Best Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Name: Best Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground Beef or Pork (or Ground Turkey); 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (or Regular Breadcrumbs); 3 cloves Fresh Minced Garlic (or Garlic Powder); 1/4 cup chopped Green Onions; 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (or Tamari for Gluten-Free); 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (or Honey/Agave Syrup); 1 tbsp Sesame Oil (or Olive Oil); 1 Egg (or Flaxseed Meal Mix); 1/2 cup Mayonnaise; 1-2 tbsp Sriracha (to taste)

When it comes to killer bites that pack a punch, these Best Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip take the cake! Seriously, the first time I made these, my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious they were. They’re perfect for game nights, cozy family dinners, or just whenever you’re craving something savory and a tad spicy. Trust me, you’ll love how easy they are to whip up!

What Are Korean BBQ Meatballs?

Korean BBQ meatballs are these flavorful bundles, typically made with ground meat, bursting with the umami goodness of soy sauce and brown sugar, plus a hint of sesame oil. They’ve got that classic Korean BBQ vibe, with a slight sweetness and enough savory depth to have you going back for seconds. And what pairs better with them than a creamy, spicy mayo dip? It brings everything together beautifully, giving every bite that delightful kick.

Ingredients Overview for Best Korean BBQ Meatballs

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these delightful meatballs to life, complete with some easy substitution ideas!

Ground Beef or Pork (or Ground Turkey): Your choice of meat sets the foundation of flavor. I often use ground beef, but turkey works wonders too for a lighter option.
Panko Breadcrumbs (or Regular Breadcrumbs): Panko gives a lovely texture, while regular breadcrumbs do just fine if that’s what you have on hand.
Fresh Minced Garlic (or Garlic Powder): Fresh garlic adds a punchy flair, but garlic powder is a quick swap when you’re in a pinch.
Green Onions: These add a fresh, crisp note that’s simply irresistible in meatballs.
Soy Sauce (or Tamari for Gluten-Free): This savory sauce is essential for that deep, rich flavor.
Brown Sugar (or Honey/Agave Syrup): A touch of sweetness balances out all the savory notes wonderfully.
Sesame Oil (or Olive Oil): The nutty aroma of sesame oil transforms these meatballs into something special, but olive oil works too.
Egg (or Flaxseed Meal Mix): The egg binds everything together perfectly. If you’re vegan, a flaxseed mix can do the trick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven
First up, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is where the magic happens!

Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped green onions, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and the beaten egg. Gently mix everything until just combined. Don’t overdo it; you want those meatballs tender!

Form the Meatballs
Scoop out about one tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into meatballs. Place them on a lined baking sheet. I like to line the sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Bake
Pop the meatballs in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!

Make the Spicy Mayo Dip
While they bake, mix mayonnaise with sriracha to your desired spice level. I usually start with a tablespoon of sriracha and add more for a kick!

Serve
Serve the meatballs warm, with the spicy mayo dip on the side. You’ll want to grab a few meatballs and dip each one into that creamy goodness!

Serving Suggestions

These Best Korean BBQ Meatballs are fantastic on their own, but I love serving them with a fresh cucumber salad or over a bed of fluffy rice. You can even toss them into a wrap with some veggies for a quick meal.

Tips for Perfect Korean BBQ Meatballs

Don’t overmix: Mixing too much can lead to dense meatballs; keep it gentle!
Use a cookie scoop: If you have one, it makes it super simple to evenly shape the meatballs.
Try different meats: Feel free to switch things up with chicken or a blend of meats for a unique twist!
Adjust spice levels: Experiment with different amounts of sriracha until you find your perfect heat level.

Q&A Section

1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and shape the meatballs ahead of time, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

2. What can I dip these meatballs in besides spicy mayo?
If you want to switch it up, a sweet chili sauce or even a teriyaki glaze pairs deliciously too!

3. How do I know when the meatballs are done?
They should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when cooked through.

4. Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes! Just freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be baked straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Why You’ll Love It

These Best Korean BBQ Meatballs are a total crowd-pleaser! With that unbeatable fusion of flavors and an easy-to-make spicy mayo dip, they’re bound to become a favorite in your home. Plus, the delightful aroma filling your kitchen while they bake is just the cherry on top. They’re comforting, satisfying, and just plain fun to eat!

Behind the Scenes

When I first started experimenting with these Korean BBQ meatballs, I was nervous about how they’d turn out. My first batch was a bit too dry, and let’s say, I suddenly had a whole lot of mini meatballs to figure out what to do with! After playing around with the right balance of ingredients and tweaking some measurements, I finally got the texture just right. Now, they’re consistently a hit in my house!

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