Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

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Introduction

Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are a bold and flavorful twist on classic meatballs, combining the savory-sweet elements of Korean BBQ with a creamy, slightly spicy dipping sauce. These juicy, tender meatballs are coated in a rich, sticky glaze and make for an irresistible appetizer, party snack, or even a main dish when served with rice or noodles.

Origin and Cultural Significance

Korean BBQ, or “gogi-gui” (고기구이), is a popular style of grilling marinated meats in Korean cuisine, known for its balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. These meatballs take inspiration from the flavors of bulgogi, a traditional marinated beef dish, using ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and gochujang (Korean chili paste). The spicy mayo dip complements the dish with a creamy heat, mirroring the popular combination of Korean flavors with fusion cuisine trends.

Ingredients

Quantity (Makes 20–24 meatballs)

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped

For the Korean BBQ Glaze:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

For the Spicy Mayo Dip:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey

Optional Additions

  • Extra Heat: Add red pepper flakes or more gochujang to the glaze.
  • Cheesy Twist: Stuff meatballs with a small cube of mozzarella for a gooey surprise.
  • Vegetarian Version: Use ground plant-based meat alternatives.
  • Serving Ideas: Serve over steamed rice, lettuce wraps, or in a bao bun.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
  • Use a cookie scoop to form evenly sized meatballs for even cooking.
  • Brown the meatballs first for extra caramelization before simmering in the sauce.
  • Let the glaze thicken to a sticky consistency before coating the meatballs.
  • Chill the meatballs for 15 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.

Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients and mix until just combined.
  3. Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake for 15–18 minutes or pan-fry in a lightly oiled skillet for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked.

2. Prepare the Korean BBQ Glaze:

  1. In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, gochujang, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
  2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  3. Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce. Simmer until thickened, about 2 minutes.

3. Coat the Meatballs:

  1. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
  2. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra green onions.

4. Make the Spicy Mayo Dip:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and honey.
  2. Serve on the side for dipping.

5. Serve & Enjoy:

  • Arrange meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for an appetizer.
  • Serve over rice or noodles for a main dish.
  • Add to lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Description

These Korean BBQ Meatballs are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, with a juicy interior and a sticky, caramelized exterior. The spicy mayo dip adds a creamy contrast that enhances the rich, umami flavors. Whether served as an appetizer or a meal, these meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate, based on 6 servings of 4 meatballs each)

  • Calories: ~320
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: ~700mg

Conclusion & Recommendation

Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are an exciting, flavorful twist on classic meatballs. They’re great for parties, meal prep, or an easy weeknight dinner. Serve them alongside steamed rice, kimchi, or a light cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

While these meatballs are indulgent, they can be made healthier by using leaner meat, reducing sugar, or baking instead of frying. Using Greek yogurt instead of mayo in the dip can also lighten it up. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and bold flavors makes this a satisfying dish that proves indulgence and balance can coexist. Enjoy every bite!

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