Description
This Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf is a flavor-packed twist on classic comfort food! Juicy ground beef (or a mix of meats) is infused with garlic, ginger, and gochujang for a bold kick, then glazed with a sticky, spicy-sweet Korean BBQ sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami—delicious enough to wow guests but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Serve it with rice and kimchi for an irresistible meal!
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
For the Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Glaze:
- ¼ cup gochujang
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the meatloaf ingredients. Use your hands to mix everything together until just combined—don’t overwork it!
Form the mixture into a loaf shape on the baking sheet (or press it into a loaf pan). Bake for 35 minutes.
While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together all glaze ingredients in a small bowl. After 35 minutes of baking, brush half of the glaze over the meatloaf and return it to the oven for another 15 minutes.
Once the meatloaf is fully cooked (internal temp of 160°F/71°C), brush the remaining glaze on top and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with rice, kimchi, or roasted veggies.
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce the gochujang in both the meatloaf and glaze.
- Want extra moisture? Add ¼ cup of milk or grated onion to the mix.
- For an extra-crispy glaze, broil the meatloaf for 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free panko and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about ⅙ of the loaf)
- Calories: ~380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg