Julia Walton
Sink your teeth into these juicy, flavor-packed Korean BBQ meatballs, glazed with a sweet and savory sauce and paired with a creamy, spicy mayo dip that adds the perfect kick. Every bite delivers a delightful combination of tender meat and bold umami flavors, making it an irresistible appetizer or party favorite.
These meatballs are not only visually stunning with their glossy glaze and sprinkle of fresh green onions but also easy to prepare in your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner, game day, or a festive gathering, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
What Makes These Korean BBQ Meatballs Irresistible?
The secret to their mouthwatering taste lies in the perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes. Korean BBQ sauce caramelizes beautifully as the meatballs cook, while the creamy spicy mayo balances the heat with its cool, velvety texture. This recipe is also versatile, letting you customize the spice level to suit your taste buds.
Ingredients for the Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
- Ground Beef & Pork – Combining the two creates extra juicy and flavorful meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the mixture and maintain tenderness.
- Garlic & Ginger – Fresh aromatics that give the meatballs their signature Asian-inspired flavor.
- Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil – Deep umami richness that complements the BBQ glaze.
- Korean BBQ Sauce – The star of the dish; it creates a shiny, sticky glaze with caramelized sweetness.
- Green Onions – Fresh garnish for a pop of color and a mild onion crunch.
- Mayonnaise & Sriracha – The duo that forms the creamy, spicy dipping sauce.
How To Make Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef and pork with breadcrumbs, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until everything is incorporated, but don’t overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 15–18 minutes, or until fully cooked and slightly browned. Alternatively, you can pan-sear them in a skillet for a crispy exterior.
Step 4: Glaze with Korean BBQ Sauce
Transfer the cooked meatballs to a skillet or pan, then pour in your Korean BBQ sauce. Toss until each meatball is coated and the sauce becomes glossy and sticky.
Step 5: Make the Spicy Mayo Dip
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and sriracha. Adjust the spice level to your taste. Serve it on the side or drizzle over the meatballs.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top your meatballs with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a restaurant-style finish. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor.
Serving and Storing Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs
These meatballs are best enjoyed hot and fresh, with their sticky Korean BBQ glaze still warm and the spicy mayo ready for dipping. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave until heated through.
What to Serve With Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs
Steamed Jasmine Rice
Fluffy rice balances the bold flavors and makes these meatballs a complete meal.
Garlic Butter Noodles
Buttery, garlicky noodles complement the sweet and savory glaze.
Asian Slaw
A crunchy, tangy slaw adds freshness to each bite.
Pickled Vegetables
Kimchi or pickled radish offer a zesty contrast and enhance the Korean-inspired flavor.
Lettuce Wraps
Wrap the meatballs in crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, low-carb option.
Roasted Vegetables
Caramelized veggies like broccoli or bell peppers pair beautifully with the sticky glaze.
Cucumber Salad
Cool and refreshing cucumbers help balance the spiciness of the mayo dip.
Want More Asian-Inspired Meatball Ideas?
If you love these Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs, you’ll enjoy these other favorites from SavorQueen:
- Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo
- Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni
- Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
- Hawaiian-Style Huli Huli Chicken
- Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce
Save This Pin For Later
Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.
Tried it with a twist? Maybe an extra splash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.
Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- baking sheet
- skillet
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 cup Korean BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha
- 2 tbsp green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix gently until incorporated.
- Form into 1–1.5 inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes or until cooked through.
- Toss meatballs in a skillet with Korean BBQ sauce until glossy and sticky.
- Mix mayonnaise and sriracha for the spicy mayo dip.
- Garnish meatballs with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with the dipping sauce.