If you’re in the mood for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and easy to prepare, look no further than this Korean BBQ with Spicy Mayo Dip. This crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike, thanks to its simple steps and bold, irresistible flavors. The meatballs are glazed with a sweet and savory Korean BBQ sauce, and paired with a creamy, spicy mayo dip that adds the perfect amount of heat and richness. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a main dish, or as part of a meal prep, these meatballs are sure to impress!

Korean BBQ with Spicy Mayo

With a combination of ground beef or chicken, gochujang (Korean chili paste), sesame oil, and a delicious BBQ glaze, these meatballs are full of umami-rich flavors. Plus, the spicy mayo dip complements them beautifully, offering a delightful contrast of creamy and spicy. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a gathering, these meatballs will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Korean BBQ Meatballs are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. They offer a perfect balance of sweetness, spiciness, and savory goodness that will keep your taste buds dancing. The Korean BBQ glaze provides an irresistible shine and flavor to the meatballs, while the spicy mayo dip gives them an extra creamy kick. Not to mention, this dish is beginner-friendly and can be made in a few different ways to suit your cooking preferences: pan-frying, baking, or air frying.

Additionally, this recipe can be easily adjusted based on your dietary needs. You can switch the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey, and feel free to experiment with the level of heat in the glaze or dip to suit your personal preference.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground chicken
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 green onions, finely chopped

For the Korean BBQ Glaze:

¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon gochujang
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken)

For the Spicy Mayo Dip:

½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon gochujang
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon honey
½ teaspoon garlic powder

For Garnish:

Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by combining the ground beef (or chicken), panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, salt, black pepper, and chopped green onions in a large mixing bowl. Mix gently until everything is just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs dense.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Next, shape the meatball mixture into small, even-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You can use your hands or a small scoop to make this process easier. Place the formed meatballs on a plate or baking sheet while you prepare to cook them.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

You have three cooking options for these meatballs:

Pan-Frying Method:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan).
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are browned on all sides and cooked through.
Baking Method:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the meatballs on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until fully cooked.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Step 4: Make the Korean BBQ Glaze

While the meatballs are cooking, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a gentle simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and continue stirring until the glaze thickens.

Step 5: Coat the Meatballs

Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm Korean BBQ glaze over the meatballs and toss gently to coat them evenly in the delicious sauce.

Step 6: Make the Spicy Mayo Dip

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, gochujang, lime juice, honey, and garlic powder until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you like it spicier, add a little more gochujang.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving plate. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately with the spicy mayo dip on the side.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

Dry Meatballs: If your meatballs seem dry, try adding a little extra sesame oil or a splash of broth to the mixture before forming them.
Overcooked Meatballs: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness—beef should reach 160°F (71°C), and chicken should be at 165°F (74°C).
Meatballs Falling Apart: Ensure the mixture is well-combined and that the egg and breadcrumbs are binding everything together properly. If needed, chill the mixture for 10-15 minutes before shaping to help them hold together better.

Helpful Kitchen Tips

Prepping Efficiently: Chop and measure all your ingredients before you start cooking to make the process smoother and faster.
Freezing Meatballs: You can freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to an airtight container. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge or cook directly from frozen, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion: A Flavorful Dish for Any Occasion

These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you choose to bake, fry, or air fry them, they’re sure to be a hit at your next dinner party, family meal, or as a snack. The addition of the spicy mayo dip brings the perfect creamy contrast to the smoky, umami-rich glaze, making these meatballs an unforgettable dish. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to make this crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation!