These Korean BBQ Meatballs are a brilliant fusion of East Asian-inspired flavors and classic comfort food. The ground beef is enriched with umami notes from soy sauce and toasted sesame oil, balanced with brown sugar and fresh aromatics like green onion, garlic, and ginger. The meatballs are baked until golden, juicy, and slightly caramelized, creating the ideal canvas for the bold, velvety kick of the spicy mayo dip.
This dish effortlessly transforms everyday ingredients into something elevated and crowd-pleasing. It’s versatile enough for casual dinners, party platters, or game day snacks. The spicy mayo, with its creamy heat, pairs beautifully with the savory-sweet notes of the meatballs, making every bite a harmonious explosion of flavor. Whether you’re serving these with rice, lettuce wraps, or as finger food, this recipe promises to be a hit every time.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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2 green onions, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 egg
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp grated ginger
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1/4 tsp black pepper
Spicy Mayo Dip:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1 tbsp sriracha
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1 tsp rice vinegar
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, combine beef, green onions, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
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Form into small meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
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While baking, whisk together the ingredients for the spicy mayo dip until smooth.
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Serve the meatballs warm with the dipping sauce on the side or drizzled over the top.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Deserve a Spot on Your Table
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are more than just an appetizer—they’re a flavorful fusion of traditional Korean ingredients with a universally beloved dish: the meatball. Marrying bold, umami-packed Korean flavors with the comforting familiarity of Western-style meatballs, this recipe delivers a mouthwatering bite-sized experience that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, party appetizer, or weeknight dinner option, these meatballs offer an irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and spicy that keeps everyone coming back for more.
The Inspiration Behind the Dish
This dish draws inspiration from Korean bulgogi, a type of marinated beef that’s both sweet and savory. The flavors of bulgogi are infused into the meatballs through the use of soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and garlic. These ingredients mimic the depth of flavor found in authentic Korean barbecue, while keeping the preparation simple and approachable for home cooks everywhere. The meatballs are then paired with a spicy mayo dip, inspired by popular Korean condiments like gochujang mayo or sriracha aioli, which adds a creamy, fiery contrast that enhances the richness of the meat.
Balanced Flavor Profile
What sets these Korean BBQ Meatballs apart is their harmonious blend of flavors. The beef is juicy and well-seasoned with layers of flavor: soy sauce adds saltiness, brown sugar brings out sweetness, and sesame oil imparts a deep nuttiness that’s a signature in many Asian dishes. Fresh green onions and garlic provide punch and aroma, while a touch of ginger adds a warm, peppery undertone. The spicy mayo dip, made with mayonnaise, sriracha, garlic powder, and vinegar, introduces a cooling heat that cuts through the richness and elevates each bite.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
There are countless meatball recipes out there, but this one hits all the right notes—flavor, texture, and versatility. First, the ingredients are easy to find in most grocery stores, making it convenient for home cooks. Second, the method is straightforward: mix, shape, and bake. No deep frying or elaborate techniques required. Third, baking the meatballs ensures they’re evenly cooked and slightly caramelized on the outside while staying juicy inside.
The spicy mayo dip also couldn’t be simpler, yet it transforms the dish into something crave-worthy. It’s a fantastic contrast to the savory-sweet glaze on the meatballs, and its creamy texture balances out the boldness of the flavors.
Nutritional and Practical Benefits
This recipe provides a satisfying source of protein, making it great for post-workout meals, lunchbox ideas, or protein-rich snacks. By baking the meatballs instead of frying, you reduce excess fat and calories without compromising on taste. The use of fresh garlic and ginger brings anti-inflammatory properties, while green onions offer vitamin K and antioxidants.
Plus, this dish is easy to meal prep. You can prepare the meatballs in advance, freeze them, and reheat whenever needed—perfect for busy schedules. The spicy mayo can also be stored in the fridge for up to a week, making it a versatile condiment for sandwiches, wraps, or roasted vegetables.
A Crowd-Pleaser for Every Occasion
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are ideal for gatherings. Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect finger food, and their vibrant flavor profile appeals to a wide range of tastes. They can easily be skewered for party platters, served over rice for a satisfying meal, or plated with fresh herbs and sesame seeds for a more upscale presentation.
This flexibility makes them a favorite for potlucks, game day spreads, holiday parties, or casual dinners at home. Even kids love them—especially when the heat level in the spicy mayo is adjusted to suit younger palates.
Customizable to Fit Any Diet
Another strength of this recipe is how adaptable it is. If you’re avoiding red meat, ground chicken or turkey can be used as a substitute. If you’re following a gluten-free diet, swap out the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even rolled oats. The spicy mayo can also be made dairy-free or vegan by using plant-based mayonnaise alternatives.
Vegetarians can even recreate the flavor using lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based meat alternatives, spiced in the same way. The result still offers the same exciting fusion of taste and texture.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Meatballs
- Don’t overwork the meat: When mixing the ingredients, combine just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can result in dense, tough meatballs.
- Use a cookie scoop: For evenly-sized meatballs that cook at the same rate, use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon.
- Line your baking sheet: Parchment paper makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking.
- Broil for extra caramelization: For a crispy outer layer, broil the meatballs for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Taste your sauce: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the spicy mayo to suit your heat tolerance.
Serving Suggestions
- As a meal: Serve over steamed jasmine rice or vermicelli noodles, with a side of sautéed bok choy or kimchi.
- As an appetizer: Skewer with toothpicks and drizzle with spicy mayo for a platter presentation.
- In a bowl: Create a Korean BBQ meatball bowl with rice, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and pickled radish.
- As sliders: Sandwich the meatballs between mini buns with cabbage slaw and spicy mayo for delicious sliders.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are a prime example of comfort food meeting culinary adventure. They’re simple to prepare, deeply flavorful, and completely customizable. Whether you’re new to Korean flavors or already a fan, this dish is a gateway to bold, addictive tastes that are still accessible and easy to recreate at home. The balance of sweetness, umami, and spice is perfection on a plate, making this a go-to favorite you’ll make again and again.
From a weeknight dinner option to a show-stopping party snack, this recipe ticks all the boxes: flavor, convenience, nutrition, and versatility. So go ahead—add it to your menu, impress your guests, or treat yourself to a delicious twist on a classic comfort food.