Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
These Korean BBQ Meatballs are juicy, savory, and packed with bold flavors. Made with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and gochujang (Korean chili paste), they bring that signature Korean BBQ taste in every bite. The creamy spicy mayo dip adds the perfect balance rich, tangy, and a little spicy.
Whether you’re making a quick family dinner, fun appetizers for a party, or a game-night snack, these meatballs are sure to impress. Serve them with rice, noodles, lettuce wraps, or simply as finger food with toothpicks.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ inch ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for binding)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish
For the Spicy Mayo Dip:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon gochujang
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon honey
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine beef, garlic, ginger, onions, egg, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang, brown sugar, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
- Shape into 1-inch meatballs and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- While baking, mix mayo, gochujang, lime juice, and honey in a small bowl for the dip.
- Serve meatballs warm, garnished with sesame seeds and scallions. Enjoy with the spicy mayo on the side or drizzled on top.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: About 310 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love These Meatballs
These meatballs are:
- Juicy, tender, and full of flavor
- Quick to make in under 40 minutes
- Versatile—great as appetizers, snacks, or a main dish
- Lighter than fried meatballs since they’re baked
- Paired with a creamy dip that makes them irresistible
Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
- Chill the shaped meatballs for 10 minutes before baking for a rounder shape.
- Double the spicy mayo—trust us, you’ll want extra!
Serving Ideas
You can enjoy these Korean BBQ Meatballs in many ways:
- Over rice with vegetables for a full meal
- With noodles or stir-fried veggies
- In lettuce wraps with cucumber and herbs
- On skewers for parties
- In sliders or bao buns with pickled veggies
Easy Customizations
- Swap beef for chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat.
- Reduce gochujang for a mild, kid-friendly version.
- Add shredded carrots or mushrooms to the mix for extra veggies.
- Try different sauces—teriyaki, honey garlic, or even peanut sauce.
Final Thoughts
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are bold, fun, and easy to make. They bring the sweet, spicy, and savory flavors of Korean cuisine into a simple dish anyone can cook at home. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.
