If you are looking for a dish that bursts with bold flavor and melts in your mouth, then this Savory Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe is an absolute must-try. These meatballs combine the richness of ground beef and pork with the unmistakable notes of garlic, ginger, and soy, topped with a glossy Korean BBQ sauce that brings a slightly sweet and smoky punch. Paired with a creamy, spicy mayo dip, this dish makes any meal feel like a special occasion, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a satisfying snack. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your favorites too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this recipe are easy to find but critical for capturing the authentic flavors and textures that make this dish shine. Each item plays a pivotal role in balancing the savory, sweet, and spicy notes that define this Korean-inspired delight.
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Provides a juicy and flavorful base, contributing tenderness and richness.
- Ground Pork (1 pound): Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that complements the beef perfectly.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup, preferably panko): Helps bind the meatballs while giving them a light, satisfyingly crispy texture.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the meat with warm, aromatic depth—fresh is best for brightness.
- Fresh Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Brings a zesty, slightly spicy kick that balances the richness of the meat.
- Soy Sauce (3 tablespoons): Adds saltiness and umami layers; tamari can be swapped for gluten-free needs.
- Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): Offers a nutty undertone that enhances the Korean BBQ flavors.
- Korean BBQ Sauce (1 cup): The star glaze that delivers sweet, smoky, and tangy complexity.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Forms the creamy base of the spicy mayo dip; Greek yogurt can lighten the dip.
- Sriracha (2 tablespoons): Provides a fiery kick to the mayo dip, adjustable to your heat preference.
- Green Onions (2 tablespoons, sliced): Adds a fresh, mild onion note and vibrant color garnish.
- Sesame Seeds (1 tablespoon, optional): Sprinkle on top for a delightful crunch and a toasty finish.
How to Make Savory Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Meatball Mixture
Begin by placing the ground beef, ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil into a large bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Gently mix everything together until just combined — be careful not to overwork the meat, as that could make your meatballs tough instead of tender.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Next, form the mixture into evenly sized balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy inside. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the meatballs for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re browned on the outside and cooked through but still tender and juicy inside. Baking instead of frying keeps things a bit lighter and less greasy.
Step 4: Glaze with Korean BBQ Sauce
Heat a skillet over medium heat and gently transfer the baked meatballs into it. Drizzle the luscious Korean BBQ sauce over them and toss carefully for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing all the meatballs to soak up that beautiful, sticky glaze. This step infuses the meatballs with the bright, signature flavor that sets this dish apart.
Step 5: Prepare the Spicy Mayo Dip
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sriracha until smooth. This dip adds a creamy, cooling contrast to the meatballs while packing an extra punch of spice. You can tweak the sriracha amount depending on how adventurous you feel.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, transfer your meatballs to a serving platter and garnish liberally with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds. These simple touches elevate both the flavor and the presentation. Serve your savory tender Korean BBQ meatballs with the spicy mayo dip on the side for dipping pleasure.
How to Serve Savory Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions and sesame seeds are classic garnishes that add a pop of color as well as texture and a subtle crunch. Fresh cilantro or thinly sliced red chilies also work beautifully if you want to add an extra fresh or spicy note.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy sticky rice that soaks up the fantastic sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad or sautéed garlic bok choy to bring brightness and balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, try serving these Korean BBQ meatballs on skewers with a small dish of spicy mayo dip alongside for easy grabbing. Alternatively, pile them on mini slider buns with a leafy green and a drizzle of spicy mayo for crowd-pleasing Korean-inspired sliders.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, place the cooled meatballs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, they can last up to 3 months without losing their savory deliciousness.
Reheating
Reheat the meatballs gently in a skillet over low-medium heat with a splash of water or extra Korean BBQ sauce to keep things moist. You can also microwave them covered for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Always serve them fresh with a dollop of that spicy mayo dip!
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap traditional soy sauce for tamari and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers. The flavors remain just as incredible without compromise.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or pork?
Yes, ground turkey works wonderfully if you prefer a leaner option. Because turkey can be less fatty, just be sure not to overbake to maintain tenderness.
Is the spicy mayo dip very hot?
The dip has a moderate level of heat from the sriracha but can be adjusted to your liking. Start with less and add more gradually if you want it spicier.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
You can mix and form the meatballs a day before baking and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Baking and glazing are best done fresh for maximum flavor and texture.
What can I serve instead of rice?
If you want to skip rice, roasted vegetables, noodle salad, or lettuce wraps are excellent alternatives that complement the meatballs’ flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Savory Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines comfort, excitement, and authenticity all in one bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s an irresistible dish that feels special yet easy to make. Give it a try and watch these meatballs disappear fast — you’ve found a new favorite for sure!
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Savory Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
These Savory Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs offer a flavorful blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, baked to perfection and glazed with authentic Korean BBQ sauce. Paired with a creamy and spicy mayo dip, these meatballs make a perfect appetizer or main dish with a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound Ground Beef (can be substituted with ground turkey)
- 1 pound Ground Pork (substitute with more ground beef or turkey if preferred)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced) (fresh garlic is best)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (grated) (fresh is recommended)
- 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce (switch to tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (can be substituted with vegetable oil)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Glaze and Garnish
- 1 cup Korean BBQ Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons Green Onions (sliced) (can be omitted)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (optional garnish)
Spicy Mayo Dip
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
Instructions
- Combine the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to ensure a tender texture.
- Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Bake the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 15 to 18 minutes until they are cooked through and nicely browned on the outside, ensuring juiciness inside.
- Glaze with BBQ Sauce: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the baked meatballs and drizzle with Korean BBQ sauce. Toss gently for about 1-2 minutes so the sauce evenly coats the meatballs and warms through.
- Prepare the Spicy Mayo Dip: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and sriracha until smooth and creamy, adjusting the sriracha quantity to your preferred spice level.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve warm alongside the spicy mayo dip for the perfect combination.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative for both beef and pork.
- Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work fine.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure the BBQ sauce is gluten-free.
- Adjust sriracha in the dip to control spice level.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop with sauce.
- May substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier spicy dip.
