Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe

Introduction

Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip bring bold flavors and mouthwatering textures to the table. These savory, tender meatballs are infused with traditional Korean BBQ seasonings, offering a deliciously sweet, salty, and smoky taste. Paired with a spicy mayo dip that delivers a creamy, spicy kick, this dish is sure to impress at any gathering or as a weeknight meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual meal at home, these meatballs provide an exciting twist on classic appetizers.

Not only are these meatballs incredibly flavorful, but they are also simple to prepare and bake. The combination of ground meat, aromatic seasonings, and the spicy mayo dip will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. This guide will walk you through the preparation process, share tips for success, and offer variations to customize the dish to your liking.

Why You’ll Love Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

• Bold and Savory Flavor: The unique blend of Korean BBQ ingredients, such as soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic, gives these meatballs a deep, umami-packed flavor. The spicy mayo dip provides an irresistible balance of creamy heat.
• Perfect Texture: These meatballs are juicy and tender, thanks to the combination of ground meat and seasonings. The crispy exterior that forms during baking adds an extra layer of texture, while the interior remains moist and flavorful.
• Easy to Prepare: While the flavor profile may seem complex, these meatballs are straightforward to make. With basic pantry staples and simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving them as appetizers at a party, a main course for dinner, or even as a fun snack, Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are versatile and guaranteed to impress guests.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the level of spice, sweetness, and even the protein used in these meatballs. There are endless ways to customize this recipe based on your preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 20 meatballs
• Calories per Serving: Around 150-170 calories per meatball, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 150-170 kcal
• Fat: 8-10g
• Carbohydrates: 10-12g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4-6g

Ingredients

For the Korean BBQ Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground chicken, pork, or turkey)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1-2 teaspoons Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru) for added spice

For the Spicy Mayo Dip:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust for desired heat)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Optional: 1 teaspoon lime juice for a tangy kick

Special Equipment

While making Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip doesn’t require specialized tools, a few pieces of equipment will ensure smooth preparation and better results:

1. Mixing Bowls: Large bowls are needed to combine the meatball ingredients and the spicy mayo dip ingredients.
2. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in both the meatballs and the dip.
3. Baking Sheet: A baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat will help the meatballs cook evenly without sticking.
4. Cookie Scoop or Spoon: To ensure uniform-sized meatballs, a cookie scoop or spoon is ideal. This helps the meatballs cook evenly.
5. Whisk: A whisk is perfect for combining the ingredients for the spicy mayo dip smoothly.
6. Grater or Microplane: A grater or microplane helps you easily grate fresh ginger for a fragrant, flavorful addition to the meatballs.
7. Cooling Rack: After baking, using a cooling rack allows air to circulate around the meatballs, helping them retain their crispy exterior.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or your preferred ground meat), panko breadcrumbs, and egg. The panko breadcrumbs help keep the meatballs tender and light while the egg acts as a binder.

Add in the soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, green onions, rice vinegar, sesame seeds, black pepper, and gochugaru (if using). Mix everything together until fully combined. Avoid over-mixing, as it can make the meatballs dense.

2. Form the Meatballs

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the meat mixture into equal-sized portions, about 1 tablespoon per meatball. Roll the portions between your hands to form smooth, round balls. This step helps ensure uniform baking and a consistent texture.

Place the formed meatballs onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Space the meatballs about 1-2 inches apart to allow for even cooking.

3. Bake the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through. If using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for beef or poultry.

For a crispy exterior, broil the meatballs for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

4. Prepare the Spicy Mayo Dip

While the meatballs are baking, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and honey in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the level of spice by adding more sriracha or a little more honey for sweetness.

For an extra zesty kick, you can add a teaspoon of lime juice to the dip. Whisk everything until smooth, and set aside until the meatballs are ready.

5. Serve the Meatballs

Once the meatballs are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them with the spicy mayo dip on the side for dipping. Garnish the meatballs with additional sesame seeds or green onions if desired for added visual appeal and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Korean BBQ Meatballs

• Use Ground Meat of Your Choice: While ground beef is a common choice, feel free to experiment with other ground meats such as ground pork, chicken, or turkey. Each will bring its own unique flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Meat Mixture: Overmixing can result in tough meatballs. Stir the ingredients just until combined to keep them light and tender.
• Make the Meatballs Uniform: Using a cookie scoop or spoon ensures that the meatballs are the same size, which helps them cook evenly. This also ensures that all the meatballs are ready to eat at the same time.
• Adjust the Spice Level: The spicy mayo dip can be as hot or mild as you prefer. Adjust the amount of sriracha, or add a touch of lime juice for a tangy twist.
• Serve Immediately: While the meatballs are delicious at room temperature, they are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for the crispiest texture and maximum flavor.

Variations of Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

• Vegetarian Korean BBQ Meatballs: Swap the ground meat for plant-based alternatives like tofu or a meatless ground protein. Add additional vegetables like finely chopped mushrooms, carrots, and spinach for extra flavor and texture.
• Korean BBQ Meatballs with Kimchi: For an added tang and crunch, mix finely chopped kimchi into the meatball mixture. The kimchi enhances the savory profile of the meatballs while adding a delightful fermented flavor.
• Honey-Garlic BBQ Meatballs: Swap the spicy mayo dip for a sweet and tangy honey-garlic sauce. Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a little bit of sesame oil for a different flavor profile.
• Sweet and Spicy BBQ Meatballs: Add a tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the meatball mixture for an added layer of sweetness and heat. It will make the meatballs even more complex and flavorful.

Storage and Shelf Life

Korean BBQ Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure they have cooled completely before refrigerating to preserve their texture. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

For longer storage, freeze the meatballs before baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, uncooked meatballs can be stored for 2-3 months. To bake, simply place them on a prepared baking sheet and increase the baking time by 5-7 minutes.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Pair these flavorful meatballs with complementary side dishes to round out your meal:

• Steamed Rice: Serve the meatballs over a bed of fluffy steamed white or brown rice to balance the spice and richness.
• Kimchi: A side of kimchi pairs perfectly with the meatballs, adding a tangy, spicy contrast to the savory flavors.
• Asian Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes can balance the richness of the meatballs.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers provide a sweet contrast and are an easy way to round out the meal.

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Conclusion

Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip offer an irresistible combination of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. With their tender texture, bold flavors, and a creamy dip that complements every bite, these meatballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether served as an appetizer, a main dish, or a fun snack, these meatballs will become a favorite in your recipe rotation. With easy-to-follow instructions and endless opportunities for customization, you can enjoy this flavorful dish any time you want to bring a little taste of Korea to your table.