If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that stuns with big flavor and effortless charm, let me introduce you to Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight! Imagine tender, juicy meatballs kissed with savory barbecue notes, served piping hot with an addictive spicy mayo on the side—a pairing that’s simply irresistible at parties, game nights, or celebratory dinners. This dish is my go-to for impressing guests and treating myself, and once you try it, you’ll see why it has the word “delight” built right into the name. Let’s dig in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight! starts with a handful of pantry staples that work together effortlessly. Each ingredient brings its own star quality, whether it’s umami depth, richness, or a fresh burst of color, making every bite unforgettable.
- Ground Beef: The hearty base for your meatballs, providing juicy flavor and classic texture.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs keep your meatballs wonderfully light and tender.
- Milk: Moistens the breadcrumbs for extra-soft, never-dry meatballs.
- Egg: Acts as the binder, keeping everything together as the meatballs bake.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses every bite with wonderful aromatic kick.
- Green Onions: Add freshness and a subtle crunch, with flavor that’s unmistakably Korean-inspired.
- Soy Sauce: For essential depth and the signature savory notes you crave in Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight!
- Sesame Oil: Toasty and nutty, a little bit transforms the entire dish.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the savory and spicy elements perfectly.
- Grated Ginger: Brings warmth and a gentle zing to the meatballs.
- Black Pepper: A pinch heightens all the other seasonings without overpowering.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkled on top, they provide an Instagram-worthy finish and extra crunch.
- Chopped Green Onions (for garnish): Freshness and a burst of color to make your dish pop.
- Mayonnaise: The luscious base of your spicy dip, making it creamy and rich.
- Sriracha: This hot sauce is the spicy soul of your dipping sauce—add more or less for your perfect heat.
- Lime Juice: Zesty brightness that cuts through the richness of the mayo.
- Honey: A hint of sweetness smooths out the flavors and pulls the dip together.
How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight!
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Grab your biggest mixing bowl, and add the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, grated ginger, and black pepper. Take a moment to gently mix everything together—hands usually work best here! The mixture should be uniform, but avoid overmixing to keep your meatballs tender and juicy.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Scoop the mixture and roll into 1-inch meatballs (a cookie scoop works wonders for this). Space them evenly on the prepared sheet. Slide them into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until they’re cooked through and lightly browned. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 3: Whip Up the Spicy Mayo Dip
While the meatballs bake, it’s time to create that irresistible dip. In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and honey until smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your spice love—taste as you go until it’s just right for you.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
As soon as the meatballs emerge from the oven, transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle liberally with sesame seeds and more green onions for a burst of freshness and color. Serve your Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight! alongside the creamy, fiery dip and get ready for applause.
How to Serve Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight!
Garnishes
Freshness and beauty go a long way—scatter plenty of chopped green onions and a shower of toasted sesame seeds over your platter. For an extra kick, a drizzle of extra sriracha or a dusting of finely chopped chili can turn up the wow factor. Not only will your Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight! look stunning, but these finishing touches add the freshest flavor bursts in every bite.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair gloriously with sticky steamed rice, crunchy Asian slaw, or a tangle of garlic noodles. For an appetizer spread, offer pickled vegetables, edamame, or lightly dressed cucumber salad alongside. No matter how you serve them, Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight! make every gathering more memorable and delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
Slide meatballs onto skewers for a playful party platter, or serve in lettuce cups for a vibrant, hand-held treat. For a main course, heap the meatballs over jasmine rice with extra dip on the side. Mini slider buns stuffed with these meatballs and a slather of spicy mayo? Trust me—they’ll vanish in seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop your cooled meatballs into an airtight container with a separate small jar for the dip. They’ll keep in the refrigerator up to 3 days without losing their flavor or moisture. Enjoy cold for a quick snack or warm them for a next-day lunch treat.
Freezing
For busy weeks, you can freeze baked meatballs (but not the mayo dip) in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely first, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a storage bag to avoid them sticking together. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use.
Reheating
To restore the just-baked magic, warm the meatballs in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until hot. If reheating from frozen, let them thaw completely first for best results. Serve with freshened-up spicy mayo and enjoy Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight! all over again.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight! are delicious with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter take. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as leaner meats cook a bit faster and can dry out if overbaked—be sure to check for doneness at the 15-minute mark.
How spicy is the spicy mayo?
The beauty of the dip is in your hands! Use as little or as much sriracha as suits your family’s taste. One tablespoon gives a gentle kick, while two or even a bit more creates a real fiery punch. Start slow, taste as you go, and you’ll land on your perfect level of heat.
Can I prepare Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight! ahead of time?
Yes! Shape the meatballs and store them uncooked, covered, in the refrigerator one day in advance. You can also mix up the spicy mayo dip a day ahead. Just bake the meatballs right before serving for maximum juiciness and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
It sure is! Make a batch of Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight!, refrigerate them with the spicy mayo in a separate container, and pack with rice or veggies for a protein-packed, flavor-loaded lunch all week long. The meatballs hold up beautifully for several days.
What other sauces can I serve with these meatballs?
While the spicy mayo dip is classic, you can also try a sweet chili sauce, a tangy soy-ginger glaze, or even gochujang-based dips for variety. But honestly, once you try the original Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight!, it’s hard to beat!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about sharing Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight!—they bring people together, spark conversation, and vanish from the platter in record time. I hope this recipe becomes your new go-to for gatherings or cozy nights in. Grab your ingredients, whip up a batch, and watch the delight unfold bite after bite!
Print
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight! Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Korean BBQ Meatballs with a Spicy Mayo Dip are a delightful fusion of flavors that will surely impress your taste buds. The juicy meatballs are packed with savory goodness and pair perfectly with the creamy and spicy mayo dip.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 egg
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 green onions (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
For the Spicy Mayo Dip:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko, milk, egg, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, ginger, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Form meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs for 15–18 minutes until cooked through and browned.
- Prepare the dip: While the meatballs cook, mix mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and honey in a bowl until smooth.
- Serve: Serve the warm meatballs with the spicy mayo dip on the side. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Adjust the sriracha in the dip to suit your spice preference.
- These meatballs work well as appetizers or as a main dish over rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs with dip
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
