Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

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These Korean BBQ Meatballs are tender, juicy bites of flavor-packed perfection. Made with a savory blend of ground meat, sesame oil, garlic, and Korean spices, they bake up golden on the outside and irresistibly moist inside. Each meatball gets a glossy glaze of Korean BBQ sauce for a sticky, caramelized finish that’s perfect for dipping.

Pair them with the creamy, spicy mayo dip and you’re in for a game-changing combo. It brings the perfect cooling contrast to the sweet heat of the meatballs. Whether you’re serving them as a weeknight dinner or setting them out for a party appetizer, they’ll disappear in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe

This recipe hits that ideal balance of sweet, savory, and spicy with minimal effort. The meatballs come together in one bowl, bake in under 20 minutes, and require zero frying mess. The glaze adds a restaurant-quality finish without fuss, and the mayo dip? It’s a creamy, tangy punch that elevates the whole dish.

These are freezer-friendly and reheat like a dream, making them excellent for meal prep or entertaining. Plus, they’re adaptable – serve them in lettuce wraps, rice bowls, or skewered on party picks.

What Kind of Ground Meat Should I Use?

You can use ground beef, ground pork, or a combination of the two. Pork adds extra juiciness while beef brings rich flavor. Ground chicken or turkey work too, but opt for thighs or add a splash of sesame oil to keep things moist. If you’re going plant-based, a quality meat substitute with good binding works great with this seasoning and glaze.

Ingredients for the Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

These Korean BBQ Meatballs come together with a few flavorful ingredients that blend to create a juicy bite and savory depth. Everything can be found at your local grocery store, and most are pantry staples if you cook Asian-inspired meals often.

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Green onions
• Korean BBQ sauce
• Mayonnaise
• Sriracha or gochujang
• Lime juice

The combination of ground beef and ground pork brings both rich flavor and juicy texture. Panko breadcrumbs help bind everything and give the meatballs their light, tender structure. Egg acts as the glue, while soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger give those deep umami and aromatic Korean flavors.

Green onions add a bit of crunch and freshness, and Korean BBQ sauce caramelizes beautifully when baked, creating a sticky, flavorful exterior. For the dip, mayonnaise is the creamy base, while sriracha or gochujang adds heat and lime juice balances it all with tang.

How To Make the Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Base

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green onions. Mix gently with your hands until just combined – don’t overwork it to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. Place them on the sheet and bake for 16-18 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

Step 3: Glaze the Meatballs

Remove meatballs from the oven and brush them generously with Korean BBQ sauce. Return to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes to let the glaze set and slightly caramelize.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Mayo Dip

While the meatballs bake, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha (or gochujang), and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the spice or acidity to your liking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the meatballs with a small bowl of spicy mayo dip on the side or drizzle some over the top. Garnish with more green onions or sesame seeds for a final touch.

How to Serve and Store Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

These Korean BBQ Meatballs are ideal for serving as appetizers, main dishes, or even snackable bites for a casual spread. Each batch yields about 24 meatballs, making it perfect for 4 to 6 people depending on how you serve them.

For parties, arrange the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks and a bowl of the spicy mayo dip in the center. As a dinner option, serve them over jasmine rice or tucked into lettuce wraps for a light but satisfying meal. You can also build a meatball bowl with rice, pickled veggies, and cucumber for that bibimbap-style experience.

Leftovers? Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave. The spicy mayo keeps well for 3 to 4 days in the fridge too. These also freeze well, both raw and fully cooked. Just thaw and reheat as needed.

What to Serve With Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Steamed Jasmine Rice

The subtle floral aroma of jasmine rice pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of the meatballs and the spicy mayo.

Quick Pickled Cucumbers

The crunch and tang of quick pickles balance the richness and heat. A splash of rice vinegar and sugar goes a long way.

Kimchi Fried Rice

If you want to turn things up, serve your meatballs with a bed of spicy, tangy kimchi fried rice for a full Korean-inspired meal.

Sesame Garlic Noodles

Slippery noodles tossed with sesame oil, garlic, and soy sauce are a slurpable side that complements the savory meatballs.

Asian Slaw

A crisp slaw with napa cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing adds freshness and crunch that cuts through the richness.

Lettuce Wraps

Serve meatballs inside butter lettuce leaves with a spoon of rice and dip for a light, hands-on dish.

Roasted Broccoli or Green Beans

A simple roasted vegetable keeps the plate colorful and nutrient-packed, with just enough char to match the smoky-sweet glaze.

Want More Meatball Ideas with a Twist?

If these Korean BBQ Meatballs hit the spot, you’ll love diving into more globally-inspired bites and fusion dishes:

• Try the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta when you want something comforting yet elegant. The richness is unbelievable.
• The Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce offers bold heat and creamy sauce that would make any spice-lover swoon.
• Our Beefy Cheesy Fries Burrito might not be a meatball, but it’s packed with juicy beef and perfect for those who love fusion flavor bombs.
• Looking for another appetizer idea? Check out these Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs for a savory, gooey twist.
• And don’t miss the Crispy and Delicious Easy Chinese Egg Rolls Recipe, which makes a crunchy partner for your next finger food spread.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer or Asian-inspired board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with beef and pork or mix it up? Did you try gochujang in the mayo?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions and tips are always welcome, let’s keep learning from each other.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting bites and quick dinner winners on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your new flavor obsession.

Conclusion

These Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are packed with juicy meat, craveable glaze, and a dip that’s both creamy and fiery. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat – great for parties, meal prep, or casual dinners. They bring the Korean BBQ flavors you love into one crowd-pleasing bite.

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