Name: Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 egg; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or more, to taste); 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; Optional: sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

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Introduction

These Korean BBQ Meatballs are a flavorful and easy appetizer or main dish that combines savory meat with a spicy mayo dip. Perfectly baked and bursting with Korean-inspired flavors, they make for a crowd-pleasing treat any time of year.

The image shows several round, golden-brown meatballs stacked closely together, each covered with a thick layer of creamy white sauce that drips down the sides. The meatballs have a crispy texture with some green herbs sprinkled on top. A woman's hand is holding a meatball, lifting it slightly to show the sauce’s smooth and rich texture dripping off. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 egg
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Sriracha (or more, to taste)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon soy sauce
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, egg, salt, pepper, and brown sugar if using. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter using your hands. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are cooked through and have a golden-brown exterior.
Step 5: While the meatballs bake, prepare the spicy mayo dip by mixing mayonnaise, Sriracha, lemon juice, and soy sauce in a small bowl. Adjust the amount of Sriracha to match your preferred spice level.
Step 6: If desired, garnish the dip with sesame seeds and chopped green onions to add extra flavor and a pop of color.
Step 7: Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm paired with the spicy mayo dip for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
If you prefer, pan-fry the meatballs in a little oil over medium heat until browned and cooked through instead of baking.
Add finely shredded carrots or water chestnuts to the meat mixture for extra texture and nutrition.
Customize the spicy mayo by adding a touch of honey or lime juice for a different flavor twist.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the spicy mayo dip refrigerated separately. Reheat the meatballs in a microwave or oven until warmed through before serving again.

How to Serve

The image shows several crispy, dark golden-brown meatballs stacked closely together, with rich, creamy beige sauce being poured over the top, slowly dripping down the sides. The meatballs have a textured, browned surface with visible herbs sprinkled on them, adding tiny green spots. The sauce is smooth and thick, covering the upper part of the meatballs and pooling slightly near the base. The background is a white marbled surface, highlighting the colors and textures of the meatballs and sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and keep them refrigerated. Bake them fresh before serving for the best texture and taste.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?

You can substitute ground plant-based meat or use a mixture of mashed beans and vegetables to create vegetarian meatballs, then follow the same seasoning and cooking method.