Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight! Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite crowd-pleaser: Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight! These juicy meatballs are packed with bold Korean-inspired flavors—think umami-rich beef, zingy garlic and ginger, and a touch of spicy-sweet gochujang—all rolled into bite-sized perfection. Paired with a creamy, spicy mayo dip, this irresistible combo is the ultimate appetizer for game nights, parties, or even busy weeknight dinners. Whether served over a bed of rice or enjoyed straight from the platter, Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight will instantly wow your family and guests!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these meatballs lies in their simplicity: each ingredient brings something essential to the table, ensuring a perfect balance of flavor and texture in every bite. Don’t skip anything, as each adds its own depth—whether it’s the savory punch of soy or the gentle heat from gochujang.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The flavorful base that keeps the meatballs juicy and hearty.
- Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup): Keeps the meatballs tender and helps bind everything together.
- Egg (1): Provides structure, so each bite holds together beautifully.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Delivers that unmistakable savory kick and Korean depth of flavor.
- Green onions, finely chopped (2): Adds freshness and a pop of color to the mix.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Infuses each meatball with nutty, toasty undertones.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): The secret to deep, umami layers and seasoning.
- Gochujang, Korean chili paste (1 tablespoon): Gives milder heat and authentic Korean BBQ flair.
- Ginger, grated (1 teaspoon): Brings subtle warmth and zing that brightens the meatballs.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick that rounds out the flavors.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances out the savory and spice with a touch of sweetness.
- Sesame seeds and green onion (for garnish): Sprinkle on top for texture and that eye-catching finish.
- Mayonnaise (1/3 cup): Creates a creamy, velvety base for the spicy mayo dip.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon): Packs a punch of chili heat for the dipping sauce.
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): Cuts through the richness with a hint of tang.
- Sesame oil (1/2 teaspoon): A little extra nuttiness for the dipping sauce—you’ll love it.
- Salt (pinch): Makes all those flavors in the dip pop.
How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight!
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; this not only prevents sticking but also helps your meatballs brown evenly and makes cleanup a breeze. A bit of prep now makes the rest of the process smooth sailing!
Step 2: Mix Up the Meatball Magic
Grab a roomy mixing bowl and combine your ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, green onions, sesame oil, soy sauce, gochujang, grated ginger, black pepper, and brown sugar. You want to mix just until everything comes together—over-mixing can make the meatballs tough, so gentle hands are key. The aroma will be incredible even before they hit the oven!
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatballs
With clean hands (or a small scoop if you prefer), form the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Slide them into the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, until they’re cooked through and just a little browned on the outside. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely delicious!
Step 4: Whisk Up the Spicy Mayo Dip
While the meatballs bake, it’s time to whip up that legendary Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight! In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. The result? A creamy, zesty, slightly fiery sauce that pairs perfectly with those savory meatballs.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle over a generous pinch of sesame seeds and a scatter of fresh chopped green onions for both crunch and a splash of color. Serve the meatballs warm with the spicy mayo on the side—or drizzle it right over for extra punch!
How to Serve Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight!
Garnishes
Nothing finishes these meatballs quite like a flourish of sesame seeds and fresh green onion. They add a nutty flavor and vibrant look, making your platter extra tempting. For an even brighter touch, try a little cilantro or a squeeze of fresh lime—totally optional, but always delightful.
Side Dishes
Serve your Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight! alongside a bowl of fluffy jasmine rice or steaming sticky rice for a heartier meal. They’re also amazing with quick stir-fried veggies, a crisp Asian slaw, or noodles tossed in sesame oil. The flavors in these meatballs are so versatile, they play well with countless sides!
Creative Ways to Present
Want to go a little extra? Skewer the meatballs with cute toothpicks and stack them on a platter for a party appetizer that’s easy to grab. Arrange them in lettuce cups for a low-carb twist, or build Korean BBQ Meatball rice bowls with pickled veggies, rice, and a drizzle of extra spicy mayo. You can even tuck them into slider buns for a memorable game day snack!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover meatballs store beautifully! Transfer cooled Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight! to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Store the spicy mayo dip separately to keep the sauce fresh and creamy.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked (and cooled) meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. For best results, make the spicy mayo dip fresh before serving, as mayonnaise-based sauces don’t always freeze well.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 10 minutes. If you’re short on time, the microwave works in a pinch—just cover them with a paper towel so they stay moist. Serve with freshly whisked spicy mayo and you’ll have Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight! tasting as good as new.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight! is delicious with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter twist. Just keep an eye on the texture, and don’t overbake as poultry can dry out a bit faster than beef.
How spicy are these meatballs and the dip?
The heat level is totally customizable. Gochujang brings a mild, slightly sweet heat, while sriracha zings up the dip. If you prefer things milder, simply reduce the amounts, or add a bit more for those who love extra fire!
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can! Assemble and bake the meatballs in advance, then refrigerate or freeze them. Reheat just before serving, and whisk up the spicy mayo dip the day you plan to serve for the freshest flavor.
Is gochujang necessary, or can I substitute something else?
Gochujang is really the heart of Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight! but if you can’t find it, mix a little sriracha with miso paste or use another Asian chili garlic paste. The flavor may change a bit, but the meatballs will still be delicious.
Are these suitable for meal prep lunches?
Definitely! Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight! keeps well and tastes amazing even after reheating. Pack them with rice, greens, or noodles for a standout lunch that’s never boring.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to impress your dinner guests or just treat yourself to a flavor-packed meal, I can’t recommend Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight! enough. They’re fun to make, utterly craveable, and destined to disappear fast—so make a double batch if you’re expecting a crowd! Dive in, share the joy, and let me know how quickly your platter empties!
Print
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to Delight! Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs (4 servings) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Korean BBQ Meatballs with a Spicy Mayo Dip are a flavorful twist on classic meatballs, perfect for a party appetizer or a main course. The juicy meatballs are seasoned with Korean-inspired flavors and served with a creamy and spicy mayo dip.
Ingredients
Main Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- sesame seeds and green onion for garnish
For the Spicy Mayo Dip:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, green onions, sesame oil, soy sauce, gochujang, ginger, black pepper, and brown sugar. Form into meatballs.
- Bake: Place meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes until cooked through.
- Prepare Dip: Mix mayonnaise, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and salt for the spicy mayo.
- Serve: Garnish meatballs with sesame seeds and green onion. Serve warm with spicy mayo dip.
Notes
- These meatballs are versatile and can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish.
- Feel free to use ground chicken or turkey as a substitute for beef.
- Adjust the spice levels of gochujang and sriracha to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 meatballs + dip
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
