Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce

Hold onto your taste buds, because these Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs are about to take your meal to the next level! Imagine juicy, tender meatballs coated in a sweet and savory Korean BBQ glaze, paired with a rich, spicy mayo sauce that’s the perfect balance of creamy and heat. Every bite is a burst of flavor, and I promise you—once you make these, they’ll become your go-to recipe for any gathering, dinner, or snack attack.

The best part? These meatballs are so easy to make. You don’t need to be a master chef to pull off this flavor-packed dish. Trust me, you’ll be the one getting all the compliments when you serve these up at your next get-together.

Why You’ll Love Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce

Bold, Sweet & Spicy Flavors: The Korean BBQ sauce adds a sweet, smoky, and umami-packed flavor that pairs perfectly with the spicy mayo sauce for a kick of heat.
Juicy & Tender: The meatballs are incredibly moist thanks to a mix of ground beef and pork (you can use any ground meat you like!), making them melt-in-your-mouth good.
Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for a party.
Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, on top of rice, or with a side of veggies—these meatballs fit in at any meal.
Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is guaranteed to be a hit at parties, and you’ll find that everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Ingredients in Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce

This recipe uses simple ingredients, but the magic comes from the blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that come together in a perfect harmony. Here’s what you’ll need for the meatballs and sauce:

For the Meatballs

• Ground Beef and Pork (or your choice of meat)
• Panko Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Green Onion
• Garlic
• Soy Sauce
• Sesame Oil
• Ginger
• Brown Sugar
• Black Pepper
• Salt

For the Korean BBQ Sauce

• Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• Soy Sauce
• Sesame Oil
• Rice Vinegar
• Brown Sugar
• Garlic

For the Spicy Mayo Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sriracha Sauce
• Lemon Juice
• Soy Sauce

Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions

Ready to make these mouthwatering meatballs? Let’s get started:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, panko breadcrumbs, egg, green onion, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything together until just combined—be careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.

Form the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the Meatballs

Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—aim for 160°F (71°C).

Make the Korean BBQ Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is smooth and heated through. Keep it warm until the meatballs are done.

Make the Spicy Mayo Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, lemon juice, and soy sauce. Adjust the amount of sriracha to your heat preference—more for extra spice, less for a mild kick.

Coat the Meatballs

Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the warm Korean BBQ sauce until they’re evenly coated.

Serve and Drizzle

Serve the meatballs warm, drizzling with the spicy mayo sauce and garnishing with extra green onions or sesame seeds if you like.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4-6
Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories (depends on the size of the meatballs and specific ingredients used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce

On a Bed of Rice: Serve these flavorful meatballs on top of steamed white or brown rice to soak up all that delicious BBQ sauce.
As an Appetizer: These meatballs are perfect for serving as finger food at parties or get-togethers. Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking.
With Vegetables: Pair with roasted veggies or a side of stir-fried vegetables to balance out the richness of the meatballs.
In Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve the meatballs in crisp lettuce leaves with a drizzle of spicy mayo and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch.

Additional Tips

Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just bake them from frozen and make the sauces as usual.
Adjust the Heat: If you like it spicier, add more gochujang to the BBQ sauce or more sriracha to the mayo sauce.
Use Different Meats: Feel free to mix up the ground meat you use. Ground turkey, chicken, or lamb would also work well in this recipe.
Leftover Sauce: If you have extra Korean BBQ or spicy mayo sauce, store it in the fridge for a few days. It’s great as a dip for fries, veggies, or even sandwiches.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground chicken instead of beef and pork?
A1: Yes! Ground chicken will work well here, though the texture may be a bit lighter. You can also use turkey if you prefer.

Q2: What’s the best way to freeze these meatballs?
A2: To freeze, place the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Bake from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q3: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
A3: Definitely! You can make the meatballs and sauces ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Q4: Can I make the sauce spicier?
A4: Yes! You can add extra sriracha or chili flakes to the spicy mayo sauce to kick up the heat. If you like a more subtle heat, reduce the amount of sriracha.

Q5: What can I substitute for gochujang?
A5: If you can’t find gochujang, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular chili paste, a bit of soy sauce, and a touch of honey for sweetness. It’s not quite the same, but it will work in a pinch.

Q6: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A6: Absolutely! Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and check the soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Q7: How do I know when the meatballs are done?
A7: The meatballs should be golden brown on the outside, and the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). You can also cut one in half to check that it’s no longer pink in the middle.

Q8: Can I serve these meatballs in a bun like a slider?
A8: Yes! Serve them in small slider buns with a drizzle of spicy mayo for a fun twist on a Korean BBQ sandwich.

Q9: What else can I pair these meatballs with?
A9: They’re great with steamed vegetables, pickled radishes, or even a simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness.

Q10: Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?
A10: Yes, you can! Store the BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, then reheat it when you’re ready to use it.

Conclusion

These Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce are a total game-changer. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a weekend party, or as a delicious snack, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. With the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, every bite is packed with satisfaction. So go ahead, give these a try—you won’t regret it!

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