Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

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Sweet, savory, and just the right amount of heat, these Korean BBQ meatballs are bite-sized bursts of flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something comforting, this recipe brings bold Korean-inspired flavors into a simple, make-ahead-friendly dish.

The magic lies in the tender meatballs infused with garlic, ginger, and a rich Korean BBQ glaze, served with a creamy, spicy mayo dip that adds the perfect contrast. It’s the kind of recipe that tastes like it took hours to prepare but comes together effortlessly in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them over jasmine rice, stuff them into lettuce cups for a low-carb option, or offer them up at parties as crowd-pleasing appetizers. They freeze beautifully, making them ideal for make-ahead dinners. Plus, the spicy mayo dip elevates each bite into something addictively delicious.

What Kind of Ground Meat Should I Use?

Ground beef is the classic choice for richness, but ground pork offers an extra juicy, tender texture. You can also try a mix of beef and pork for the best of both worlds. Ground chicken or turkey works if you prefer a lighter version, just be mindful to add a touch more oil or a splash of soy sauce to boost flavor and moisture.

Ingredients for the Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Making these meatballs doesn’t require anything fancy—just a handful of pantry staples and a few Asian-inspired ingredients that bring depth and boldness. The sauce and the dip are where the flavor truly shines, so don’t skimp on those.

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Sesame oil
• Green onions
• Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• Mayonnaise
• Rice vinegar

How To Make the Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Base

Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, and green onions in a large bowl. Mix until everything is well incorporated but avoid overworking the meat.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

Form the meat mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.

Step 3: Prepare the Korean BBQ Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and a tablespoon of gochujang. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 4: Glaze the Meatballs

Toss the baked meatballs in the warm BBQ sauce until they’re fully coated. Let them sit for a minute to soak in the flavor.

Step 5: Make the Spicy Mayo Dip

Whisk together mayonnaise, gochujang, and a splash of rice vinegar until smooth and creamy. Adjust the heat level to your preference by adding more gochujang if needed.

How to Serve and Store These Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

These Korean BBQ meatballs make the perfect dish for any setting, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a lively party platter. Serve them hot from the oven, drizzled with extra sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For a hearty meal, pair with steamed rice and quick-pickled cucumbers. Looking for a lighter option? Lettuce wraps and rice paper rolls are perfect vessels.

This recipe feeds about 4 to 6 people comfortably, depending on your serving style. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The spicy mayo dip should be stored separately and used within 3 days for best flavor. These meatballs also freeze exceptionally well—just flash freeze on a tray before transferring to a bag, and reheat in the oven when ready.

What to Serve With Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Soft, aromatic jasmine rice is the ideal neutral base to let those saucy meatballs shine.

Garlic Soy Noodles

Slippery noodles tossed in garlic and soy sauce create a savory companion with a hint of umami.

Pickled Cucumber Salad

The crunch and acidity from pickled cucumbers provide a refreshing contrast to the bold meatballs.

Kimchi

Add a fermented, tangy kick to your plate with some classic kimchi. It ties the whole dish together.

Korean Scallion Pancakes

These crispy yet chewy pancakes are great for soaking up extra sauce and adding more texture.

Roasted Broccoli

Simply seasoned and roasted broccoli keeps things healthy and balanced while holding its own alongside rich flavors.

Sesame Garlic Green Beans

Quick sautéed green beans with garlic and sesame oil deliver a crisp, toasty touch.

Sweet Potato Fries

A fun and unexpected pairing, the sweetness of the fries plays well with the spicy and savory notes in the dish.

Want More Appetizer Ideas with Bold Flavors?

If you love these Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip, you’re in for a treat with these other creative and flavor-packed options:

• Try the spicy, cheesy goodness of Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly.
• For a quick and creamy favorite, check out the Creamy Corn Dip.
• Bring in some sweet-savory flair with the crowd-favorite Smoky Fried Green Tomatoes with Fresh Salsa.
• Add a hearty twist to your spread with Sausage and Spinach Frittata.
• Or go for crisp, golden bites like the Garlic Butter Pepperoni Pizza Pretzels.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it anytime you need a go-to crowd-pleaser.

Did you switch up the meat or play around with the sauce? I’d love to hear how you made these your own. Drop a comment below and let’s share some flavor inspiration.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and everyday recipes over at Zoe Recipes on Pinterest—there’s something delicious waiting for you.

Conclusion

Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are the kind of dish that disappear fast and leave everyone asking for the recipe. Easy enough for weeknight cooking but impressive enough for guests, they pack all the flavor you crave with none of the fuss. Once you try them, you’ll see why they deserve a spot on your favorites list.

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