If you’ve been craving something bursting with bold flavors and a little kick, then you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe. These meatballs bring the perfect mix of tender, savory, and slightly sweet notes with a hint of heat that tantalizes your taste buds from the very first bite. Paired with a luscious, creamy spicy mayo, they make for an irresistible dish that’s perfect for dinners, parties, or just a delightful treat whenever you want to impress. Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer that will quickly become your new favorite go-to!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting together the ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the unique Korean-inspired flavor and perfect texture you’ll love. From the savory depth of soy sauce to the fiery punch of gochujang, every component works in harmony to craft these unforgettable meatballs.
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork): The juicy base that holds all the flavors together with a rich texture.
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs: Adds just the right amount of lightness and structure to keep meatballs tender, not dense.
- 1 egg: The natural binder that ensures each meatball stays perfectly formed while baking.
- 2 green onions, finely chopped: They bring a refreshing, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic’s pungency infuses every bite with warmth and depth.
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger: Provides a zesty, aromatic brightness that’s crucial in Korean dishes.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste): The soul of the recipe, delivering smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet notes.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: A nutty finish that lends richness and authentic Korean flair.
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar: Balances spicy and savory elements with a gentle sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish): These add inviting texture and a fresh finish.
How to Make Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 400°F and prepping a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. This ensures your meatballs bake evenly and come off cleanly without sticking, which is key for easy serving and cleanup.
Step 2: Combine the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef or beef-pork blend with the panko breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix — the goal is to incorporate everything evenly while keeping the meatballs tender and juicy.
Step 3: Shape Your Meatballs
Form your mixture into uniform 1 1/2-inch meatballs. This size is perfect for even cooking and easy snacking or plating. Placing them on the baking sheet with a bit of space around each ensures they get that lovely slight browning on all sides.
Step 4: Bake to Juicy Perfection
Pop your tray of meatballs into the oven and bake for about 16 to 18 minutes. They should come out cooked through, tender, and with just the right hint of caramelization on their surfaces that makes them look as good as they taste.
Step 5: Whip Up the Spicy Mayo Sauce
While your meatballs bake, mix together the spicy mayo by whisking half a cup of mayonnaise with 1 to 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust based on your heat preference), a teaspoon of rice vinegar, and a teaspoon of honey. This sauce is creamy with a perfect kick — the ideal partner to the meatballs.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once the meatballs are done, serve them hot drizzled or dipped in the spicy mayo sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds and a bit of sliced green onion for that fresh, toasty crunch and color.
How to Serve Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the visual appeal and texture, garnish your meatballs with toasted sesame seeds and fresh sliced green onions. These simple touches bring a bit of crunch and vibrant color that makes the dish feel complete and downright irresistible.
Side Dishes
For a balanced meal, serve your meatballs alongside steamed jasmine rice or sticky white rice — the neutral starch is perfect for soaking up that spicy mayo sauce. Lettuce wraps also offer a fresh, crunchy contrast that pairs beautifully with these flavorful morsels. You could even include some quick pickled vegetables on the side for a tangy twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests or family? Try serving these meatballs on skewers as bite-sized appetizers or pile them on top of a crisp salad tossed with sesame dressing. Another fun idea is to spoon them over a bowl of ramen or spicy noodles for a fabulous Korean-inspired fusion meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover meatballs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay great for up to 3 days and make for a perfectly convenient lunch or quick dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to save a batch for later, your Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe freezes beautifully. Just lay the meatballs on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated meatballs in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain their texture and juiciness. The spicy mayo sauce is best served fresh, but you can mix it up quickly again if needed or simply drizzle the chilled sauce for a refreshing contrast.
FAQs
Can I use all pork instead of beef?
Absolutely! Using all pork will result in a slightly sweeter and juicier meatball, which is delicious. Just keep the rest of the ingredients the same to maintain the signature flavor balance.
Is there a substitute for gochujang if I can’t find it?
If you can’t find gochujang, use chili garlic sauce as an alternative. While the flavor won’t be exactly the same, it still gives you that spicy and slightly sweet heat crucial for this recipe.
How spicy is the spicy mayo sauce?
The spicy mayo has a mild to moderate heat, but you can easily adjust it by adding more or less sriracha depending on your spice tolerance. It’s wonderfully creamy and balances the spice perfectly for most palates.
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers. Ensure your soy sauce is also gluten-free by using tamari or a similar substitute.
What’s the best way to serve leftover meatballs?
Leftover meatballs are fantastic warmed up and tossed into a stir-fry, crumbled over a salad, or tucked inside a sandwich or wrap with some fresh veggies and sauce for a quick and tasty meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about these Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe that just captivates every palate. They’re bursting with flavor, easy to prepare, and wonderfully versatile. I encourage you to give this recipe a try — your dinner table and taste buds will thank you!
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Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 meatballs 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Description
These Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs feature a savory blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with traditional Korean ingredients like gochujang, garlic, and ginger. Baked to perfection and served with a creamy, spicy mayo sauce, they offer a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Spicy Mayo Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef and pork mix), panko breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, taking care not to overwork the meat.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 16–18 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
- Prepare Spicy Mayo Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your spice preference.
- Serve: Once the meatballs are done baking, drizzle them with the spicy mayo sauce or serve the sauce on the side. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra sliced green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- Serve these meatballs over steamed rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Adjust the spiciness of the mayo sauce by varying the amount of sriracha to suit your taste.
- If you can’t find gochujang, substitute with chili garlic sauce for a similar spicy and umami flavor.
