If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold, tangy, and just the right amount of heat, then this Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs infused with the deep, smoky flavors of Korean BBQ sauce, perfectly complemented by a creamy, zingy spicy mayo dip that brings everything together. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply treating yourself to something special, these meatballs deliver excitement in every bite and are surprisingly simple to whip up in under an hour. Let’s dive into how you can make this irresistible dish that’s guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe is carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. The fresh green onions add brightness, while the garlic offers a rich aromatic base. Breadcrumbs keep the meatballs tender, and the Korean BBQ sauce is the star that infuses every bite with savory sweetness.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: The base protein that provides juicy texture and rich flavor without excess fat.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Adds a fresh and mild onion flavor to lighten the meat.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant punch that warms up the whole dish.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the glue to hold all the ingredients together.
- 1/4 cup Korean BBQ sauce: Delivers that iconic smoky, sweet, and savory flavor.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Creamy base for the spicy mayo dip.
- 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce: Adds a kick of heat that you can easily adjust.
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice: Brightens the dip with a touch of acidity.
How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and prevent sticking. This step ensures your meatballs cook evenly and come out with a lovely browned crust.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, and Korean BBQ sauce. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until fully integrated. Getting all these flavors to mingle at this stage is key to juicy, flavorful meatballs every time.
Step 3: Shape into Meatballs
Next, roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about one inch in diameter. Placing them on the prepared baking sheet with a little space in between allows the heat to circulate and cook them evenly all around.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through
Bake the meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they develop a beautifully browned surface and are cooked all the way through. The oven’s dry heat caramelizes the sugars in the BBQ sauce, creating a savory glaze that’s packed with flavor.
Step 5: Prepare the Spicy Mayo Dip
While the meatballs bake, mix together the mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, and fresh lime juice in a small bowl. Adjust the Sriracha amount to your preferred spice level. This dip is creamy with just enough tang and heat to perfectly complement the sweet and smoky meatballs.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your meatballs are out of the oven, drizzle them with extra Korean BBQ sauce for an added layer of flavor. Serve warm with the spicy mayo dip on the side for dunking. This finishing touch turns every bite into a delightful combination of smoky, spicy, and creamy sensations.
How to Serve Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a handful of finely chopped fresh cilantro or additional green onions over the meatballs just before serving. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a subtle crunch and visual appeal, taking the dish up a notch.
Side Dishes
Pair these meatballs with steamed jasmine rice or a simple cucumber salad to balance the richness. For a fun, fusion twist, try serving them with lettuce leaves for wrapping or alongside pickled vegetables to add freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these at a party, skewer the meatballs with bamboo picks for easy snacking. You can also arrange them on a platter with bowls of the spicy mayo dip and extra BBQ sauce, making it a perfect communal dish everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover meatballs in an airtight container once they’ve cooled down. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them a fantastic quick meal option or snack for later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked meatballs by laying them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen solid, then transferring them to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To warm up your Korean BBQ meatballs, pop them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through to preserve that lovely texture. Alternatively, a quick microwave zap works in a pinch but can make them a bit softer.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey makes a lighter variation of this dish. Just be mindful that the cooking time might be slightly shorter since these proteins tend to cook faster and can dry out faster too.
How spicy is the spicy mayo dip?
The level of heat depends on how much Sriracha you add. The recipe calls for two tablespoons, which offers a moderate kick that complements the flavors without overwhelming them. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your taste.
Is Korean BBQ sauce gluten-free?
Many store-bought Korean BBQ sauces contain soy sauce, which often has gluten. Look for gluten-free labeled versions or make your own at home using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to keep this recipe safe for gluten sensitivities.
Can I make the meatballs entirely by hand, without a mixer?
Definitely! Mixing by hand is actually preferred for many cooks to avoid overworking the meat. Just gently combine the ingredients until evenly mixed without pressing too hard to maintain tender meatballs.
What can I use if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
If breadcrumbs are not on hand, crushed crackers or oatmeal can work as a good substitute. They help bind the meatballs and keep them moist, so feel free to experiment with what you have at home.
Final Thoughts
Making Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe at home is an absolute joy that rewards you with extraordinary flavor and simplicity. This dish strikes a perfect balance between sweet, smoky, and spicy, making it a crowd-pleaser every time you serve it. Once you try these meatballs, they’ll quickly become a staple in your weeknight lineup or party menu. So roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and get ready to delight yourself and your loved ones with this fantastic recipe!
Print
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
These Korean BBQ Meatballs are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or main dish, featuring juicy ground beef meatballs seasoned with Korean BBQ sauce. Baked until perfectly browned and served with a spicy mayo dip combining Sriracha and lime juice, this recipe offers a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that will impress your family and guests.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup Korean BBQ sauce
Spicy Mayo Dip
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped green onions, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, and Korean BBQ sauce. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until they are well blended and uniform.
- Shape Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs approximately 1 inch in diameter. Arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have room to cook evenly.
- Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned on the outside and fully cooked through on the inside.
- Prepare Spicy Mayo: While the meatballs are baking, combine mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, and fresh lime juice in a bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined to create a creamy, spicy dip.
- Serve: Once the meatballs are done, serve them drizzled with extra Korean BBQ sauce and alongside the spicy mayo dip for dipping. Enjoy warm as a tasty appetizer or main dish.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the spicy mayo dip to achieve your preferred spice level.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep meatballs juicy.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs but can be substituted with gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
