If you are craving a flavorful, bite-sized treat that bursts with rich, savory, and sweet notes, this Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need. These meatballs combine juicy ground beef with an aromatic blend of garlic and ginger, baked to perfection, and then coated in a luscious glaze that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a standout appetizer for your next gathering, these Korean BBQ meatballs will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, straightforward ingredients come together to create this delightfully tasty dish. Each item plays a vital role in delivering the perfect texture and authentic Korean-inspired flavor that makes this recipe so irresistible.
- Ground beef: The juicy foundation of our meatballs, providing rich flavor and a tender bite.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and keep them light and fluffy.
- Egg: Acts as a natural binder, ensuring the meatballs hold together well during baking.
- Garlic: Adds a punch of aromatic depth, essential in Korean cuisine.
- Ginger: Freshly grated ginger gives a warm and slightly spicy undertone.
- Soy sauce: Used both in the meatballs and glaze to infuse a salty, savory complexity.
- Sesame oil: Just a hint adds toasted nuttiness that enhances every bite.
- Salt and pepper: To season perfectly and balance all the flavors.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens the glaze, creating that signature Korean BBQ contrast.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang to the glaze, keeping it bright and fresh.
- Ketchup: Gives the glaze sweetness and a touch of tomato richness.
- Cornstarch: Mixed with water, it thickens the glaze for a glossy finish.
How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated without overworking the meat.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into small, uniform 1-inch meatballs. Placing them evenly spaced on the lined baking sheet helps ensure even cooking and perfect browning.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Bake the meatballs in your preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes. They should come out nicely browned and fully cooked all the way through, juicy and tender on the inside.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
While the meatballs are baking, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the glaze thickens to a sticky, shiny consistency.
Step 6: Coat the Meatballs
Transfer the baked meatballs to a large bowl and pour the warm glaze over them. Toss the meatballs gently so they become fully coated in the sweet and tangy sauce that defines this Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe.
How to Serve Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the look and flavor, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions on top. These garnishes add a beautiful crunch and pop of color, making each bite even more delightful.
Side Dishes
This Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or sticky rice, which soaks up the flavorful glaze perfectly. You can also serve them alongside lightly pickled vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these meatballs on skewers as finger food at parties, or stuff them into lettuce wraps with a touch of kimchi for a hand-held treat bursting with texture and zest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Korean BBQ meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can quickly enjoy the flavors without any extra prep.
Freezing
These meatballs freeze beautifully! Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, perfect for easy meals ahead.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the meatballs gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if needed to keep them moist and reapply any extra glaze for that fresh, sticky finish.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey can be substituted, but keep in mind the texture will be a bit lighter. You may want to add a little extra seasoning to boost the flavor.
Is it necessary to bake the meatballs or can I fry them?
Baking is preferred for even cooking and less mess, but pan-frying is a great option if you want crispier edges. Just cook over medium heat until golden and cooked through.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove before tossing it with the meatballs to bring back its glossy, sticky texture.
How spicy is this Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe?
This recipe leans towards sweet and savory rather than spicy. Feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of gochujang if you love a little heat.
What can I serve with these meatballs for a full meal?
Pair these with steamed veggies, kimchi, rice noodles, or even a simple green salad to balance the richness of the meatballs and create a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Final Thoughts
This Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these meatballs deliver comfort and excitement in every bite. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to dish!
Print
Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
These Korean BBQ Meatballs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring juicy ground beef meatballs baked to perfection and coated in a sweet and tangy Korean-inspired glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or party appetizer, they combine savory garlic and ginger notes with a sticky, delicious sauce.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined but do not overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet so they cook uniformly.
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 15–18 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and have developed a nice browned exterior.
- Make the Glaze: While the meatballs bake, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly until the glaze thickens to a sticky consistency.
- Coat the Meatballs: When the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to a large bowl and toss them with the warm glaze until fully coated and glossy.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the glazed meatballs with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice or as a flavorful appetizer at your next gathering.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground pork or turkey for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Meatballs can be made ahead and reheated in the oven or microwave before glazing.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.
