If you are craving something that bursts with flavor and packs a delicious punch, then this Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need. These meatballs are tender, juicy, and perfectly balanced with a sticky, sweet-savory glaze that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just want a comforting dinner, this dish is simple to make but impressive in flavor, making it one of my absolute favorites to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe plays an important role, from creating the perfect meatball texture to building layers of bold, vibrant flavor. These simple yet essential ingredients come together beautifully to form a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is mouthwatering.
- Ground beef: The star of the meatball, offering a rich and juicy base.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture and gives the meatballs a tender texture.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together nicely.
- Garlic, minced: Adds a punch of aromatic flavor that’s classic in Korean cuisine.
- Ginger, grated: Provides a fresh, zesty essence that brightens the meatballs.
- Soy sauce: Infuses salty umami depth, essential in both the meatballs and the glaze.
- Sesame oil: Delivers a nutty warmth that elevates the dish.
- Salt and pepper: To season and enhance all the flavors.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens the glaze, balancing the savory components perfectly.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a mild tang, cutting through the richness.
- Ketchup: Lends a subtle tomato acidity and body to the glaze.
- Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the glaze into a luscious coating.
How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures your meatballs cook evenly and prevents any sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything thoroughly until the mixture is uniform. This step is crucial because even mixing guarantees juicy and flavorful meatballs every time.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch balls, making sure they are evenly sized so they cook at the same rate. Place them spaced out on your prepared baking sheet. Creating uniform balls is a game changer for cooking consistency and presentation.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Pop the meatballs into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. Watching the meatballs turn that perfect shade of browned deliciousness is one of the most satisfying parts of this recipe!
Step 5: Make the Glaze
While the meatballs are baking, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Bring this to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then stir in the cornstarch mixture. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the glaze thickens to a shiny, luscious consistency—this is the magical sauce that makes this Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe so addictive.
Step 6: Coat the Meatballs
As soon as the meatballs come out of the oven, toss them in the warm glaze until every bite is coated in that irresistible glossy sauce. The sticky finish adds both flavor and visual appeal, making them look as good as they taste.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you want to pull out all the stops, sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for a fresh crunch and a pop of color. These meatballs are wonderful served over steaming rice, noodles, or even as a juicy appetizer that will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe with simple garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions. These add not only visual contrast but also a pleasant texture and a mild punch of flavor to each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these meatballs with steamed jasmine rice or sticky white rice to soak up the tasty glaze. For something green and refreshing, a crisp cucumber salad or Korean-style kimchi works beautifully, balancing out the richness of the meatballs perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these meatballs on small skewers as party appetizers or pile them atop a bed of Asian slaw for a fresh, crunchy element. You can even arrange them in lettuce wraps for a low-carb, hand-held delight that’s bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Korean BBQ meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled helps maintain their texture and keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
If you want to save them for later, freeze the cooked meatballs after glazing by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. This technique prevents them from sticking together and lets you enjoy this Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe anytime you have a craving.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra glaze to keep them moist and flavorful. This easy reheating method preserves the delicious taste and tender texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or pork instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or pork can be fantastic alternatives. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly, and you may want to add a bit of extra seasoning to enhance the milder flavors of these meats.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe?
Definitely! You can try using plant-based meat substitutes or lentils combined with breadcrumbs and the same seasonings. The sweet-savory glaze remains the star and will complement vegetarian meatballs just as well.
Can I make the glaze spicier?
Yes, adding a teaspoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or a dash of red chili flakes into the glaze will bring a nice kick without overpowering the balanced flavors of the dish.
What can I serve instead of rice?
If rice isn’t your favorite, try serving these meatballs over noodles, cauliflower rice, or even mashed potatoes for a different but equally satisfying meal experience.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they’re safe and juicy. They should also be nicely browned on the outside, signaling they’re cooked through and ready for the glaze.
Final Thoughts
This Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe has become one of my go-to crowd-pleasers because it’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to fit any occasion. I genuinely hope you give it a try and enjoy every sticky, savory, and sweet bite as much as I do. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be on repeat in your kitchen too!
Print
Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
These Korean BBQ Meatballs are a flavorful twist on a classic favorite, combining tender ground beef meatballs baked to perfection and coated in a rich, sweet, and tangy Korean-inspired glaze. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or served over rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Glaze
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, rolling them evenly, then place them onto the prepared baking sheet ensuring even spacing.
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the meatballs are completely cooked through and nicely browned on the outside.
- Make the Glaze: While the meatballs are baking, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the glaze thickens to a syrupy consistency.
- Coat the Meatballs: Once baked, transfer the meatballs to a large bowl and toss them with the thickened glaze until they are fully coated and shiny.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the glazed meatballs with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve them warm over rice or as an appetizer for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground pork or turkey for a different flavor.
- If you prefer, add chopped green onions or sesame seeds directly into the meatball mixture for extra texture.
- For gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or as a finger-food appetizer.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
