Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Delicious Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe

Delicious Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe

These Korean BBQ Meatballs are tender, juicy, and coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze. Inspired by traditional Korean BBQ flavors, they make a perfect appetizer, party dish, or main course served over rice or vegetables.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 20 meatballs 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef or pork (or a mix of both)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the glaze:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon gochujang (optional for extra heat)

Optional garnishes:

  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions
  • Red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil, egg, salt, and pepper until just combined.
  2. Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Cook the meatballs using one of the following methods:
    • Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and bake for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
    • Pan-fry: Heat oil in skillet over medium heat, cook meatballs 10 minutes, turning occasionally.
    • Grill: Grill over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes, turning frequently.
  4. While meatballs cook, make the glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and gochujang. Stir until sugar dissolves and simmer until slightly thickened.
  5. Toss cooked meatballs in glaze until evenly coated. Optionally return to pan and cook briefly to caramelize.
  6. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or red pepper flakes before serving.

Notes

Serve over rice, in lettuce wraps, or as an appetizer with toothpicks. Can be made ahead and reheated. Adjust gochujang to control spice level. For a lighter version, use ground chicken or turkey.

  • Author: Lillian
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 meatballs
  • Calories: 140
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: korean bbq, meatballs, appetizer, asian, sweet spicy