Sizzling Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe for Weeknight Magic

Sizzling Korean BBQ meatballs bring a tantalizing twist to classic comfort food that instantly elevates dinner expectations.

Packed with bold flavors and unexpected zest, these delectable bites craft ordinary meal routines into culinary adventures.

Tender meat blends with vibrant seasonings, creating an irresistible fusion of smoky and sweet profiles that dance across your palate.

Aromatic spices weave through each carefully crafted sphere, promising a memorable dining experience that goes beyond traditional appetizer expectations.

The robust marinade infuses deep, complex notes into every succulent morsel, ensuring each bite delivers maximum satisfaction.

Perfectly balanced between familiar and exotic, these meatballs represent a delightful crossroads of global cuisine traditions.

Your taste buds will thank you for embarking on this mouthwatering culinary journey.

Why Korean BBQ Meatballs Are a Sweet-Savory Hit

• Savor Bold Korean Flavors: These meatballs pack an authentic Korean BBQ punch with a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and umami tastes that transport your taste buds straight to Seoul's vibrant street food scene.
• Speed Through Dinner Prep: With just 30 minutes total cooking time and simple mixing techniques, these meatballs offer a quick, hassle-free meal that's ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
• Master Perfectly Glazed Bites: The clever technique of baking meatballs first and then coating them in a thick, glossy sauce ensures each bite delivers a crisp exterior and a lusciously moist interior that'll make everyone at the table crave more.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: These Korean BBQ meatballs are universally appealing, making them a fantastic option for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need for Korean BBQ Meatballs

• Ground Beef, Ground Turkey, Ground Pork: Versatile protein base with lean options for healthier meatballs.
• Egg: Binding agent that helps hold meatballs together with rich texture.
• Scallions: Fresh onion-like herb that adds bright flavor and green color accent.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides deep, savory undertone.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and moisture to meatball mixture.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps absorb moisture and creates tender meatball texture.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb with bright, citrusy notes that complement Korean BBQ style.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced flavor profile.
• Sesame Seeds: Nutty, toasted garnish that adds crunch and authentic Korean touch.

• Chicken Stock, Beef Stock: Liquid base that creates rich, savory sauce foundation.
• Soy Sauce: Provides umami depth and traditional Asian seasoning.
• Honey: Sweet element that balances savory flavors and helps create glossy sauce.
• Cornstarch: Thickening agent for smooth, clingy sauce texture.
• Sesame Oil: Aromatic oil that adds distinctive nutty Korean flavor.
• Ground Ginger, Garlic Powder: Concentrated spices that enhance overall sauce complexity.

How to Simmer the Best Korean BBQ Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and beaten egg. Mix thoroughly using hands or a handheld mixer until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Shape Meatballs

Lightly oil a baking sheet. Roll the meat mixture into small, uniform balls using about 1.5 teaspoons of mixture per meatball. Place meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Optional: Chill in the freezer for 10 minutes to help maintain shape.

Step 3: Bake Meatballs

Preheat oven to 410°F. Place baking sheet with meatballs in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. The exterior should be crispy and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Craft Spicy Korean Glaze

While meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a skillet, whisk together gochujang, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

Remove meatballs from the oven. Gently toss them in the prepared sauce over low heat, ensuring each meatball is evenly coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the glaze to adhere.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve hot over steamed rice or cauliflower rice. Garnish with additional chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.

Pro Tips for Juicy Korean BBQ Meatballs

• Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the meat mixture for 15-20 minutes before shaping to help meatballs hold their form and prevent crumbling during cooking.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: Grab a small cookie scoop for perfectly uniform meatballs that cook evenly and look professionally prepared.
• Avoid Overmixing: Gently combine meat ingredients to prevent tough, dense meatballs; mix just until ingredients are incorporated.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 160°F for safe and juicy results, preventing dry texture.
• Glaze with Care: Toss meatballs in sauce over low heat to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, even coating that locks in flavor.

Reheating Korean BBQ Meatballs Without Losing Texture

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Korean BBQ meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate meatballs and sauce to prevent soggy texture.
• Reheat: Warm meatballs in a skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring gently to maintain moisture and prevent burning. Add a splash of water or extra sauce if needed to keep them juicy.
• Freeze: Freeze cooled meatballs without sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding fresh sauce for best flavor and texture.

Best Pairings for Korean BBQ Meatballs

• Pair with Crisp Rice Companion: Serve these Korean BBQ meatballs over steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious glaze and balance the rich, savory flavors.
• Match with Zingy Beverage Boost: Pour a cold Korean Hite beer or a refreshing soju cocktail to cut through the meatballs' intensity and complement the sweet-spicy sauce.
• Create Veggie Balance Plate: Add a side of quick pickled cucumber or kimchi for a tangy, crunchy contrast that brightens the entire dish and provides a traditional Korean dining experience.
• Enhance with Fresh Herbal Touch: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top to add a fresh, nutty layer that elevates the meatballs' overall taste and visual appeal.

Flavor Twists on the Classic Korean BBQ Meatball

• Spicy Gochujang Fusion: Amp up heat by adding 2-3 tablespoons gochujang to the meatball mixture and sauce for a fiery Korean kick.
• Vegetarian Korean Spheres: Swap ground meat with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms to create a meat-free version with identical seasoning profile.
• Grilled Korean Bites: Instead of baking, grill meatballs on medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, creating a smoky exterior while maintaining tender interior.
• Slow Cooker Comfort: Transfer browned meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker, letting them simmer on low for 2-3 hours to develop deeper flavor complexity and achieve fall-apart tenderness.

Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Korean BBQ meatballs blend savory beef with zesty gochujang sauce, creating a mouthwatering fusion of American and Korean culinary traditions. Glazed with sweet-spicy marinade and sprinkled with green onions, these tender bites deliver explosive flavor that will make you crave more.

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Ingredients

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Protein Base:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 1 large egg

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 to 2 scallions, finely chopped
• 1 handful cilantro, chopped

Binding and Seasoning:

• 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for baking

Sauce Liquid Base:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) low sodium chicken or beef stock
• 4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons runny honey

Sauce Thickeners and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• ½ tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon dried garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Combine ground meat with gochujang, garlic, ginger, green onions, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring thorough and uniform blending of ingredients.
2. Gently form compact, evenly sized spherical portions using a measuring spoon, placing them carefully on a lightly greased baking surface.
3. Place meatball tray in the freezer for a brief 10-minute interval to help maintain structural integrity during cooking.
4. Heat oven to 410°F, positioning rack in the center for consistent temperature distribution.
5. Roast meatballs for 10-12 minutes, rotating the pan midway to encourage even browning and prevent potential burning.
6. While meatballs cook, prepare glaze by combining soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and gochujang in a heavy-bottomed skillet.
7. Bring sauce mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat to create a smooth, glossy reduction that coats the back of a spoon.
8. Transfer golden-brown meatballs directly into the simmering sauce, gently tumbling to ensure comprehensive and even glazing.
9. Allow meatballs to absorb sauce flavors for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat, creating a tantalizingly sticky exterior.
10. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Guaranteed flavor explosion with Korean-inspired ingredients that transform ordinary meatballs into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Freezing meatballs briefly helps maintain their perfect round shape and prevents crumbling during baking, ensuring a professional presentation.
• Sauce preparation requires constant whisking to prevent burning and achieve the ideal sticky, glossy coating that clings perfectly to each meatball.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg