Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Sweet, savory, and irresistibly tender, these Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are a mouthwatering fusion of bold Korean flavors and classic comfort food. Coated in a sticky, flavorful glaze and served with a creamy, spicy mayo dipping sauce, these meatballs are perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or even a fun main dish!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold Korean Flavors – Sweet, savory, and a little spicy.
Tender & Juicy – Perfectly baked or pan-seared meatballs.
Fun & Easy – Simple ingredients and quick prep.
Perfect for Entertaining – Great for parties, game day, or casual dinners.
Versatile – Serve as an appetizer or over rice for a full meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Korean BBQ Glaze:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)

For the Spicy Mayo Dip:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1–2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
• 1 tsp lime juice
• ½ tsp honey

Optional Add-ins:

• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
• Extra green onions for garnish
• A pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet or skillet
• Whisk
• Small saucepan
• Spoon or tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and pepper.
Mix until just combined (don’t overwork the meat).
Roll into 1½-inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Bake or Pan-Sear the Meatballs
Bake meatballs for 15–18 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Alternatively, you can pan-sear them over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Korean BBQ Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
Remove from heat.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Mayo Dip
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and honey.
Adjust the sriracha to your preferred heat level.

Step 5: Glaze the Meatballs
Toss the cooked meatballs in the Korean BBQ glaze until well coated.
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and extra green onions if desired.

Step 6: Serve
Serve the glazed meatballs warm with the spicy mayo dip on the side.
Perfect for dipping, drizzling, or just devouring!

Tips for Success
Don’t Overmix the Meat – Keep meatballs tender by mixing gently.
Use a Cookie Scoop – For evenly sized meatballs.
Thicken the Sauce Properly – Simmer just until glossy and thickened.
Adjust Spice – Make it mild or fiery depending on your taste.
Serve Immediately – Best when hot and freshly glazed.

Serving Suggestions
As an Appetizer – Perfect party finger food with toothpicks.
Over Rice – Make it a meal with steamed jasmine or sticky rice.
With a Simple Salad – Fresh greens balance the bold flavors.
In Lettuce Wraps – Low-carb and super fresh option.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Store leftover meatballs and glaze separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Freeze cooked meatballs (without glaze) for up to 2 months.
Thaw and glaze before serving.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
   Yes, shape and chill raw meatballs up to a day ahead.
2. Can I make them spicier?
   Definitely! Add red pepper flakes to the meatballs or more sriracha to the dip.
3. Can I use ground chicken?
   Yes, ground chicken works well too—just don’t overcook it.
4. Can I bake instead of fry?
   Absolutely! Baking is easy, hands-off, and healthier.
5. Can I serve them without the dip?
   Sure! They’re delicious glazed alone, but the spicy mayo dip takes them over the top.

Final Thoughts
These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are packed with bold, sweet, and spicy flavors, making them a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a fun dinner, or meal prep for the week, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Whip up a batch today and enjoy every sticky, savory, spicy bite! Don’t forget to share your Korean BBQ meatball creations online!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired / Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – makes about 24 meatballs):
Calories: 260 | Protein: 15g | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Sodium: 500mg

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