Korean Bulgogi Meatballs

If you’re craving a delicious, bold, and savory dish that brings a little kick to your dinner table, Korean Bulgogi Meatballs are exactly what you need. These tender, juicy meatballs are made with ground beef or pork, flavored with the classic sweet and savory bulgogi marinade. It’s like having the flavors of Korean BBQ in a bite-sized form—what’s not to love about that? Each meatball is packed with layers of flavor, from the umami soy sauce to the sweetness of brown sugar and a touch of garlic and ginger. And the best part? They’re super easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer. Trust me, these little meatballs are going to steal the show at your next dinner or party!

Why You’ll Love Korean Bulgogi Meatballs

Full of Flavor: These meatballs are packed with the signature flavors of bulgogi—sweet, savory, and slightly spicy. They’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Easy to Make: Simple ingredients come together in no time to create a dish that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer for a party or as the main dish with rice or veggies, these meatballs fit any occasion.

Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level to your taste. Want more heat? Add extra gochujang! Prefer it milder? Cut back on the chili paste and balance with more sweetness.

Great Leftovers: These meatballs taste even better the next day, making them perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or pork, for a richer flavor) – This is the base of your meatballs, providing that hearty, savory bite.
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatballs together and gives them a light, tender texture.
• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped – Adds a fresh, slightly oniony flavor that balances out the sweetness of the sauce.
• 1 egg – The binding agent that keeps your meatballs perfectly together.
• 1/4 cup grated carrot – For added texture, sweetness, and a touch of color.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Brings that aromatic, savory depth to the meatballs.
• 1 tbsp grated ginger – A fresh zing that adds warmth and complexity to the flavor.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – Simple seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the meat.

For the Bulgogi Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce – The salty, umami base for the sauce.
• 2 tbsp brown sugar – Adds sweetness that balances out the savory soy sauce.
• 2 tbsp sesame oil – A rich, nutty oil that brings an extra layer of flavor.
• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste) – For that signature spicy kick and depth of flavor.
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar – Adds a bit of acidity to balance the sweetness and spice.
• 1 tbsp minced garlic – More garlicky goodness to complement the other ingredients.
• 1 tsp sesame seeds – For garnish, adding a little crunch and a nutty finish.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – Just enough to enhance the other flavors in the sauce.

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

Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, green onions, egg, grated carrot, garlic, and ginger. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.

2. Form the Meatballs:
Use your hands to form the mixture into 1- to 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You should get about 18-20 meatballs, depending on size.

3. Bake the Meatballs:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through. You can check doneness by cutting one open—there should be no pink in the center.

4. Make the Bulgogi Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, gochujang, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Coat the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven. Drizzle the bulgogi sauce over the meatballs, or toss them gently in the sauce to coat them evenly.

6. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the meatballs with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a final touch of flavor and texture. Serve them with a side of steamed rice, or enjoy them as a delicious appetizer with toothpicks for easy serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 740mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 25g
Vitamin A: 30%
Vitamin C: 4%
Calcium: 8%
Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Korean Bulgogi Meatballs

As an Appetizer: Serve these meatballs as a tasty appetizer at your next party or gathering. They’re the perfect finger food and will disappear quickly.

Over Rice: Serve the meatballs over steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice for a complete meal that pairs perfectly with the flavorful sauce.

With Noodles: For a different take, toss the meatballs with cooked noodles, like soba or ramen, and pour the bulgogi sauce over the top for a comforting bowl of deliciousness.

With Veggies: Serve with steamed vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or sautéed spinach for a well-rounded meal.

Additional Tips

Adjust the Spice: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of gochujang. For more heat, you can add extra chili paste or some red pepper flakes.

Use Ground Chicken or Turkey: If you prefer a lighter option, ground chicken or turkey will work just as well in this recipe.

Meal Prep: These meatballs store wonderfully. After baking, simply refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat and coat with fresh bulgogi sauce when ready to serve.

Freezing: You can freeze the meatballs before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze them, and then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with crushed rice crackers if you’re following a gluten-free diet.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these meatballs in advance?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them until ready to bake. You can also freeze them for later.

Q2: Can I use a different type of meat?
A2: Absolutely! Ground pork or even ground chicken would work well in this recipe.

Q3: How can I make these meatballs spicier?
A3: Add more gochujang, or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Q4: Can I make the bulgogi sauce ahead of time?
A4: Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat before using.

Q5: What if I don’t have gochujang?
A5: If you can’t find gochujang, you can substitute with a mix of regular chili paste and a little honey or brown sugar to replicate the sweet and spicy flavor.

Q6: Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
A6: Yes, baking is a healthier alternative and works perfectly! Just bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

Q7: Can I make these meatballs vegetarian?
A7: Yes, you can use plant-based ground meat or even mashed chickpeas as a substitute for the ground beef.

Q8: Can I serve these meatballs with a dipping sauce?
A8: Yes, a simple soy sauce and rice vinegar dip would be a great addition if you want an extra layer of flavor.

Q9: How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
A9: Make sure to gently mix the meatball ingredients, not overmixing. The breadcrumbs and egg will help bind them together. If needed, add a bit more breadcrumbs.

Q10: Can I make these meatballs on the stovetop?
A10: Yes, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet on medium heat, then add the sauce and simmer until fully cooked. This method adds extra flavor to the meatballs!

Conclusion

These Korean Bulgogi Meatballs are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional meatballs. With their sweet and savory bulgogi sauce and tender, juicy texture, they’re a guaranteed hit at any dinner table or gathering. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, over rice, or with noodles, they bring that crave-worthy Korean BBQ flavor in every bite. Enjoy!

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