Easy Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf Recipe for Dinner Wins

Comfort meets excitement in this delectable Korean BBQ meatloaf that blends traditional American home cooking with bold Korean flavors.

Tender ground beef mingles with zesty seasonings, creating a mouthwatering fusion of sweet and spicy notes.

The blend of gochujang and brown sugar delivers an unexpected twist to the classic meatloaf.

Juicy and packed with umami, this dish promises to elevate your weeknight dinner routine.

Each slice bursts with complex layers of taste that dance across your palate.

Marinades and glazes transform this humble dish into a culinary adventure you won’t soon forget.

Prepare to be surprised by how a simple meatloaf can become an extraordinary meal that sparks conversation and delights taste buds.

Sweet Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf Is a Must-Try

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Ingredients Needed for Korean BBQ Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful foundation for the Korean BBQ meatloaf that provides rich meaty texture.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatloaf ingredients together and adds moisture to the dish.

• Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, Rice Vinegar: Classic Asian seasonings that contribute depth and complexity to the meatloaf's taste profile.
• Gochujang: A spicy Korean chili paste that brings bold heat and rich red color to the dish.
• Brown Sugar, Honey: Sweet ingredients that balance the spiciness and create a caramelized glaze.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide traditional Korean flavor notes.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy crumbs that help hold the meatloaf together and create a tender texture.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh and crunchy toppings that add visual appeal and a final flavor boost.

Steps to Bake Sweet Spicy BBQ Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to 375F (190C). Generously grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.

Step 2: Create the Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Sesame oil
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Gochujang
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Rice vinegar
• Egg
• Panko breadcrumbs

Dive in with your hands and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Form the Meatloaf

Sculpt the meat mixture into a perfect loaf shape.

Gently transfer the formed meatloaf into the prepared pan, smoothing the top for an even surface.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and ensuring the meat is cooked completely through.

Step 5: Apply the Glaze

During the final 10 minutes of baking, create a mouthwatering finish by brushing a layer of gochujang and honey over the meatloaf.

This will create a tantalizing sweet and spicy coating.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist. Sprinkle with freshly sliced green onions and a shower of sesame seeds before slicing and serving.

Notes Before Making Korean BBQ Meatloaf

• Add a splash of mirin or sake to enhance the Korean-inspired taste profile and bring more complexity to the meatloaf.
• Adjust gochujang quantity to match your heat tolerance, starting with less and tasting as you mix.
• Mix in grated zucchini or finely chopped mushrooms to keep the meatloaf moist and tender during baking.
• Pat the meatloaf surface dry before glazing to help the sweet and spicy coating caramelize perfectly and create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Transform cold meatloaf slices into delicious Korean-style sandwiches or chop and use as a flavorful protein in fried rice.

Styles to Try With Korean BBQ Meatloaf

• Vegetarian Korean BBQ Loaf: Replace ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based ground meat, maintaining the same Korean-inspired seasonings and glaze for a meat-free version.
• Lean Protein Makeover: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat alternative while keeping the bold Korean BBQ flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Korean Comfort: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers instead of panko, and choose tamari over traditional soy sauce to create a celiac-friendly meatloaf.
• Spice-Adjusted Family Edition: Reduce gochujang for a milder version suitable for kids, or offer additional hot sauce on the side for heat-loving adults to customize their slice.

Sides and Sips With Korean BBQ Meatloaf

• Sizzle with Korean Soju Pairing: Match the sweet and spicy meatloaf with a chilled shot of Korean soju, cutting through the richness while complementing the dish's bold flavors.
• Refresh with Crisp Cucumber Kimchi: Serve a side of tangy cucumber kimchi to balance the meatloaf's intensity, providing a cool and zesty contrast that cleanses the palate.
• Cool Down with Light Lager: Select a crisp Korean or Japanese light beer like Hite or Sapporo to wash down the meatloaf, its clean taste neutralizing the spicy-sweet glaze.
• Enhance with Steamed Rice: Plate the meatloaf over fluffy white rice, which soaks up the delicious gochujang glaze and provides a neutral base for the robust flavors.

How to Store BBQ Meatloaf for Freshness

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Slice the cooled meatloaf and place portions in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

• What is gochujang and where can I find it?

Gochujang is a Korean red chili paste with a sweet, spicy, and savory flavor. You can find it in Asian grocery stores, international food sections of supermarkets, or online retailers like Amazon.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground pork or ground turkey. Just ensure the meat is lean to prevent excess greasiness in the meatloaf.

• How spicy is this Korean BBQ meatloaf?

The spice level is moderate. Gochujang provides a mild to medium heat that’s balanced by the brown sugar and honey, creating a sweet-spicy flavor profile.

Sweet & Spicy Korean Bbq Meatloaf Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Korean BBQ Meatloaf brings bold flavors from Seoul’s street cuisine to your dinner table. Juicy ground beef mingles with gochujang and soy sauce, creating a mouthwatering fusion that satisfies your craving for something extraordinary.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef

Aromatics and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Binding and Texture Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a loaf pan with cooking spray or oil.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend ground beef with aromatic seasonings including sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, whisked egg, and panko breadcrumbs.
3. Knead the mixture until ingredients are evenly distributed and ingredients form a cohesive texture.
4. Carefully mold the meat mixture into a uniform loaf shape and nestle it into the prepared pan.
5. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and roast for 40-45 minutes, monitoring until the surface turns golden brown and internal temperature reaches 160F.
6. During the final 10 minutes of cooking, delicately brush a vibrant glaze of gochujang and honey across the meatloaf’s surface to create a glistening, caramelized coating.
7. Extract the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to settle for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender result.
8. Slice the meatloaf into generous portions and embellish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a final flourish.

Notes

• Choose high-quality ground beef with moderate fat content for juicier, more flavorful meatloaf.
• Mix ingredients gently to prevent dense, tough texture and maintain tender consistency.
• Glaze sparingly to control heat and sweetness, adjusting gochujang and honey ratios for personal preference.
• Use fresh garlic and ginger for more vibrant, authentic Korean flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg