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
Scale
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.
