The Best Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Imagine biting into a juicy meatball, glazed with a sweet and savory Korean BBQ sauce, followed by a creamy, spicy kick from a homemade mayo dip. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a bustling Seoul street food market, minus the jet lag.

These aren’t your grandma’s meatballs; The Best Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are a flavor explosion waiting to happen. I still remember the first time I made these. It was a potluck, and everyone brought their “signature” dish. Mine? These glorious, umami-packed spheres of deliciousness. Let’s just say, I was the MVP of the evening. Get ready to elevate your meatball game to legendary status.

• Effortless to make: These meatballs come together quickly, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
• A symphony of flavors: Experience the delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes in every bite.
• Visually stunning: The glossy, vibrant glaze and creamy dip create an Instagram-worthy presentation that will impress your guests.
• Incredibly versatile: Serve as an appetizer, a main course, or even in a meatball sub for a fun twist.

Ingredients for The Best Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Ground Beef Use lean ground beef for the best flavor and texture. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.

Panko Bread Crumbs Panko bread crumbs create a lighter, crispier meatball compared to regular bread crumbs.

Onion Finely diced onion adds moisture and flavor to the meatballs. Yellow or white onion works well.

Garlic Freshly minced garlic is essential for that authentic Korean BBQ flavor. Don’t skimp on it!

Ginger Grated fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy note to the meatballs.

Soy Sauce Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish. It provides the umami base for the Korean BBQ sauce.

Brown Sugar Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze.

Sesame Oil Sesame oil brings a nutty aroma and flavor that’s characteristic of Korean cuisine.

Rice Vinegar Rice vinegar provides a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the sauce.

Gochujang This Korean chili paste is the star of the spicy mayo dip, adding a fiery kick and depth of flavor.

Mayonnaise Use your favorite mayonnaise as the base for the spicy mayo dip. Full-fat mayonnaise will give you the creamiest results.

Sriracha For an extra layer of heat, add a touch of sriracha to the spicy mayo dip. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.

Sesame Seeds Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Green Onions Sliced green onions add a fresh, vibrant garnish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make The Best Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko bread crumbs, finely diced onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, one tablespoon of soy sauce, one tablespoon of brown sugar, and one teaspoon of sesame oil. Gently mix until all ingredients are well combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Using your hands, roll the meat mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.

Step 4: Make the Korean BBQ Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the Korean BBQ sauce. In a saucepan, combine the remaining soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.

Step 5: Glaze the Meatballs

Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the Korean BBQ sauce. Gently toss the meatballs to coat them evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is sticky and caramelized.

Step 6: Prepare the Spicy Mayo Dip

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, gochujang, and sriracha until smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of gochujang and sriracha to your desired level of spiciness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving platter. Drizzle the spicy mayo dip over the meatballs or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy the best Korean BBQ meatballs with spicy mayo dip!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

For optimal results, begin by preparing all the ingredients. Then, swiftly brown the meatballs to lock in those savory juices before baking. While the meatballs bake, whip up the spicy mayo dip. This ensures everything comes together hot and fresh, ready to wow.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment! Try ground turkey or lamb for a different flavor profile. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture. If you are not a fan of spice, use a regular mayo instead of spicy mayo.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover meatballs and spicy mayo separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The meatballs will keep for up to 3 days, while the spicy mayo is best used within 2 days. Reheat the meatballs gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying them out.

Here are some tips to help you ace this recipe:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the meatballs; work in batches to ensure even searing for maximum flavor.

• For a smoother spicy mayo, let the flavors meld in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

• If the meatball mixture is too wet, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

(Personal anecdote formated as paragraph subheading)

I remember the first time I made these for a potluck; they were gone in minutes! My friend swore they were the best meatballs she’d ever tasted. It was a total confidence boost!

Conclusion for The Best Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip :

These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a party appetizer. Remember you can easily swap the beef for chicken or turkey. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the spicy mayo to your preference! With their sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, these meatballs are bound to become a new favorite in your recipe collection, offering a fantastic fusion of Korean flavors in a convenient bite-sized package. Happy cooking!

Print

FAQs :

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef in these Korean BBQ meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent substitutes for ground beef in these Korean BBQ meatballs. They provide a lighter option while still soaking up all the flavorful Korean BBQ sauce. Just be mindful that turkey and chicken tend to be a bit drier, so you might want to add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs or a beaten egg to help bind everything together and keep the meatballs moist. Feel free to experiment and find what works best for your taste! Cooking times might need slight adjustments, ensuring the meatballs are cooked through.

What’s the best way to prevent the Korean BBQ meatballs from drying out?

To keep these fantastic Korean BBQ meatballs from becoming dry, there are a couple of tricks. First, don’t overcook them! Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature without going overboard. Second, adding a bit of moisture to the meatball mixture helps. A tablespoon of finely grated zucchini or carrot can do wonders. Lastly, simmering the meatballs in the Korean BBQ sauce for the last few minutes of cooking not only infuses them with flavor but also keeps them nice and juicy.

How can I adjust the level of spice in the Spicy Mayo Dip?

Spice is a personal preference, so adjusting the Spicy Mayo Dip is super easy! If you’re looking for more heat, add an extra squirt or two of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a milder dip, start with a smaller amount of sriracha and taste as you go. You can also add a tiny bit of honey or maple syrup to balance the spice with a touch of sweetness. Remember, you can always add more spice, but it’s harder to take it away!

What are some good side dishes to serve with these Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip?

These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Some excellent options include steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce, a fresh and crunchy Asian slaw for some contrasting texture, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for a healthy balance. You could even serve them as appetizers with toothpicks for dipping! Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with your favorite sides to create a complete and satisfying meal.