Introduction
Craving something savory, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor? These Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are your answer! Combining the comforting familiarity of meatballs with the bold, vibrant flavors of Korean BBQ, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course, these meatballs are surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Forget ordering takeout! With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a batch of these delicious Korean BBQ meatballs in no time. Plus, the spicy mayo dip adds the perfect creamy, fiery kick to complement the savory richness of the meatballs.
Making the Korean BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb Ground Beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Finely Chopped Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Ground Ginger
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- For the Korean BBQ Sauce:
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste)
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, ground ginger, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should get about 20-25 meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: There are a few options for cooking:
- Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Pan-Frying: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Air Frying: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Prepare the Korean BBQ Sauce: While the meatballs are cooking, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl.
- Coat the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a skillet. Pour the Korean BBQ sauce over the meatballs and simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are evenly coated.
Making the Spicy Mayo Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 1-2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste), adjust to taste
- 1 tsp Rice Vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
- A squeeze of Lime Juice (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic powder.
- Taste and adjust the amount of gochujang to your desired level of spiciness.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice for a touch of brightness, if desired.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Korean BBQ Meatballs hot with the Spicy Mayo Dip on the side.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Use as a filling for lettuce wraps or sliders.
- Thread onto skewers for a fun appetizer.
Variations
- Chicken Meatballs: Substitute ground chicken for ground beef.
- Vegetarian Meatballs: Use plant-based ground meat alternative or a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms and tofu.
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the Korean BBQ sauce for extra sweetness.
- Less Spicy: Reduce the amount of gochujang in both the sauce and the dip.
Conclusion
These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are a flavor explosion that’s incredibly easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a delicious appetizer, a quick weeknight dinner, or a crowd-pleasing snack, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the irresistible combination of tender meatballs, savory Korean BBQ sauce, and creamy, spicy mayo!
