introduction
These Korean BBQ Meatballs are simple and full of flavor. They use ground meat, gochujang glaze, and a sweet sauce. You can pair them with a side like the BBQ chicken cottage cheese bowl for a quick meal. This recipe works for weeknights or parties.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe because it is quick, tasty, and easy to share. The meatballs bake in one pan and a spicy-sweet glaze makes them special. Kids and adults like the mix of sweet honey and spicy gochujang.
how to make Korean BBQ Meatballs
Mix the meat and seasonings, form meatballs, bake, then glaze and bake a bit more. The steps are clear and fast. You can also try it with slow-cooked BBQ ideas if you like to prep ahead, similar to a crockpot BBQ chicken plan.
Ingredients :
- 1 pound ground beef or pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds for garnish
- Creamy sesame mayo (for serving)
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing gochujang, honey, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until heated through and combined.
- Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and brush the glaze over the meatballs, returning them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished with sesame seeds, alongside creamy sesame mayo.

how to serve Korean BBQ Meatballs
Serve warm with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. Put a spoon of creamy sesame mayo on the side for dipping. For a party, put them on skewers or serve them with toothpicks and extra glaze. You can also serve them with a simple crockpot side like this BBQ crockpot chicken for a full plate.
how to store Korean BBQ Meatballs
Let the meatballs cool to room temperature. Put them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them on a tray, then move to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
tips to make Korean BBQ Meatballs
- Use cold hands to form meatballs for neater shapes.
- Do not overmix the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
- If glaze gets too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it.
- Test one meatball for seasoning before baking all of them.
variation (if any)
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add finely grated ginger for extra warmth.
- Make smaller meatballs for appetizers or larger ones for sandwiches.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these without gochujang?
A: Yes. Use a mix of sriracha and a little tomato paste if you do not have gochujang.
Q: Can I bake and then freeze the meatballs?
A: Yes. Bake, cool, and freeze. Reheat from frozen in the oven or microwave.
Q: How do I make the creamy sesame mayo?
A: Mix mayo with a little sesame oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a small spoon of soy sauce. Stir until smooth.
Q: Are these spicy?
A: They have a mild to medium heat. You can cut the gochujang amount to make them milder.
Conclusion
For another take on Korean-style meatballs, see this related recipe on Allrecipes: Korean Barbecue-Style Meatballs Recipe – Allrecipes.
Print
Korean BBQ Meatballs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free breadcrumbs)
Description
These Korean BBQ Meatballs are simple and full of flavor, featuring a sweet and spicy glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds for garnish
- Creamy sesame mayo (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until cooked through.
- Prepare the glaze by mixing gochujang, honey, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat until heated through and combined.
- Remove the meatballs from the oven, brush the glaze over them, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished with sesame seeds and creamy sesame mayo.
Notes
Use cold hands to form meatballs for neater shapes. Do not overmix the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Korean meatballs, BBQ meatballs, easy meatballs, spicy meatballs