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
Scale
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.
