Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

If you love the bold, savory-sweet flavors of Korean BBQ, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Korean BBQ Meatballs! Juicy, tender meatballs are coated in a sticky, umami-rich sauce and paired with a creamy spicy mayo dip for the ultimate balance of heat and sweetness.

These meatballs are perfect for meal prep, party appetizers, or an easy weeknight dinner. Serve them with rice, in lettuce wraps, or as a fun appetizer—no matter how you enjoy them, they’re irresistible!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy, Flavor-Packed Meatballs – The perfect mix of sweet, savory, and umami!
Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes from start to finish.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Store well for easy lunches or dinners.
Versatile – Serve over rice, in lettuce wraps, or as an appetizer.
Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer – These meatballs disappear fast at parties!

What Do Korean BBQ Meatballs Taste Like?

Think of your favorite Korean BBQ beef bulgogi, but in bite-sized, juicy meatball form! These meatballs have a deep umami richness from soy sauce and sesame oil, a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, and a slight spicy kick from gochujang (Korean chili paste).

Dipped in a creamy, spicy mayo sauce, they’re the perfect blend of sweet, savory, spicy, and creamy—pure flavor explosion in every bite!

this RECIPE

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp green onions, chopped

For the Korean BBQ Glaze

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp gochujang
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water to thicken)

For the Spicy Mayo Dip

• ½ cup mayo (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp lime juice

Optional Garnishes

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Extra gochujang drizzle

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet or skillet
• Small saucepan (for glaze)
• Whisk or spoon for mixing
• Measuring cups & spoons

How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs

These meatballs are simple and quick to make—just mix, roll, bake, glaze, and enjoy!

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, gochujang, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and green onions until well combined.
3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about 20 meatballs) and place them on the baking sheet.

Step 2: Bake the Meatballs

4. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.

Step 3: Make the Korean BBQ Glaze

5. While the meatballs are baking, whisk together soy sauce, honey, gochujang, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
6. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Coat the Meatballs in Sauce

7. Remove the baked meatballs from the oven and toss them in the Korean BBQ glaze until fully coated.

Step 5: Make the Spicy Mayo Dip

8. In a small bowl, mix together mayo, sriracha, soy sauce, and lime juice until smooth.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

9. Garnish the meatballs with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve with spicy mayo dip and enjoy!

What to Serve with Korean BBQ Meatballs

These meatballs are super versatile! Enjoy them:
Over Steamed Rice – A classic, filling option.
In Lettuce Wraps – A low-carb, crunchy alternative.
With Noodles – Toss them with stir-fried noodles for a delicious meal.
With Garlic Fried Rice – For extra flavor!
As an Appetizer – Stick a toothpick in each and serve with the spicy mayo dip.

Helpful Tips for the Best Meatballs

Want juicy, flavorful, and perfectly textured Korean BBQ meatballs every time? Follow these pro tips to make them irresistible!

1. Don’t Overwork the Meat

• Gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough and dense instead of juicy and tender.

2. Use Panko Breadcrumbs for a Lighter Texture

• Panko breadcrumbs help keep the meatballs light and airy instead of dense. If you don’t have panko, use finely crushed crackers or almond flour for a gluten-free option.

3. Let the Meatball Mixture Rest

• Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes before rolling the meatballs. This allows the breadcrumbs to absorb moisture, making the meatballs extra tender.

4. Make Uniform-Sized Meatballs

• Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to ensure your meatballs are all the same size. This helps them cook evenly and prevents some from overcooking while others remain undercooked.

5. Bake for Easy Cleanup & Even Cooking

• Baking at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes gives a golden crust while keeping the inside juicy. You can also pan-fry for a crispier exterior.

6. Want Extra Crispy Meatballs?

• Bake them at 425°F for a more golden, caramelized crust. You can also broil them for the last 2-3 minutes for a little extra char.

7. Make the Sauce While the Meatballs Bake

• Multitask! While the meatballs are in the oven, make your Korean BBQ glaze so everything comes together quickly.

8. Toss the Meatballs in Sauce While They’re Hot

• Hot meatballs absorb the sticky, flavorful glaze better, making them extra delicious.

9. Don’t Skip the Garnishes!

• A sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions adds both crunch and a pop of color.

10. Make Them Ahead for Meal Prep

These meatballs store and freeze well, so make a double batch and save some for later!

Storage & Meal Prep

One of the best things about these Korean BBQ Meatballs is how well they store, reheat, and freeze—making them perfect for meal prep or quick dinners throughout the week!

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the sauce separate if you want to prevent sogginess.
Freezer: Let the meatballs cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Freezing Tip: Freeze the meatballs without the sauce for the best texture. When ready to eat, reheat and toss in fresh glaze!

Best Way to Reheat

Stovetop (Best Option): Heat a pan over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, and stir the meatballs until warmed through (about 5 minutes).
Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Microwave (Quickest): Place meatballs on a plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes for a slightly crispy exterior.

Meal Prep Tips

Make a Double Batch – Freeze half for an easy meal later!
Store the Sauce Separately – Prevents the meatballs from getting soggy.
Use for Multiple Meals – Serve over rice, in lettuce wraps, or in a sandwich throughout the week.

Substitutions & Variations

One of the best things about these Korean BBQ Meatballs is how versatile they are! Whether you need to adjust for dietary preferences or just want to mix things up, here are some easy substitutions and variations to try.

Protein Swaps

Ground Chicken or Turkey – A leaner option while still staying juicy.
Ground Pork – Adds more fat and flavor for ultra-tender meatballs.
Plant-Based Meat – Use Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger for a vegetarian option.
Firm Tofu or Mushrooms – For a fully plant-based version, finely chop mushrooms or mash tofu and mix with panko.

Gluten-Free Options

Use Tamari or Coconut Aminos instead of soy sauce.
Use Almond Flour instead of panko breadcrumbs.
Check your gochujang – Some brands contain wheat, so use a gluten-free version.

Adjusting the Spice Level

Spicier: Add extra gochujang, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños.
Milder: Use less gochujang or swap it for a mild chili paste.

Sauce Variations

Honey-Garlic Glaze – Replace gochujang with extra honey and garlic for a sweeter version.
Teriyaki Meatballs – Swap the sauce for a teriyaki glaze if you prefer a more classic taste.
Sweet & Tangy – Add a splash of pineapple juice for a fruity twist.

Different Ways to Serve These Meatballs

Over Steamed Rice or Quinoa – A simple, filling meal.
In Lettuce Wraps – A fresh, low-carb alternative.
With Noodles – Serve over ramen or rice noodles for a fun twist.
As Sliders – Put them in mini buns with some spicy mayo for an Asian-inspired burger.
As an Appetizer – Serve with toothpicks and extra dipping sauce at parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about making the best Korean BBQ Meatballs? Here are the answers to the most common ones!

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! These meatballs store and reheat beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months (see storage tips above).

2. Can I use a different meat?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or pork all work well. A beef and pork mix also creates extra juicy meatballs.

3. What’s a good substitute for gochujang?

If you don’t have gochujang, try:
Sriracha + a little miso paste (for umami)
Chili garlic sauce (for spice)
Sweet chili sauce (for a milder version)

4. How do I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
Check your gochujang, as some brands contain wheat.

5. Can I cook these in an air fryer?

Yes! Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

6. Can I pan-fry instead of baking?

Definitely! Heat a little oil in a skillet, then cook the meatballs over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, turning frequently to brown all sides.

7. What should I serve with these meatballs?

Over steamed rice or noodles
In lettuce wraps
With a side of kimchi and pickled vegetables
As an appetizer with spicy mayo dip

8. Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! These meatballs are naturally dairy-free, just be sure to check labels on store-bought ingredients.

9. How do I keep my meatballs juicy?

Don’t overmix the meat—gently combine ingredients.
Use panko breadcrumbs and egg for moisture.
Bake at 400°F to lock in juices.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! These meatballs are perfect for meal prep—just freeze the extra batch for later!

Conclusion

These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are sweet, savory, spicy, and ultra-juicy—an absolute must-try! Whether you’re serving them as a quick dinner, meal prep, or party appetizer, they’ll be a guaranteed hit.

If you make them, leave a review and share a photo on Pinterest! And don’t forget to subscribe for more easy, flavorful recipes straight to your inbox.

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