The aroma of sizzling meatballs wafts through the air, beckoning your taste buds to indulge in a flavor experience that’s nothing short of spectacular. Picture these juicy Korean BBQ meatballs, glowing with a rich glaze and served alongside a creamy spicy mayo dip that dances on your palate like it’s auditioning for “Dancing With the Stars.”
I remember the first time I made these mouthwatering morsels; my friends practically tackled each other to get to them! Ideal for cozy gatherings or casual weeknight dinners, these Korean BBQ meatballs bring people together over laughter and unforgettable flavors.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The simplicity of this recipe makes it perfect for busy weeknights while packing a punch of flavor
- The vibrant colors and aromas are sure to impress your guests
- Customize the spice level in the dip to suit everyone’s taste from mild to wild
- These meatballs are versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or main dish alongside rice or noodles
It was hilarious watching my friend try to eat just one while balancing a plate piled high with these little beauties; spoiler alert: he failed miserably!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for juicy meatballs that won’t dry out during cooking.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs add lightness and crunch; don’t substitute them with regular breadcrumbs.
- Green Onions: Fresh and vibrant green onions enhance flavor and add color; chop them finely.
- Garlic Cloves: Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor; minced garlic adds that aromatic kick.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while delivering that umami richness.
- Sesame Oil: A few drops of sesame oil give these meatballs an authentic Asian flair; it’s all about balance!
- Mayo: Regular mayonnaise is perfect for creating that creamy texture in the spicy dip.
- Sriracha Sauce: Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance; it adds both heat and depth.
- Honey: A touch of honey balances out the heat in the dip beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Mix It Up!: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it!
Form Those Meatballs!: Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized portions (about 1 inch). Place them on a lined baking sheet as you go—this keeps things tidy!
Bake Them Good!: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake meatballs for about 20 minutes or until they’re nicely browned and cooked through.
Whip Up That Dip!: While those beauties bake, stir together mayo, sriracha sauce, and honey in a small bowl. Taste and adjust spice levels if needed—make it your own!
Plate & Serve!: Once baked, let your meatballs rest briefly before serving them warm alongside your zesty spicy mayo dip. Garnish with additional green onions if desired.
Enjoy every tender bite of these flavorful treats—they’re sure to become a favorite at any gathering!
You Must Know
- Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are not just delicious; they bring a party to your taste buds
- The sweet and savory balance, combined with a kick from the spicy mayo, creates an irresistible flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the meatball ingredients, then bake them while whisking together the spicy mayo. This ensures everything is ready simultaneously for maximum flavor and efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add chopped green onions for an extra crunch. Customize the heat level in your dip with more or less sriracha to suit your palate.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring they stay juicy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect texture, don’t overmix your meatball mixture
- Use wet hands when forming meatballs to prevent sticking
- Experiment with dipping sauces beyond spicy mayo for unexpected flavors and pairings that can elevate your meal
Cooking these Korean BBQ Meatballs reminds me of a family gathering where everyone was asking for my secret ingredient. Spoiler alert: it’s all about love and a touch of spice!
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as an alternative to beef.
How spicy is the spicy mayo dip?
The spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount of sriracha used.
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Absolutely! Freeze uncooked meatballs or cooked ones for later enjoyment.
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are a must-try appetizer that combines juicy, flavorful meatballs with a creamy, spicy dip. Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
- While baking, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and honey in a small bowl; adjust the spice level as needed.
- Serve warm with the spicy mayo dip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (120g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
