These Korean BBQ meatballs combine sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in one bite-sized package. They’re perfect as appetizers or a main dish served over rice.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Korean BBQ glaze:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
For garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
Tools Used to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon (for uniform meatballs)
How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, ginger, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined (overmixing will make tough meatballs).
- Form mixture into 1½-inch meatballs (about 2 tablespoons each) and place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F).
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, gochujang, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then whisk into the simmering sauce.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Once meatballs are done, you have two options:
- Brush the glaze over the meatballs and return to the oven for 2-3 minutes
- Toss the meatballs in the glaze to coat completely (recommended for more flavor)
- Transfer glazed meatballs to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and optional cilantro.
Serving Korean BBQ Meatballs
These versatile meatballs can be served in multiple ways:
- As an appetizer with toothpicks for easy grabbing
- Over steamed rice for a complete meal
- In lettuce cups for a low-carb option
- On slider buns with quick pickled vegetables
- Alongside healthy BLT chicken salad for a fusion meal
For a complete dinner spread, consider adding some traditional Korean side dishes like kimchi, pickled vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad. The combination of flavors will transport your taste buds straight to Korea!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them uncooked. You can also fully cook them, cool completely, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Can I freeze these Korean BBQ meatballs?
Absolutely. Freeze cooked, unglazed meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat with freshly made glaze.
Is there a substitute for gochujang?
If you can’t find gochujang, mix 1 tablespoon sriracha with 1 tablespoon miso paste and 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar. This won’t be exactly the same but will provide similar sweet-spicy-umami notes.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry the meatballs at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Then toss with the glaze or return to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to caramelize.
How spicy are these meatballs?
With the recommended amount of gochujang, these meatballs have a mild-to-medium heat level. Adjust the amount of gochujang to suit your preference.
Final Thoughts
These Korean BBQ meatballs are a crowd-pleasing way to enjoy bold Asian flavors in a familiar format. Try them this week for a quick dinner or your next gathering – your family will request them again and again!
