finely chop garlic and ginger.
9️⃣ Brush meatballs with extra BBQ sauce before serving.
🔟 Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions for a restaurant-style finish.
