Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce. These irresistible beef meatballs combine the sweet, salty, and umami magic of classic Korean barbecue with a creamy, fiery sauce—making them perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or whenever you want to treat yourself and your favorite people. Imagine juicy bites of seasoned meat, aromatic with garlic and ginger, each one ready to be dunked (or smothered) in a tangy, spicy mayo. Every element is there for a reason, and you’re going to love every bite of it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce is just how easy the ingredient list is, yet how deeply satisfying and flavorful each component is when combined. Every element in this line-up truly plays a part in building up taste, texture, and gorgeous color—so don’t skip a thing!
- Ground beef (1 lb): The rich and hearty base that makes these meatballs juicy and satisfying.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): These Japanese breadcrumbs give the meatballs a tender, airy bite.
- Large egg (1): Acts as the glue that binds everything together, ensuring your meatballs stay intact.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Infuses a punchy, irresistible aroma that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.
- Green onions, finely chopped (2): Offers freshness and a subtle bite, plus a pop of color.
- Fresh ginger, grated (1 tbsp): Brings that warming zing and depth you can’t get any other way.
- Soy sauce (2 tbsp): The umami backbone, generously seasoning every bite.
- Sesame oil (1 tbsp): A fragrant, toasty layer that’s essential for that signature Korean flavor.
- Brown sugar (1 tbsp): Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the exteriors beautifully.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle heat to round out all the flavors.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Essential for balance and to sharpen all the other tastes.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The luscious, creamy base of your spicy mayo sauce.
- Gochujang (1–2 tbsp): This iconic Korean chili paste brings the perfect blend of heat and tang—adjust to your spice tolerance.
- Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): A splash of acidity that lifts and brightens the sauce.
- Honey (1 tsp): Adds a silky sweetness that balances the spice.
- Sesame oil (1 tsp): Echoes the flavors in the meatballs and deepens the sauce’s nutty complexity.
How to Make Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps the meatballs achieve that beautifully caramelized exterior without drying out. Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is a game changer, as it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me, you’ll be grateful for this quick setup once those tasty morsels are ready!
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Grab your biggest, sturdiest mixing bowl, then combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, green onions, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt. Using your hands is absolutely the way to go here—gently folding everything together until just combined ensures your Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce turn out impossibly tender, not tough. Avoid over-mixing to keep them light and juicy.
Step 3: Shape and Arrange Your Meatballs
Scoop the mixture and roll into 1 1/2-inch balls. You should get about 16 perfectly portioned meatballs. A small cookie scoop or two spoons can help keep things tidy, but using your hands works just as well. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet; this spacing ensures they cook evenly and build that sweet, sticky glaze on the surface.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. The meatballs should be fully cooked through and just starting to caramelize on the outside, thanks to the brown sugar and soy sauce in the mix. When they’re ready, your kitchen will smell downright irresistible—the signature scent of Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce pulling everyone in!
Step 5: Whisk Up the Spicy Mayo Sauce
While the meatballs bake, grab a small bowl and whisk together your mayonnaise, gochujang, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil. Feel free to adjust the amount of gochujang to dial the heat up or down to your taste. When the sauce is silky-smooth and slightly reddish-orange, you’re ready to go!
Step 6: Serve and Savor!
When the meatballs come out bubbling and caramelized, serve them hot with a generous drizzle (or side dish) of your spicy mayo sauce. Their crispy, glistening outsides contrast with their juicy, aromatic interiors—and once that creamy, zesty sauce hits, it’s pure magic. That’s Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce at its best!
How to Serve Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions and a flurry of toasted sesame seeds really elevates the look and pop of each bite. You could also add a scattering of chopped cilantro or a squeeze of fresh lime for extra brightness. Garnishing is more than just for show—it brings out all those fresh, crisp notes that make Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce sing.
Side Dishes
These meatballs are insanely versatile. Pile them onto steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice for a comforting, meal-in-one bowl. Or serve them with crunchy lettuce wraps and pickled veggies for a refreshing, lighter spin. Steamed broccoli, quick cucumber salad, or even some spicy kimchi all make welcome companions to Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
They’re perfect as a party appetizer—just stick a toothpick (or cute party skewer) in each one and serve with a bowl of spicy mayo for dipping. Alternatively, tuck them inside soft slider buns, drizzle with that glorious sauce, and add a handful of slaw for the ultimate party slider. However you serve them, these meatballs always impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce keep beautifully in the fridge. Store the meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers—they’ll stay fresh for up to four days. This way, the sauce doesn’t soak in and make the outsides soggy. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and combine.
Freezing
Dreaming of quick-fix meals? These meatballs freeze exceptionally well. Lay them out on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can stash the sauce in a separate container. Both will keep their texture and flavor for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating or serving.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your meatballs in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This brings back their deliciously crisp edges. You can also microwave in short bursts, but the oven guarantees a better texture. Warm the sauce gently or bring it to room temperature for convenient dipping or drizzling.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or pork instead of beef?
Absolutely! Both ground chicken and pork work beautifully in this recipe and will soak up the flavors just as well as beef. Just be mindful of fat content—slightly fattier cuts (like dark meat chicken or ground pork) will give you the juiciest results.
Is there a substitute for gochujang in the spicy mayo sauce?
If you can’t find gochujang, you can swap in a mix of sriracha and a touch of miso paste—it won’t be quite as deeply flavored, but it still brings heat and interest to your Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce. Still, when possible, seek out gochujang for that true Korean kick!
How do I make this gluten-free?
Just use gluten-free panko (or finely crushed rice crackers) and replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making your Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce safe for guests with sensitivities.
Can I make the meatballs ahead for a party?
Yes! You can roll and bake the meatballs up to a day in advance. Reheat them just before serving, and whip up the spicy mayo sauce the same day for the freshest flavor. This makes party prep extra simple and stress-free.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spicy mayo sauce delivers a pleasant, customizable heat thanks to the gochujang. If you love things fiery, add the full two tablespoons; for a milder version, start with one tablespoon or less. Either way, the richness of mayo tempers the heat, so everyone can enjoy!
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to fall in love with Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce once you try them! Each bite is layered with flavor and every element comes together to create something comforting and exciting. If you’re ready to impress your friends or just elevate your weeknight dinner, give this recipe a go—you’ll be coming back to it again and again!
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Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with a Spicy Mayo Sauce are a flavorful twist on classic meatballs. The combination of savory beef, aromatic spices, and a kick of heat from the gochujang mayo makes for a delicious dish that’s perfect for a main course or appetizer.
Ingredients
Main Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Spicy Mayo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, green onions, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, pepper, and salt until just combined. Form meatballs and bake for 15–18 minutes.
- Make the Spicy Mayo Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, whisk together the mayonnaise, gochujang, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot with the spicy mayo sauce on the side or drizzled over the top.
Notes
- These meatballs are great served over steamed rice, in lettuce wraps, or as a party appetizer.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang in the sauce based on your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
