Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are a delightful fusion of flavors that make them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a game day, or looking for a family dinner idea, these meatballs will impress your guests and family alike. With their juicy texture, sweet and savory glaze, and a spicy mayo dip, they are sure to become a favorite on your menu.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavors: The combination of gochujang and sesame oil creates an irresistible taste.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients come together quickly for a stress-free cooking experience.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer or main dish; serve them however you like!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings; everyone loves meatballs!
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and can be made with leaner meats.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare these delicious meatballs.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet (or air fryer basket)
- Saucepan
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without mess.
- Baking sheet: Perfect for roasting the meatballs evenly in the oven.
- Saucepan: Essential for making the flavorful glaze that coats the meatballs.
- Whisk: Helps to blend ingredients smoothly, especially for the mayo dip.
Ingredients
These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip require simple yet flavorful ingredients:
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
For the Glaze
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken)
For the Spicy Mayo Dip
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
Ground beef
Panko breadcrumbs
Egg
Minced garlic
Grated ginger
Soy sauce
Gochujang
Brown sugar
Sesame oil
Salt
Black pepper
Chopped green onions
Mix gently until just combined.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Choose one of these methods:
Baking Method:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes until cooked through.
Air Fryer Method:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook meatballs for about 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:
Soy sauce
Honey (or brown sugar)
Gochujang
Rice vinegar
Sesame oil
Minced garlic
Minced ginger
Simmer until well mixed. Then stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken.
Step 5: Coat Meatballs in Glaze
Once cooked, toss the meatballs in warm glaze until fully coated.
Step 6: Prepare Spicy Mayo Dip
In a small bowl, whisk together:
Mayonnaise
Gochujang
Lime juice
Honey
Garlic powder
Mix until smooth.
Step 7: Serve
Transfer glazed meatballs to a serving plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve alongside spicy mayo dip. Enjoy!
How to Serve Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate the dish.
As Appetizers
- Serve the meatballs on toothpicks for easy snacking.
- Pair them with small bowls of spicy mayo dip for individual servings.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Use crisp lettuce leaves to wrap the meatballs for a refreshing bite.
- Add some shredded carrots and cucumber for extra crunch.
Over Rice or Noodles
- Place the meatballs over steamed rice or noodles for a hearty meal.
- Drizzle some extra glaze over the top for added flavor.
On a Charcuterie Board
- Include the meatballs as part of a larger appetizer spread.
- Add cheeses, olives, and fruits to complement the flavors.
How to Perfect Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
To achieve the best results with your Korean BBQ Meatballs, keep these tips in mind.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the flavor of your meatballs significantly.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the meatball ingredients gently to keep them tender and juicy.
- Adjust spice levels: Feel free to modify the amount of gochujang based on your heat preference.
- Experiment with dips: Try different sauces like teriyaki or sweet chili for variety alongside the spicy mayo dip.
Best Side Dishes for Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Pairing side dishes with your Korean BBQ Meatballs can enhance your meal. Here are some delicious options that complement this dish perfectly.
- Steamed Rice: A classic side that absorbs all the delicious flavors from the meatballs and sauce.
- Kimchi: This fermented vegetable dish adds a tangy kick that balances the sweetness of the meatballs.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy salad made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds freshness.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Quick-fried broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas provide color and nutrition.
- Edamame: Lightly salted edamame offers a protein-rich snack that pairs well with Asian-inspired meals.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar enhances palate cleansing between bites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality ingredients can affect the flavor. Always opt for fresh, high-quality meat and spices.
- Overmixing the meatball mixture: This can lead to tough meatballs. Mix the ingredients just until combined for tender textures.
- Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the meatballs before cooking can result in them falling apart. Chill them for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Underestimating cooking times: Cooking times vary based on methods and oven accuracy. Always check for doneness using a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F (70°C).
- Neglecting the glaze: The glaze adds essential flavor, so don’t skip it! Toss the meatballs in the warm glaze right after cooking for maximum taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
- Freeze meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Properly stored, they can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water if needed. Cook until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip.
Can I use ground turkey for Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip?
Yes, ground turkey is a lighter alternative that works well. Adjust seasoning as needed since turkey has a milder flavor.
What can I serve with these Korean BBQ Meatballs?
You can pair them with steamed rice, Asian slaw, or even noodles for a complete meal.
How spicy are these Korean BBQ Meatballs?
The spice level depends on how much gochujang you use. Feel free to adjust according to your preference!
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and cook them ahead of time, then reheat when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for any occasion, they can be tailored with various spices or ingredients to suit your taste. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try; it may become one of your new favorites!
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are a delicious fusion of flavors that will elevate any gathering. These tender meatballs, infused with the bold taste of gochujang and sesame oil, are coated in a sweet and savory glaze. Paired with a creamy spicy mayo dip, they make for an irresistible appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or mix with pork)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- Honey or brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (for glaze)
- 1 tsp garlic, minced (for glaze)
- 1 tsp ginger, minced (for glaze)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken)
- 1 tbsp gochujang (for spicy mayo dip)
- 1 tbsp lime juice (for spicy mayo dip)
- 1 tsp honey (for spicy mayo dip)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (for spicy mayo dip)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, gochujang, soy sauce, and other meatball ingredients until just mixed.
- Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until cooked through.
- Prepare the glaze by simmering soy sauce, honey, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan; thicken with cornstarch slurry if desired.
- Toss cooked meatballs in warm glaze before serving.
- For the spicy mayo dip, whisk together mayonnaise, gochujang, lime juice, honey, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (120g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
