If you’re craving an irresistible fusion of flavors that will make your taste buds dance, the Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe is your new go-to dish. These tender, juicy meatballs are infused with the smoky, savory notes of Korean BBQ, perfectly complemented by a creamy, tangy, and just spicy enough mayo dip. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a flavorful weeknight dinner, this recipe brings vibrant Asian-inspired flavors to your table with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Trust me, once you try these meatballs, they’ll quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the depth of flavor, texture, and color that makes Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe so special and memorable.
- Ground beef: Provides juicy, rich flavor and a perfect canvas for Korean seasonings.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs while keeping them tender and light.
- Egg: Acts as a natural binder for the meat mixture.
- Green onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion crunch and vibrant color.
- Garlic: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth that’s indispensable in Korean cuisine.
- Fresh ginger: Brings a bright, slightly spicy note that awakens the palate.
- Soy sauce: Contributes savoriness and umami, enhancing the Korean BBQ effect.
- Sesame oil: Imparts a toasty, nutty aroma and flavor that makes the dish irresistible.
- Brown sugar: Balances salty and spicy flavors with just a touch of sweetness.
- Black pepper: Gives a mild, peppery kick to round out the seasoning.
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste): Adds a smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet character that makes these meatballs uniquely Korean.
- Mayonnaise (for dip): Forms the creamy base of the spicy mayo dip, mellowing the heat.
- Sriracha: Adds customizable heat and flavor to the dip.
- Lime juice: Brightens the dip with a fresh citrus zing.
How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick roasting. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, black pepper, and the star—gochujang. Mix everything thoroughly but gently so the meatball mixture binds without becoming tough. This blend of ingredients ensures the meatballs are juicy and loaded with bold Korean BBQ flavors.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1½ inches in diameter, so they cook uniformly. Place them spaced apart on your baking sheet. Bake the meatballs for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and golden brown on the outside. This baking method keeps them tender while giving a slight caramelized crust that makes every bite delightful.
Step 3: Whip Up the Spicy Mayo Dip
While the meatballs are baking, mix together the spicy mayo dip. In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise with sriracha, fresh lime juice, and a little sesame oil. This dip complements the savory meatballs perfectly, balancing heat with creaminess and a touch of zing from the lime—essential to making this Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the meatballs are ready, serve them warm with the spicy mayo dip on the side or generously drizzled on top. Garnishing with extra chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds adds a beautiful finishing touch, both visually and flavor-wise.
How to Serve Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like finely sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and even a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro brighten the presentation and layer in fresh, aromatic notes. These little accents bring color and texture, making the dish irresistible at any gathering.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair wonderfully with a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or sticky white rice to soak up every bit of the sauce. You can also serve them alongside quick Korean-style pickled vegetables or a crunchy cucumber salad for contrast and freshness. Steamed or sautéed greens, such as bok choy, round out the meal with added vitamins and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe into a party favorite by skewering them as bite-size appetizers or serving them in lettuce cups for a fun, handheld treat. Another playful serving idea is placing meatballs on steamed bao buns with a drizzle of spicy mayo and crunchy slaw—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover meatballs store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the spicy mayo dip in a separate container helps maintain its fresh texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked meatballs by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they won’t stick together. Frozen meatballs last up to two months and are perfect for quick meals.
Reheating
Reheat the meatballs gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts to avoid drying them out. Reheat the spicy mayo dip separately and give it a quick stir before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well as lean alternatives, though they may be a bit less juicy. Adjust cooking times slightly if needed and consider adding a bit more moisture, like a splash of soy sauce.
How spicy is this Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to gochujang and sriracha, but you can easily adjust the spiciness by using less chili paste or sriracha to suit your taste buds.
Can I make the meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers, and double-check that your soy sauce is gluten-free (tamari is a good substitute).
What can I serve if I don’t have rice?
These meatballs are delicious on their own or paired with noodles, steamed vegetables, or even wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Definitely! You can mix the meatball mixture and shape them the night before, store covered in the refrigerator, and bake them fresh when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe enough. It’s a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the best of Korean flavors with a creamy, spicy kick. Whether for a casual dinner or your next party appetizer, these meatballs are sure to impress and keep everyone coming back for more. Give them a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs (4–5 servings) 1x
Description
These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip combine juicy, flavorful meatballs infused with traditional Korean seasonings and a creamy, spicy sauce that’s perfect as an appetizer or main dish. Baked to perfection and served with a tangy gochujang-infused mayo dip, they offer a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
Spicy Mayo Dip
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, black pepper, and gochujang. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs, ensuring uniform size for even cooking. Place the meatballs evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and nicely browned on the outside.
- Prepare Spicy Mayo Dip: While meatballs are baking, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Remove meatballs from oven and serve warm with the spicy mayo dip on the side or drizzled over the top. Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang in the meatballs and sriracha in the dip to suit your preferred spice level.
- These meatballs work well as appetizers, for meal prep, or served over steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
