If you’re looking for a savory, spicy, and sweet dish that will captivate your taste buds, Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip is a perfect choice. This dish combines the rich flavors of Korean BBQ with tender, juicy meatballs, all coated in a tangy and slightly sweet glaze, and paired with a creamy spicy mayo dip. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or preparing a special meal for yourself, these meatballs will definitely become a crowd-pleaser.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips on how to make Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip. From the perfectly seasoned meatballs to the sticky, glossy Korean BBQ glaze, to the zesty spicy mayo dip, this recipe is a balance of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients for Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
For the Meatballs:
The meatballs are the heart of this dish, combining ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork) with aromatic spices and seasonings that are characteristic of Korean cuisine.
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1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
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½ cup panko breadcrumbs
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1 egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1-inch piece of ginger, grated
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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2 green onions, finely chopped
For the Korean BBQ Glaze:
The glaze is what brings all the components of the dish together. It’s a sweet, spicy, and savory mixture of gochujang, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil that creates a rich and flavorful coating for the meatballs.
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¼ cup soy sauce
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2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
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1 tbsp gochujang
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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1 tsp garlic, minced
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1 tsp ginger, minced
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1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken)
For the Spicy Mayo Dip:
The spicy mayo dip adds a creamy element that perfectly complements the spicy and savory flavors of the meatballs. It’s smooth, tangy, and just the right amount of heat.
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½ cup mayonnaise
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1 tbsp gochujang
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1 tbsp lime juice
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1 tsp honey
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½ tsp garlic powder
For Garnish:
To make your Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip even more irresistible, top them off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
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Sesame seeds
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Chopped green onions
How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to make this mouthwatering dish. The process is simple and doesn’t take long, but the results are nothing short of spectacular. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip at home.
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients to create the meatball mixture:
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Ground beef (or beef and pork mix)
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Panko breadcrumbs
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Egg
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Minced garlic
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Grated ginger
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Soy sauce
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Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
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Brown sugar
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Sesame oil
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Salt and pepper
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Chopped green onions
Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients together until fully combined. It’s important that the mixture is well-mixed so that the meatballs hold together during baking. Once the mixture is combined, form it into 1-inch meatballs. Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart.
Step 2: Bake the Meatballs
Once your meatballs are shaped, bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown. You can check the internal temperature of the meatballs using a meat thermometer—aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare the Korean BBQ glaze and the spicy mayo dip.
Step 3: Prepare the Korean BBQ Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the following ingredients to make the Korean BBQ glaze:
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Soy sauce
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Honey (or brown sugar)
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Gochujang
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Rice vinegar
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Sesame oil
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Minced garlic and ginger
Whisk everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally. Once it starts to thicken, stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes, or until the glaze has reached your desired thickness. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Step 4: Make the Spicy Mayo Dip
In a separate bowl, combine the following ingredients to make the spicy mayo dip:
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Mayonnaise
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Gochujang
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Lime juice
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Honey
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Garlic powder
Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The spicy mayo dip should have a creamy texture with a balanced kick from the gochujang, a slight sweetness from the honey, and a tangy note from the lime juice.
Step 5: Toss the Meatballs in the Korean BBQ Glaze
Once the meatballs are baked and the glaze is ready, it’s time to assemble the dish. Place the meatballs in a large bowl and pour the Korean BBQ glaze over them. Gently toss the meatballs in the glaze until they are fully coated. The sticky glaze will give the meatballs a shiny, appetizing finish that will make them even more irresistible.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving platter and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color and texture. Serve the meatballs with the spicy mayo dip on the side, and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Korean BBQ Meatballs
Here are some helpful tips to ensure that your Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip turn out perfectly every time:
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Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresh ginger and garlic make a huge difference in the flavor of these meatballs. Grate the ginger yourself for the freshest taste.
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Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture: When combining the ingredients for the meatballs, be careful not to overmix the meat. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so mix just until everything is incorporated.
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Bake, Don’t Fry: Baking the meatballs in the oven ensures they stay tender and juicy. If you fry them, they may become greasy and dry out.
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Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer your meatballs to be less spicy, reduce the amount of gochujang in both the meatball mixture and the glaze. If you like more heat, feel free to add extra gochujang.
Nutritional Information
While Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are undeniably delicious, they’re also packed with flavor. Each serving of meatballs with the spicy mayo dip contains approximately:
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Calories: 250-300 (depending on portion size)
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Protein: 18g
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Carbohydrates: 15g
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Fat: 18g
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Sodium: 500mg
These numbers may vary based on specific ingredients used, such as the type of ground meat or the quantity of glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing with Sides
These Korean BBQ Meatballs go wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with:
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Steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal
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Pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast to the richness of the meatballs
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A simple green salad to add some freshness
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Crispy fried potatoes or sweet potato fries for a hearty pairing
Perfect for Parties or Gatherings
These meatballs are ideal for serving at parties, game days, or casual gatherings. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to serve as appetizers, and the spicy mayo dip adds an interactive element that guests will love.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you’re a fan of Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip, then you’ll likely enjoy these other delicious recipes that feature similar ingredients, flavors, and cooking methods:
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Smoked Stuffed Meatballs – A smoky twist on traditional meatballs that are stuffed with cheese and perfect for grilling.
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Creamy Garlic Shrimp – A rich and flavorful shrimp dish that’s creamy, garlicky, and quick to make.
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Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo – A healthier, lighter take on classic meatballs with a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce.
Conclusion
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are a delightful fusion dish that brings together bold Korean flavors with the comfort of homemade meatballs. The combination of savory, sweet, and spicy elements makes this dish unforgettable. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just a fun weeknight meal, these meatballs are sure to impress. With a bit of time and the right ingredients, you can easily recreate this flavorful dish in your own kitchen.
Enjoy the bold flavors, the juicy meatballs, and the creamy, spicy dip. Happy cooking!
Print
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip: A Delicious Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 meatballs (serves 4-6 people) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are a mouthwatering treat that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. Tender beef meatballs are coated in a rich Korean BBQ glaze and paired with a creamy, zesty, spicy mayo dip, making them ideal for a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish. Perfect for any gathering, these meatballs will leave everyone craving more!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
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1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
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½ cup panko breadcrumbs
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1 egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1-inch piece ginger, grated
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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2 green onions, finely chopped
For the Korean BBQ Glaze:
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¼ cup soy sauce
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2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
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1 tbsp gochujang
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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1 tsp garlic, minced
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1 tsp ginger, minced
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1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken)
For the Spicy Mayo Dip:
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½ cup mayonnaise
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1 tbsp gochujang
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1 tbsp lime juice
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1 tsp honey
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½ tsp garlic powder
For Garnish:
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Sesame seeds
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Chopped green onions
Instructions
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Make Meatballs:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and green onions. Mix until smooth. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. -
Bake Meatballs:
Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Remove from the oven and set aside. -
Prepare Glaze:
In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Mix cornstarch with water and add to the sauce to thicken. Stir for 2-3 minutes until the glaze has thickened. -
Make Spicy Mayo Dip:
In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, gochujang, lime juice, honey, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and creamy. -
Serve:
Toss the baked meatballs in the Korean BBQ glaze until well-coated. Serve the meatballs with the spicy mayo dip on the side. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flair.
Notes
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For a dairy-free version, substitute mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative.
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If you’re looking for spicy meatballs, add extra gochujang or red pepper flakes to the glaze or dip.
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To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and ensure the gochujang is gluten-free.
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These Korean BBQ meatballs are great for meal prep! Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (approx.)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip, Korean meatballs, spicy mayo dip, Korean BBQ recipe, beef meatballs, gochujang meatballs, Korean appetizer, easy meatball recipe, BBQ meatballs, spicy dipping sauce.