Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
If you’re looking for the ultimate appetizer or a standout dish for your next party, these Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are about to become your new obsession. Packed with bold flavors, tender textures, and a beautiful glaze, this recipe captures everything you love about Korean BBQ in a fun, bite-sized form. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, prepping for game day, or just treating yourself to something delicious, these meatballs are a must-try!
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making these mouthwatering meatballs, including tips, variations, and a helpful FAQ section. Let’s get into it!
Why You’ll Love These Korean BBQ Meatballs
These meatballs are perfect for anyone who:
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Loves the sweet, savory, and spicy combination typical of Korean BBQ.
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Needs a party appetizer that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
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Enjoys bold, dynamic flavors and satisfying textures.
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Wants a dish that can be cooked in multiple ways—baked, pan-fried, or air-fried.
Plus, the spicy mayo dip adds a creamy, zesty contrast that makes each bite absolutely irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatballs:
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1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
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½ cup panko breadcrumbs
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1 egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1-inch piece ginger, grated
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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2 green onions, finely chopped
For the Korean BBQ Glaze:
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¼ cup soy sauce
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2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
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1 tbsp gochujang
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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1 tsp garlic, minced
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1 tsp ginger, minced
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1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken)
For the Spicy Mayo Dip:
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½ cup mayonnaise
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1 tbsp gochujang
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1 tbsp lime juice
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1 tsp honey
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½ tsp garlic powder
For Garnish:
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Sesame seeds
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Chopped green onions
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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Large mixing bowl
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Small saucepan
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Whisk
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Baking sheet (if baking)
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Air fryer (optional)
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Skillet or grill pan (if pan-frying)
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Cookie scoop (optional for even meatballs)
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Spatula
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Serving plate
How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef-pork blend), panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, salt, black pepper, and chopped green onions. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the meatballs can become tough.
Pro Tip: Chill the mixture for 15–20 minutes before shaping for easier handling!
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
You can cook these meatballs using any of these methods:
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Pan-Frying: Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
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Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes.
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Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Step 4: Make the Korean BBQ Glaze
While the meatballs are cooking, combine soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it thicken for 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Coat the Meatballs
Transfer the cooked meatballs to a bowl and pour the warm glaze over them. Toss until each meatball is thoroughly coated.
Step 6: Make the Spicy Mayo Dip
Whisk together the mayonnaise, gochujang, lime juice, honey, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Adjust the spice level by adding more gochujang if you prefer extra heat.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving plate. Drizzle with any extra sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and serve hot with the spicy mayo dip on the side.
Recipe Notes and Tips
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Meat Choices: Ground pork or a beef-pork blend adds extra juiciness.
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Spice Level: Gochujang varies in heat. Taste yours before adding more!
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Make Ahead: Prepare meatballs a day ahead and cook when ready.
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Shortcut: Use store-bought spicy mayo if you’re in a hurry, but homemade tastes fresher.
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Healthier Option: Swap panko breadcrumbs for almond flour to make it low-carb.
Recipe Variations
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Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Add a small cube of mozzarella to the center of each meatball before cooking.
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Vegan Version: Substitute ground meat with plant-based ground meat alternatives and use vegan mayo.
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Different Dips: These meatballs are also fantastic with a sweet chili sauce or a soy-ginger glaze.
Storing Leftovers
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Refrigerator: Store meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze cooked (but unglazed) meatballs for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze when ready to eat.
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Reheating: Warm in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first.
Food and Drink Pairings
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Rice or Noodles: Serve meatballs over steamed rice or toss them with soba noodles for a hearty meal.
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Kimchi: A side of crunchy, fermented kimchi pairs beautifully with the rich flavors.
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Drinks: Light beers like pilsners, fruity soju cocktails, or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc complement these meatballs perfectly.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb would work, but keep in mind that leaner meats may result in slightly drier meatballs.
What can I substitute for gochujang?
If you can’t find gochujang, you can mix 1 tablespoon of miso paste with 1 teaspoon of sriracha as a quick substitute.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free panko and tamari instead of soy sauce.
How spicy are these meatballs?
They’re mildly spicy, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less gochujang.
Final Thoughts
These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are everything you could want in a bite—sweet, spicy, savory, and totally addictive. They’re perfect for parties, family dinners, or just treating yourself to something special.
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