Korean BBQ Meatballs

Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe 🍖🔥

These flavorful Korean BBQ Meatballs are perfectly paired with a creamy and spicy mayo dip, making them the ultimate appetizer for any gathering!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 1/2 cup Korean BBQ sauce

For the Spicy Mayo Dip:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp sriracha

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Mix until evenly combined.
  3. Shape the Meatballs
    • Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs (about 1–1.5 inches in diameter). Place the meatballs evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake the Meatballs
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F (71°C)).
  5. Make the Spicy Mayo Dip
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sriracha until smooth. Adjust the sriracha to your spice preference.
  6. Serve
    • Brush the baked meatballs with Korean BBQ sauce, and serve with the spicy mayo dip on the side for dipping.

30 Popular Questions and Their Answers

General Questions

  1. Can I use ground pork or chicken instead of beef?
    Yes, ground pork, chicken, or turkey are great alternatives.
  2. Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
    Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
  3. Can I cook the meatballs in a skillet instead of baking?
    Yes, pan-fry them in a bit of oil over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
  4. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
    Yes, prepare and refrigerate the uncooked meatballs up to 24 hours in advance.
  5. Are these spicy?
    The meatballs are mild, but the spicy mayo dip can be adjusted to your spice level.

Ingredient Questions

  1. What can I substitute for Korean BBQ sauce?
    A mix of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil makes a great homemade substitute.
  2. What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
    Plain or panko breadcrumbs work best.
  3. Can I add vegetables to the meatballs?
    Yes, finely chopped carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms can be mixed in.
  4. What can I use instead of sesame oil?
    Use a neutral oil like olive oil or a small amount of peanut oil.
  5. Can I use pre-minced garlic and ginger?
    Yes, but fresh garlic and ginger provide the best flavor.

Cooking Questions

  1. How do I know the meatballs are cooked through?
    Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
  2. Do I need to flip the meatballs while baking?
    It’s optional, but flipping halfway ensures even browning.
  3. Can I grill the meatballs?
    Yes, place them on skewers for grilling and brush with BBQ sauce while cooking.
  4. Can I air fry the meatballs?
    Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
  5. What’s the best way to warm up leftovers?
    Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave in short intervals.

Serving Questions

  1. What sides pair well with these meatballs?
    Serve with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple salad.
  2. Can I serve these as a main course?
    Yes, pair them with noodles or rice for a hearty meal.
  3. How should I garnish the meatballs?
    Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh look.
  4. Can I serve the meatballs cold?
    While they’re best warm, they can be served cold as an appetizer.
  5. How spicy is the mayo dip?
    It depends on how much sriracha you use; adjust to your taste.

Storage Questions

  1. How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
    Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  2. Can I freeze the meatballs?
    Yes, freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
  3. How do I thaw frozen meatballs?
    Thaw overnight in the fridge or cook directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
  4. Can I freeze the spicy mayo dip?
    Mayo-based sauces don’t freeze well and should be made fresh.
  5. What’s the best way to store uncooked meatballs?
    Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.

Customization Questions

  1. Can I make these meatballs vegetarian?
    Use a plant-based ground meat substitute or a mixture of lentils and breadcrumbs.
  2. Can I add chili flakes to the meatballs for more heat?
    Yes, chili flakes or gochugaru (Korean chili powder) add a nice kick.
  3. What other dips can I serve?
    Try gochujang mayo, soy-ginger sauce, or honey mustard.
  4. Can I stuff the meatballs with cheese?
    Yes, a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar can be added to the center.
  5. What can I use instead of sriracha for the dip?
    Use gochujang, sambal oelek, or your favorite hot sauce.

30 Tips to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs Even More Delightful

Ingredient Tips

  1. Use freshly ground beef for the best flavor.
  2. Add a splash of fish sauce for umami depth.
  3. Swap half the beef for pork for a juicier texture.
  4. Incorporate finely chopped water chestnuts for crunch.
  5. Use fresh breadcrumbs for a softer texture.

Flavor Enhancers

  1. Add gochujang for authentic Korean heat.
  2. Marinate the meatball mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
  3. Stir a teaspoon of honey into the BBQ sauce for sweetness.
  4. Include sesame seeds in the meatball mixture.
  5. Add a pinch of five-spice powder for warmth.

Cooking Tips

  1. Line the baking sheet with parchment to prevent sticking.
  2. Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
  3. Use a small ice cream scoop for uniform meatballs.
  4. Sear the meatballs in a skillet before baking for extra flavor.
  5. Baste the meatballs with BBQ sauce halfway through baking.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Serve on skewers for an easy party appetizer.
  2. Pair with pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast.
  3. Garnish with microgreens for an elegant touch.
  4. Serve alongside steamed bao buns for a fun twist.
  5. Add a drizzle of hoisin sauce for extra sweetness.

Make-Ahead Tips

  1. Double the recipe and freeze half for later.
  2. Prep the spicy mayo dip the day before.
  3. Roll the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  4. Freeze uncooked meatballs individually to prevent sticking.
  5. Make mini meatballs for bite-sized appetizers.

Creative Twists

  1. Use ground lamb or veal for a unique flavor.
  2. Add diced pineapple for a tropical twist.
  3. Mix in shredded carrots for a touch of sweetness.
  4. Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter dip.
  5. Brush the meatballs with teriyaki sauce for a different glaze.

These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are sure to be a hit with their bold flavors and versatility! 🍖🔥✨

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