Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe
If you are craving a dish that bursts with flavor, tenderness, and a touch of spicy sweetness, the Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe is here to delight your taste buds. These meatballs combine the depth of Korean-inspired ingredients like gochujang and sesame oil with the comforting texture of baked meat, all harmonized by a creamy, spicy mayo sauce that adds just the right kick. Whether you are entertaining friends, preparing a family meal, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a fantastic way to bring a unique and satisfying twist to your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that each play an indispensable role in crafting the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory. From the umami-packed soy sauce to the fiery yet sweet gochujang, every item is essential to the texture, flavor, and even the look of your final dish.
- Ground beef (or pork/beef mix): The juicy, tender base that holds all those incredible flavors together in each meatball.
- Garlic (minced): Adds a fragrant and savory punch that is key in Korean cooking.
- Green onions (finely chopped): Provide freshness and a subtle crunch in every bite.
- Ginger (grated): Gives a warm, slightly spicy undertone that brightens the meatballs.
- Soy sauce: Deepens the umami flavors and adds a salty-sweet complexity.
- Sesame oil: Imparts that distinctive nutty aroma and richness Korean dishes are loved for.
- Brown sugar: Balances the spice with mellow sweetness and helps caramelize the exterior.
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste): The star ingredient giving those meatballs a vibrant, spicy, and slightly smoky taste.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and sharpness to enhance the overall seasoning.
- Breadcrumbs: Acts as a binder, ensuring the meatballs stay soft and perfectly shaped.
- Egg: Binds the mixture and gives a tender, cohesive texture.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for a luscious, balancing dipping sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Adds brightness and tang to the spicy mayo sauce.
- Honey: Sweetness that mellows the heat and complements the spicy notes.
- Toasted sesame seeds: For an added nutty crunch and appealing garnish.
- Chopped green onions: Used to brighten up the final dish with fresh color and flavor.
How to Make Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by combining ground beef with minced garlic, finely chopped green onions, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, gochujang, black pepper, breadcrumbs, and an egg in a large bowl. Mix everything gently until just combined to keep the texture light and juicy—overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs, making sure they’re uniformly sized so they cook evenly. This size is perfect for getting a nice browned outside while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes. This baking method ensures they cook evenly, remain moist, and develop a slightly caramelized crust thanks to the brown sugar and soy sauce in the mix.
Step 4: Whip Up the Spicy Mayo Sauce
While the meatballs bake, stir together mayonnaise, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey in a small bowl. This sauce is the perfect creamy and spicy partner to the meatballs, with a balance of sweet tanginess and heat that will make you want extra dips.
Step 5: Serve with Flair
Once the meatballs are out of the oven, either drizzle the spicy mayo sauce over them or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions to add a final pop of color and texture.
How to Serve Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions is more than just decoration—they provide a delightful crunch and fresh flavor contrast that elevate the meatballs beautifully.
Side Dishes
To complete your meal, serve these meatballs with steamed rice or noodles that soak up the spicy mayo. Another fantastic option is crisp lettuce leaves for wrapping the meatballs, offering a refreshing crunch and a fun handheld experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try skewering the meatballs for a stylish appetizer platter or serve them atop a bed of mixed greens and pickled vegetables for a bright and colorful Korean-inspired salad. The versatility of this Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe makes it perfect for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the spicy mayo sauce separate to maintain its freshness and vibrant flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the meatballs before baking or after cooling completely. Place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through to maintain their juiciness and texture. You can also microwave them gently but be mindful of the sauce, which is best served fresh or added after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey for the meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or turkey, but because these leaner meats can dry out faster, consider adding a bit more breadcrumbs or a little grated onion to keep them moist and flavorful.
How spicy are these meatballs?
The heat from the gochujang can be adjusted to your preference. If you prefer milder flavors, simply reduce the amount in the meatball mixture and the spicy mayo sauce.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
While this recipe shines with meat, you can experiment with firm tofu or plant-based ground meat substitutes, ensuring you keep the seasoning intact to maintain the signature Korean flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! The meatballs can be made and frozen in advance, then baked fresh on party day. The spicy mayo sauce can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated until serving.
What can I serve instead of rice or noodles?
Lettuce wraps are a fantastic low-carb option, but you can also serve these meatballs with quinoa, roasted vegetables, or even mashed sweet potatoes for a delicious twist.
Final Thoughts
Bringing the vibrant flavors of Korea into your kitchen has never been easier or more satisfying than with this Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe. The way the spicy, sweet, and savory notes come together in these juicy meatballs, paired with the creamy kick of the mayo sauce, is simply irresistible. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do, because once you try it, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite for any meal or gathering.
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Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs (4 servings) 1x
Description
These Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs are bursting with authentic flavors from gochujang, garlic, and ginger, baked to perfection and served with a creamy, spicy mayo sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a main course, they bring a delicious Korean-inspired twist to your meal, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef (or pork/beef mix)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
For the Spicy Mayo Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon gochujang
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
Garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, minced garlic, finely chopped green onions, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, gochujang, black pepper, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are cooked through and slightly browned on the outside.
- Prepare Spicy Mayo Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, stir together mayonnaise, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey in a small bowl until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Once the meatballs are cooked, drizzle them with the spicy mayo sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them either before or after baking for easy meal prep.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang in the mayo sauce to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Serve these meatballs with steamed rice, noodles, or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a more complete and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
