Korean Bbq Meatballs With Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe

Sizzling Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe

Juicy korean bbq meatballs pack a flavor punch that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Our kitchen adventure starts with tender ground beef seasoned perfectly.

Saucy and bold, these bite-sized delights promise a culinary experience beyond ordinary appetizers.

Marinating the meat becomes an art form, blending traditional korean spices and aromatics.

Crispy edges and succulent centers create an irresistible texture that begs for another bite.

A zesty spicy mayo dip complements the meatballs, adding a creamy kick to each mouthful.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and create a dish that’ll impress everyone at the table.

Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip That Bring the Heat

  • Simple Korean BBQ Meatballs offer incredible taste with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Recipe requires basic ingredients and straightforward preparation, perfect for busy home cooks wanting restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques.
  • Versatile dish works brilliantly as appetizer, game day snack, or casual dinner option that appeals to both adults and kids with its sweet-spicy Korean-inspired profile.
  • Easily adjust heat levels in mayo dip and glaze, allowing personalization for different taste preferences while maintaining delicious core recipe integrity.

Ingredients for Bold Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Meat Protein Base:
  • Ground Meat: Hearty base for meatballs, choice of beef or pork recommended for best flavor and texture.
  • Egg: Binding agent that helps hold meatball mixture together.
Meatball Binders and Aromatics:
  • Breadcrumbs: Adds structure and lightness to meatballs.
  • Green Onions, Garlic, Ginger: Fresh aromatics that provide depth and Korean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the meat mixture.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce: Provides salty umami base for both meatballs and glaze.
  • Sesame Oil: Introduces distinctive nutty Korean flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Balances savory elements with subtle sweetness.
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create glossy glaze.
Glaze Components:
  • Rice Vinegar: Brings tangy brightness to the Korean BBQ glaze.
  • Cornstarch: Optional thickening agent for glaze consistency.
Spicy Mayo Dip Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base for dipping sauce.
  • Sriracha, Gochujang: Adds spicy kick to the dip.
  • Lime Juice: Provides fresh, acidic balance.
  • Honey: Optional sweetener for dip.
Garnish:
  • Sesame Seeds: Provides textural contrast and traditional Korean garnish element.

How to Cook and Glaze Korean BBQ Meatballs

Step 1: Crafting Flavor-Packed Meatballs

Preheat oven to 400F. Grab a mixing bowl and combine ingredients:
  • Ground meat
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Egg
  • Green onions
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Soy sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Brown sugar
  • Black pepper

Gently mix ingredients until just combined. Roll mixture into golf ball-sized spheres and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Baking to Perfection

Slide meatballs into oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165F for safe consumption.

Step 3: Whipping Up Korean BBQ Glaze

In a saucepan, blend:
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sesame oil
  • Garlic
  • Ginger

Simmer over medium heat. For thicker consistency, add cornstarch slurry and cook 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Coating with Glossy Glaze

Remove meatballs from oven and toss in Korean BBQ glaze until evenly coated.

Step 5: Creating Fiery Mayo Dip

Whisk together in small bowl:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sriracha
  • Lime juice
  • Honey

Adjust spiciness to personal preference.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Transfer glazed meatballs to serving dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve alongside spicy mayo dip while warm.

Tips for Juicy Meatballs and Zesty Sauce

  • Perfectly Bake Meatballs: Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, reducing cleanup time and promoting uniform browning.
  • Master Meat Mixing: Gently combine ingredients without overmixing to keep meatballs tender and prevent tough, dense textures that can ruin the dish's delicate texture.
  • Control Glaze Consistency: Adjust cornstarch amount to create your preferred sauce thickness- less for a lighter drizzle, more for a thicker, clingy coating on meatballs.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Swap Sriracha with gochujang for authentic Korean heat or use mild hot sauce for sensitive palates, allowing personalized spiciness in the dip.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast sesame seeds before garnishing to release their nutty aroma and create a more complex, roasted flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.

Storing and Reheating Korean BBQ Meatballs Without Losing Flavor

  • Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate the meatballs and glaze to prevent sogginess.
  • Wrap cooled meatballs tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat to 350F, spread meatballs on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
  • Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

What to Serve with Korean BBQ Meatballs and Spicy Mayo

  • Select a cold, light Korean or German lager that cuts through the rich, spicy flavors of the meatballs, providing a refreshing contrast and cleansing the palate with each sip.
  • Prepare a quick cucumber and carrot slaw dressed with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of honey to complement the Korean BBQ meatballs' sweet and savory profile, adding crisp texture and tangy brightness.
  • Offer fluffy, fragrant jasmine rice as a base to soak up the delicious Korean BBQ glaze, creating a balanced and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Korean cuisine's harmonious flavors.
  • Add a small side of traditional kimchi to introduce a fermented, spicy element that enhances the meatballs' umami notes and provides a classic Korean dining experience with contrasting temperatures and textures.

Flavor Tweaks for Korean BBQ Meatball Fans

  • Gluten-Free Variation: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or almond flour. Use tamari instead of soy sauce to ensure no gluten contamination.
  • Vegetarian Korean Meatballs: Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat or lentil-mushroom mixture. Use firm tofu crumbled with binding ingredients to maintain texture.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip breadcrumbs completely. Use ground pork or chicken with finely chopped cauliflower rice as binder. Reduce brown sugar in glaze or replace with sugar-free sweetener.
  • Spicy Lovers' Version: Increase gochujang in mayo dip. Add extra red pepper flakes to meatball mixture. Include diced jalapeños for additional heat and complexity.

Your Questions About Korean BBQ Meatballs Answered

  • Are these meatballs healthy?

These meatballs have a balanced nutrition profile with lean protein from meat, vegetables like green onions, and healthy seasonings such as ginger and sesame oil. While delicious, they should be enjoyed in moderation due to their calorie content.

  • Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! Ground beef, chicken, turkey, or pork work perfectly. Each meat brings a slightly different flavor and texture to the meatballs. Just ensure you maintain the same meat-to-seasoning ratio for best results.

  • Is the spicy mayo dip very hot?

The spicy mayo’s heat level is adjustable. By controlling the amount of Sriracha or gochujang, you can make it mild or extra spicy. Start with a small amount and gradually increase to match your heat tolerance.

  • What makes the Korean BBQ glaze unique?

The glaze combines sweet (honey), tangy (rice vinegar), and savory (soy sauce) flavors with aromatic ginger and garlic. This creates a complex, traditional Korean-style coating that elevates the meatballs’ taste profile.

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Korean Bbq Meatballs With Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe

Korean Bbq Meatballs With Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe


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4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Korean BBQ Meatballs bring bold Seoul-inspired flavors to your dinner table. Juicy beef infused with gochujang and sesame, perfectly complemented by a zesty spicy mayo dip, will delight your taste buds with authentic Korean zest.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 lb (500g) ground beef
  • 1 lb (500g) ground pork
  • 1 egg

Aromatics and Seasoning:

  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Binding and Additional Ingredients:

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons water
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon honey
  • Sesame seeds
  • Additional chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for the meatballs.
  2. Create the meatball mixture by gently combining ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix until ingredients are just incorporated.
  3. Form the meat mixture into uniform 1 1/2-inch spherical meatballs, carefully placing them onto the prepared baking sheet with slight spacing between each.
  4. Roast the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165F/74C for complete cooking.
  5. Simultaneously prepare the Korean BBQ glaze by combining soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a saucepan. Simmer the mixture over medium heat.
  6. If a more viscous glaze is desired, introduce a cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat.
  7. Coat the fully cooked meatballs thoroughly in the prepared Korean BBQ glaze, ensuring even distribution of the sauce.
  8. Craft the spicy mayo dip by whisking mayonnaise, Sriracha or gochujang, lime juice, and optional honey until smooth and well-blended.
  9. Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving platter, garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions.
  10. Present the meatballs alongside the spicy mayo dip, allowing guests to customize their heat level and enjoy the complementary flavors.

Notes

  • Meat Selection Matters: Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat content for juicy, flavorful meatballs that won’t dry out during baking.
  • Gentle Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the meatball ingredients to prevent tough, dense texture; mix just until ingredients are combined.
  • Consistent Size Ensures Even Cooking: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform meatballs that cook evenly and look professionally prepared.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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