Name: Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Korean Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork); 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated carrot; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1 egg; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 1 tbsp ginger, grated; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste); 1/4 cup soy sauce (for the glaze); 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish); 2 tbsp mayo; 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (for the spicy mayo)

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If you’ve ever craved the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy, then these Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce are about to become your new obsession. Tender, juicy meatballs smothered in a tangy, sweet BBQ glaze and topped with a creamy, spicy mayo sauce – it’s a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, at a party, or just for a snack, these meatballs are bound to be the star of the show.

Why You’ll Love Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce

Let me tell you, this recipe is an absolute game-changer. You’ll love it for so many reasons:

Versatile: These meatballs are perfect for a quick dinner, a party appetizer, or a snack during game night. The combination of flavors works for so many occasions.
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients like ground beef, soy sauce, and a few pantry staples are all you need to create something extraordinary.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time! Even though it’s packed with flavor, you don’t need hours in the kitchen to make it happen.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the level of spice in the mayo sauce or add some extra seasonings to the meatballs. It’s your dish, make it your way!
Crowd-Pleasing: The balance of savory, sweet, and spicy makes these meatballs a hit with just about everyone. They’re juicy, flavorful, and downright addictive!

Ingredients in Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce

These meatballs are packed with flavor, and the ingredients are so simple, yet they come together to create something truly mouthwatering:

Ground Beef: The base for your meatballs. It’s juicy, flavorful, and forms the perfect texture when cooked.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These make the meatballs soft and light, giving them a satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Egg: Helps bind everything together and gives the meatballs a nice, tender texture.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds an irresistible depth of flavor to the meatballs.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth to the meatballs, bringing that signature Korean BBQ flavor.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a zingy, aromatic kick that perfectly complements the other flavors.
Brown Sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce and the heat from the spicy mayo.
Sesame Oil: For that distinct, nutty flavor that’s essential to Korean BBQ.
Green Onions: A sprinkle of chopped green onions gives freshness and a bit of crunch to the meatballs.

For the Spicy Mayo Sauce:
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce.
Sriracha: Adds the perfect amount of heat and spice to the mayo.
Rice Vinegar: A touch of tang to balance out the richness of the mayo.
Sesame Oil: Just a little to bring that authentic Korean flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce

Instructions

Ready to make these juicy, flavor-packed meatballs? Let’s get started!

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the meatballs cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior while staying juicy on the inside.

Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, soy sauce, grated ginger, brown sugar, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Form the Meatballs: Take small portions of the meat mixture and roll them into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Make sure the meatballs are spaced evenly for even cooking.

Bake the Meatballs: Place the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when a meat thermometer reads 160°F (71°C) at the center.

Prepare the Spicy Mayo Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the level of heat to your liking – add more sriracha for extra spice!

Toss the Meatballs in BBQ Sauce: Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and toss them in a small bowl with your favorite Korean BBQ sauce or a homemade sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil.

Finishing Touches: Drizzle the spicy mayo sauce over the meatballs just before serving. Garnish with a few more chopped green onions and some sesame seeds for that extra touch of flavor and crunch.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve your juicy Korean-style BBQ meatballs hot, with a side of rice, steamed vegetables, or just on their own as an irresistible appetizer. These are perfect for dipping, sharing, and savoring with friends and family!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350-400 (depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce

These meatballs are so versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas to make your meal complete:

With Steamed Rice: Serve the meatballs over a bed of warm, fluffy steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
On a Bun: For a fun twist, serve the meatballs on a soft bun and drizzle with extra spicy mayo for a Korean-style meatball sandwich.
As an Appetizer: Perfect for parties! Serve the meatballs with toothpicks and extra spicy mayo for dipping.
With a Salad: A fresh, crunchy salad with some sesame dressing would pair wonderfully with these flavorful meatballs.

Additional Tips

For Extra Tender Meatballs: Use a mix of ground beef and ground pork for extra tenderness and juiciness.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Simply bake them from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Spice Level: If you want to tone down the spice in the mayo sauce, reduce the sriracha or substitute it with a milder hot sauce.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey will work perfectly. Just make sure to keep an eye on cooking time, as it may cook a bit faster.

2. Can I use a store-bought BBQ sauce?
Of course! If you’re short on time, feel free to use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce. Homemade is always great, but store-bought will work just as well.

3. How do I store leftover meatballs?
Store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture.

4. Can I make these meatballs spicy?
Absolutely! If you love heat, add more sriracha to the mayo sauce or even mix some red pepper flakes into the meatball mixture.

5. Can I bake the meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can bake the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, toss them in the BBQ sauce and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

6. Can I use a different sauce for these meatballs?
Feel free to experiment with different sauces like hoisin or gochujang for a different flavor profile.

7. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or even ground oats for a gluten-free version.

8. Can I make these meatballs without mayo?
Yes, you can substitute the mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier, lighter version of the sauce.

9. Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the raw meatballs before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid.

10. Can I make the meatballs spicier inside?
For an extra spicy kick inside the meatballs, mix some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes directly into the meatball mixture.

Conclusion

These Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy – making them irresistible for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, snacking with friends, or simply indulging in something delicious, these meatballs are sure to satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, make them today, and enjoy every juicy, flavorful bite!