Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip combine tender, flavorful meatballs glazed in a sweet and spicy Korean BBQ sauce paired with a creamy and zesty spicy mayo dip. Quick to prepare and perfect as a main dish, snack, or party appetizer, these meatballs deliver an exciting and bold flavor experience with customizable heat levels and versatile serving options.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 24 meatballs) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or pork
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free crumbs or almond flour for gluten-free option)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Korean BBQ Sauce
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (maple syrup or agave nectar as alternatives)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Spicy Mayo Dip
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt/vegan mayo)
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
Garnishes
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Finely sliced green onions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or pork with finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, panko breadcrumbs, soy sauce, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Mix gently but thoroughly until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the Meatballs: Use your hands or a small scoop to form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, ensuring uniform cooking and ideal bite-sized portions for dipping.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, add the meatballs, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides and cooked through. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare the Korean BBQ Sauce: While the meatballs cook, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and a touch of sesame oil to make the sticky glaze that will flavor the meatballs.
- Glaze the Meatballs: Toss the cooked meatballs gently in the Korean BBQ sauce until each is thoroughly coated and glossy. Let them simmer in the sauce for a minute or two to blend the flavors well.
- Make the Spicy Mayo Dip: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with gochujang and sriracha to taste until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate the dip until ready to serve for a cool, spicy contrast to the rich meatballs.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat to avoid tough meatballs.
- Use a small cookie scoop to ensure all meatballs are the same size for even cooking.
- Adjust the sweetness and spice of the sauce and dip to your preference.
- Brush the sauce onto meatballs instead of soaking to keep the right texture.
- Let meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 meatballs with 2 tbsp dip
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Korean BBQ meatballs, spicy mayo dip, Korean appetizer, Korean BBQ sauce, party snacks, gluten free meatballs, spicy dipping sauce