There’s something irresistibly fun about Korean BBQ meatballs that always brings a smile to my face. I mean, who doesn’t love tender, flavorful morsels of meat paired with a zesty, spicy mayo dip? This dish has become a staple in my household, especially for casual gatherings or movie nights. The combination of sweet, savory, and a little kick from the dip is absolutely mouthwatering!
One of my favorite memories associated with these meatballs was the first time I made them for a potluck. I was a tad nervous, to be honest! I thought homemade meatballs would be too ambitious, but as soon as my friends took that first bite, they were all raving about them. I even had to jot down the recipe for some of them because they couldn’t get enough! Today, I’m excited to share my version of Korean BBQ meatballs with you, complete with a spicy mayo dip that brings the whole dish together.
What’s in Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip?
Ground Beef: The heart of these meatballs, I typically like to use ground beef that’s around 80/20 for a juicy texture, but you can easily swap it for ground turkey if you prefer a leaner option.
Green Onion: These vibrant herbs give the meatballs a fresh flavor and a nice touch of color. Plus, they bring a hint of oniony goodness without being too overpowering.
Panko Breadcrumbs: This Japanese-style breadcrumb is the secret to achieving that light, tender meatball texture. It soaks up moisture and keeps everything fluffy.
Gochujang: A staple in Korean cuisine, gochujang is a fermented chili paste that adds both heat and depth of flavor. It’s quite the game changer!
Sesame Oil: This nutty oil infuses the meatballs with a warm, toasty flavor. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it!
Spicy Mayo: Made with mayonnaise and sriracha, this creamy dip brings a spicy kick that accompanies those meatballs perfectly. Adjust the sriracha to your heat preference!
Is Korean BBQ Meatballs Good for You?
Well, like any good comfort food, there are some things to consider!
Ground Beef: While it’s a great source of protein, it’s also higher in fat, depending on what cut you choose. Opting for leaner ground beef can help lighten things up.
Gochujang: This chili paste has some health benefits; it’s packed with antioxidants and may even boost your metabolism! Just be mindful of sodium content.
Panko Breadcrumbs: They’re often made from white bread, so if you’re watching your carb intake, you might want to be cautious.
Overall, these meatballs make for a delicious indulgence but can definitely fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation!
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 green onions, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons gochujang
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper, to taste
**For the Spicy Mayo:**
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
*Servings:* This recipe makes about 20 meatballs, perfect for sharing!
How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs?
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. **Mix the Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, green onions, gochujang, sesame oil, soy sauce, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Get in there with your hands and mix until everything is well incorporated.
3. **Form Meatballs:** Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly.
4. **Bake the Meatballs:** Pop those beautiful meatballs in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re browned and cooked through.
5. **Prepare Spicy Mayo:** While the meatballs are baking, mix together the mayonnaise and sriracha in a small bowl. Taste it and adjust the heat to your liking!
6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Once your meatballs are out of the oven, serve them hot with a dollop of spicy mayo on the side. Enjoy them as an appetizer, snack, or even as part of a meal!
Serving Suggestions & Extra Tips
These Korean BBQ meatballs shine on their own, but you can also serve them over steamed rice or alongside pickled vegetables for a complete meal experience.
If you want to jazz it up a bit, you can sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for a little crunch and garnish with extra green onions. Also, feel free to get creative and add in some finely chopped carrots or bell peppers into the meat mixture for added flavor and texture.
So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a whirl! I hope this becomes a part of your family’s meal rotation, just like it did with mine. Let me know how it turns out, and feel free to share your variations! Happy cooking!
