If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dish that combines savory, sweet, and spicy in every bite, these Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are your new go-to recipe. Whether you’re planning a party, prepping an appetizer for a family dinner, or simply craving something bold and delicious, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with easy-to-find ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Korean flavors: Inspired by classic Korean BBQ, these meatballs are loaded with garlic, ginger, sesame, and a hint of sweetness.
- Perfect texture: Tender and juicy on the inside, glazed with a sticky, flavorful sauce on the outside.
- Spicy mayo dip: Creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of kick — it pairs perfectly with the meatballs.
- Versatile: Serve them as a snack, main course, or party appetizer.
Ingredients for Korean BBQ Meatballs
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
For the Korean BBQ Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for slurry)
For the Spicy Mayo Dip
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp lime juice
Instructions Step-by-Step Korean BBQ Meatball Recipe
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger.
- Mix gently until just combined — don’t overwork the meat.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Step 2: Prepare the Korean BBQ Sauce
- In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, and gochujang.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Mayo Dip
- In a bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice.
- Taste and adjust the heat level to your preference.
Step 4: Toss & Serve
- Once meatballs are baked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the BBQ sauce over the meatballs and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve warm with a small bowl of spicy mayo for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed rice for a quick dinner.
- Add to a bento box or lunch meal prep.
- Serve as party appetizers with toothpicks.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture; it can make them dense.
- Use a cookie scoop to get even-sized meatballs for uniform cooking.
- Customize the spice level of the mayo by adding more or less sriracha.
- Want to go low-carb? Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs (without sauce) for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use another type of meat?
Yes! Ground chicken or turkey work well for a leaner version. Pork adds extra flavor.
What is gochujang and can I substitute it?
Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste with sweet, savory, and spicy notes. If unavailable, mix sriracha with a bit of miso or soy sauce as a substitute.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari) and breadcrumbs.
Final Thoughts
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are the perfect fusion of rich umami flavor, subtle sweetness, and fiery spice. They’re easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and adaptable for various occasions — whether you’re hosting a game night, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for something new and exciting to cook.
Give them a try and let us know how they turned out in the comments!