The aroma of sweet and savory wafts through the air as you sink your teeth into a juicy Korean BBQ meatball. Imagine the satisfying crunch of the crispy exterior giving way to tender meat within, all enhanced by a luscious drizzle of spicy mayo dip. You might find yourself daydreaming about these little morsels at work or during those awkward family dinners.
I still remember the first time I made these mouthwatering Korean BBQ meatballs with spicy mayo dip for my friends. They devoured them faster than I could say “pass the soy sauce”! Whether it’s game night or just a cozy dinner at home, these scrumptious bites always bring smiles and satisfied stomachs.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Korean BBQ meatballs are incredibly easy to whip up and require minimal prep time
- Their flavor profile is a delightful mix of sweet and savory that will keep you coming back for more
- The visual appeal of these colorful meatballs makes them a showstopper at any gathering
- Versatile enough to enjoy as an appetizer or main dish, they pair perfectly with rice or noodles
I still chuckle when I recall my cousin’s face after she took her first bite; her eyes widened in pure delight as she proclaimed these were the best thing since sliced bread!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for juicy meatballs without excess fat.
- Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a pop of color and mild flavor—perfect for garnishing!
- Garlic Cloves: Use fresh garlic for robust flavor; minced cloves work best.
- Soy Sauce: A flavorful base; opt for low-sodium to control saltiness.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the savory elements beautifully.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These give your meatballs that delightful crunch—don’t skip it!
- Sriracha Sauce: Spice it up! Adjust quantity based on your heat tolerance.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the spicy dip; use full-fat for richer texture.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness to the mayo dip.
- Sesame Oil: A few drops elevate your dish with nutty undertones—yum!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, minced garlic, chopped green onions, soy sauce, brown sugar, and panko breadcrumbs. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it!
Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form small balls about one inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to catch any drips.
Cook the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes until browned and cooked through—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Make the Spicy Mayo Dip: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, lime juice, and sesame oil until smooth. Taste and adjust spice level according to preference.
Serve It Up!: Arrange those glorious meatballs on a platter alongside your spicy mayo dip. Garnish with extra chopped green onions if desired—and don’t forget napkins!
These delightful Korean BBQ meatballs will leave everyone clamoring for seconds; prepare yourself for some serious compliments!
Enjoy crafting this recipe as much as I did! It’s not just about cooking; it’s an experience filled with laughter and deliciousness guaranteed to impress everyone at your table!
You Must Know
- Korean BBQ meatballs are not just delicious; they’re a flavor-packed delight that brings everyone together
- The combination of sweet and spicy with that crispy exterior makes them irresistible
- Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, these meatballs are sure to impress your guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfectly cooked Korean BBQ meatballs, start by mixing ingredients thoroughly, shaping them into uniform balls, then bake until golden brown while preparing your spicy mayo dip.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add sesame seeds for extra crunch. You can also experiment with different levels of spice in the mayo dip!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For ultimate flavor, let the meat mixture rest after combining; this enhances the taste
- Ensure even cooking by keeping meatball sizes consistent for uniformity
- Adding fresh herbs like cilantro can elevate the dish’s freshness and aroma substantially
Sharing my first attempt at these meatballs was memorable; I received rave reviews from friends who polished off every last bite, leaving me both proud and hungry for more!
FAQ
What can I substitute for ground beef in Korean BBQ meatballs?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options for a lighter version.
Can I make the spicy mayo dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge to enhance flavors.
What should I serve with Korean BBQ meatballs?
Pair them with steamed rice, veggies, or lettuce wraps for a fun meal experience.

Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are a flavor-packed treat combining sweet and savory notes, perfect for any gathering. Easy to make, these meatballs will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Green onions
- Garlic cloves
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Sriracha sauce
- Mayonnaise
- Lime juice
- Sesame oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, minced garlic, chopped green onions, soy sauce, brown sugar, and panko breadcrumbs until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake meatballs for 20-25 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- For the spicy mayo dip, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, lime juice, and sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth; adjust spice level to taste.
- Serve the meatballs on a platter with the spicy mayo dip and garnish with extra chopped green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (120g)
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add sesame seeds for an extra crunch in the meatballs. Prepare the spicy mayo dip a day ahead for enhanced flavor.