The Best Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe For Zesty Family Dinners

My weekend Korean BBQ meatballs became an instant crowd favorite after I discovered this incredible fusion recipe.

Juicy ground beef mingles with bold Asian-inspired seasonings that dance across your palate.

Subtle hints of gochujang and sesame create an unforgettable flavor profile.

Sweet and tangy glazes coat each tender morsel with mouthwatering complexity.

Packed with umami and bright aromatics, these meatballs deliver restaurant-quality taste straight from your kitchen.

Perfectly paired with steamed rice or wrapped in crisp lettuce, you’ll want to make extra for leftovers.

Savor every bite of this irresistible dish that promises to become your new go-to meal.

Korean BBQ Meatballs Bringing Bold Asian-Inspired Flavors

• Craft with Ease: These Korean BBQ meatballs require minimal cooking skills, making them perfect for beginners or busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Enjoy as a protein-packed appetizer for parties or transform into a complete dinner by serving over rice, offering flexibility for different dining scenarios.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory ground meat, zesty green onions, and sweet-tangy Korean BBQ glaze creates an irresistible taste experience that will wow family and friends.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: From prep to plate, this recipe comes together rapidly, allowing you to have a restaurant-quality dish without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with complex cooking methods.

Ingredients To Prepare Korean BBQ Meatballs

• Ground Beef or Ground Turkey: A juicy protein that forms the foundation of the meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps hold the meatballs together and adds a light texture.
• Egg: Acts as a natural binder to keep the meatball mixture cohesive.

• Green Onions, Garlic: Provide a sharp and aromatic flavor profile to the meatballs.
• Ginger: Adds a warm, slightly spicy undertone to the meat mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the meatballs.

• Soy Sauce: Contributes a salty and umami depth to the Korean BBQ sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Brings a rich sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Delivers a distinctive nutty flavor to the glaze.

• Sesame Seeds, Extra Chopped Green Onions: Provide a crunchy texture and fresh visual appeal to the finished dish.

How To Cook Korean BBQ Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and preventing sticking.

Step 2: Mix Meatball Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Green onions
• Garlic
• Egg
• Grated ginger
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture holds together well.

Step 3: Shape Meatballs

Roll the meat mixture into small, uniform balls approximately 1 inch in diameter.

Arrange the meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.

Step 4: Bake Meatballs

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked through and have a golden-brown exterior.

Step 5: Create Korean BBQ Glaze

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Sesame oil

Heat over medium temperature, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly, which takes about 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Coat Meatballs

Remove meatballs from the oven and immediately toss them in the prepared Korean BBQ glaze, ensuring each meatball is completely and evenly coated.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the glazed meatballs.

Serve hot as an appetizer or over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Tips To Perfect Korean BBQ Meatballs Every Time

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option without sacrificing flavor.
• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender and juicy.
• Add a splash of rice vinegar or gochujang for extra tangy and spicy dimensions to the sauce.
• Use a small cookie scoop or wet hands to create uniform-sized meatballs that cook evenly.
• Prepare meatballs in advance and freeze uncooked for quick future meals – they'll stay fresh up to 3 months.

Flavorful Variations To Try With Korean BBQ Meatballs

• Lean Protein Powerhouse: Replace ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter, lower-fat meatball option that still packs incredible Korean BBQ flavor.
• Vegetarian Korean Bites: Swap meat with plant-based alternatives like crumbled firm tofu, lentils, or Beyond Meat crumbles, maintaining the authentic Korean BBQ seasoning profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs, and replace soy sauce with tamari to create a celiac-safe version of these meatballs.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Eliminate breadcrumbs completely, use ground pork or beef with higher fat content, and replace brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol for a low-carb alternative.

Pairing Suggestions To Serve Alongside Korean BBQ Meatballs

Serve Korean BBQ meatballs alongside chilled makgeolli, a slightly sweet and tangy Korean rice wine that complements the savory and slightly spicy glaze.

Prepare a fresh cucumber and carrot slaw with rice vinegar dressing to provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the rich, glazed meatballs.

Offer traditional napa cabbage kimchi on the side, its fermented, spicy kick will enhance the umami flavors of the Korean BBQ meatballs and cut through their richness.

Choose a light Korean lager like Cass or Hite, which will refresh the palate and balance the sweet and savory glaze without overwhelming the delicate meatball flavors.

Storage Tips To Keep Korean BBQ Meatballs Fresh

• Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Place meatballs in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Spread meatballs on a baking sheet, cover with foil. Warm at 350F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add extra glaze for moisture.
• Place meatballs on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165F. Drizzle with additional sauce to prevent dryness.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean alternative to beef. The recipe is versatile and will maintain similar flavors and texture.

• How spicy are these Korean BBQ meatballs?

These meatballs are mild with a sweet and savory flavor profile. If you want more heat, add some gochujang or red pepper flakes to the glaze for extra kick.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sweet glaze and mild seasoning make these meatballs appealing to children. They’re bite-sized and easy to eat, making them great for family meals.

• Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

You can mix and shape the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Korean Bbq Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Korean BBQ Meatballs bring Seoul’s street food magic to your kitchen, blending bold gochujang heat with savory ground beef. Glazed with a tangy-sweet sauce and garnished with green onions, these morsels will transport diners straight to Korean culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or turkey

Binding and Vegetable Components:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Korean BBQ Glaze:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Extra chopped green onions (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400F (200C) and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal meatball preparation.
2. Create the meatball mixture by thoroughly blending ground beef, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, egg, ginger, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Form small, uniform meatballs approximately one inch in diameter, arranging them carefully and evenly across the prepared baking sheet.
4. Roast the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, ensuring they become golden brown and fully cooked through.
5. Simultaneously prepare the glaze by combining soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring consistently until the sugar dissolves and the sauce develops a slightly thickened consistency (roughly 3-5 minutes).
6. Remove meatballs from the oven and immediately transfer them into the prepared glaze, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating.
7. Enhance the presentation by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions over the glazed meatballs.
8. Serve hot as a delectable appetizer or atop steamed rice for a satisfying main course.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still packs delicious flavor.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers to make the recipe completely gluten-free without compromising texture.
• Add a pinch of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) to the meatball mixture for an extra spicy kick that amplifies the Korean BBQ profile.
• Prep meatballs ahead of time and freeze uncooked for quick weeknight meals – they’ll maintain perfect moisture and taste when baked directly from frozen state.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 252 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 635 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg