Name: Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean-inspired
Ingredients: For the Meatballs:; 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp ginger, grated; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup Korean BBQ sauce; 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking); For the Spicy Mayo Dip:; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp sriracha; 1 tsp honey; 1 tsp lime juice; 1/2 tsp sesame oil

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love these Korean BBQ meatballs because they’re packed with bold, savory flavors and just the right amount of spice. The tender, juicy meatballs are glazed with a sweet and tangy Korean BBQ sauce, making them irresistibly delicious. Paired with a creamy, spicy mayo dip, they create a perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors. Whether I’m making them for a weeknight dinner or serving them at a party, they always steal the show! Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup Korean BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

For the Spicy Mayo Dip:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, ginger, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the spicy mayo dip. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and sesame oil until smooth and creamy.
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle the Korean BBQ sauce over the meatballs and toss to coat.
Serve the meatballs hot with the spicy mayo dip on the side.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe makes about 4-6 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Meat Substitution: I sometimes like to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option, and it works just as well.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, try using plant-based ground meat or a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms and tofu.
Sauce Variation: If I want to add extra heat, I’ll mix some gochujang (Korean chili paste) into the BBQ sauce or the mayo dip.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, I like to place the meatballs on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months and bake them directly from frozen.

Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! While Korean BBQ sauce gives it a distinct flavor, I’ve used other BBQ sauces, and it still tastes great. I’d recommend using a sweet and tangy sauce for the best results.

How do I know when the meatballs are done?

The meatballs are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check, or cut one open to ensure it’s fully cooked inside.

Can I make the spicy mayo dip milder?

If I want to tone down the heat, I simply reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it altogether. You can also add a bit more honey for sweetness to balance the spice.

How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, I swap the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers. Just be sure to check the BBQ sauce and mayo for any hidden gluten.

Conclusion

These Korean BBQ meatballs with spicy mayo dip are the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and spicy, making them a favorite in my kitchen. Whether I’m serving them as an appetizer, snack, or main course, they never disappoint. The easy-to-make recipe allows me to enjoy delicious Korean-inspired flavors in no time, and I love how versatile it is with different variations. I hope you give these a try and enjoy them as much as I do!