Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip bring together savory, sweet, and spicy in the best way. I toss tender meatballs in a sticky Korean-style BBQ glaze and pair them with a creamy, fiery mayo sauce. It’s an easy dish with bold flavors that works perfectly as an appetizer, party snack, or even a main course over rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and satisfying this recipe is. The meatballs are packed with garlic, green onions, and a touch of brown sugar that caramelizes beautifully when baked. The sauce is that perfect Korean BBQ flavor—umami-rich with a little heat. And that spicy mayo dip? It balances the dish with creamy tang and a kick. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and even easier to devour.

Ingredients

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

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 3 green onions, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

For the BBQ Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

For the Spicy Mayo Dip:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon sriracha

• 1 teaspoon lime juice

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and brown sugar. Mix until just combined.

3. Form into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly golden.

5. While the meatballs bake, make the BBQ sauce. Combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and gochujang in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until it simmers. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.

6. For the dip, mix mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth.

7. Toss the cooked meatballs in the warm BBQ sauce to coat.

8. Serve with the spicy mayo dip on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• I swap in ground chicken or turkey when I want a lighter version.

• To make them spicier, I add extra gochujang or a pinch of chili flakes.

• For a gluten-free version, I use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.

• I’ve also made a plant-based version using lentils and oats as the meatball base—it works well with the same sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• To freeze, I let the meatballs cool and freeze them on a tray before transferring to a zip bag. They last up to 3 months.

• I reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through.

FAQs

How can I make the meatballs spicier?

I add more gochujang to the sauce or a little sriracha directly into the meat mixture if I want an extra kick.

Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, I often roll the meatballs and refrigerate them a day in advance. I just bake and sauce them when I’m ready.

What should I serve with these meatballs?

I usually serve them over jasmine rice or alongside stir-fried veggies. They’re also great as sliders or party skewers.

How do I keep the meatballs from drying out?

I make sure not to overbake them, and the sauce helps keep them moist. Using some fat in the meat (like 80/20 beef) also helps.

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

You can, but I find that homemade Korean-style BBQ sauce really makes a difference with its unique sweet and spicy flavor.

Conclusion

These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are one of my go-to dishes for when I want something easy but exciting. The combination of bold Korean flavors and creamy dipping sauce is unbeatable. Whether I’m serving them at a party or as part of dinner, they always get rave reviews.