If you’ve ever dreamed of serving a next-level appetizer that brings the perfect fusion of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors to your party, then Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce are about to be your new favorite dish. Imagine tender, caramelized meatballs with just the right kick, dunked in a luscious, creamy spicy mayo—this recipe wraps up bold Korean ingredients and familiar comfort food into one unforgettable bite. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, prepping for a game-day snack, or looking to wow your friends, this is the kind of recipe that always guarantees empty plates and lots of happy faces.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish is wonderfully simple but each ingredient truly shines, layering flavors and textures you can’t resist. Gather these essentials, and every single one will play a starring role in making your Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce completely irresistible.
- Ground beef (80/20): The key to extra juicy and flavorful meatballs thanks to the perfect balance of fat to lean.
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind the mixture while keeping the interior light and airy instead of dense.
- Egg: Holds everything together—your secret to cohesive, tender meatballs.
- Green onions: Add a pop of color and a fresh, mild onion bite that balances the richness.
- Garlic: Classic and aromatic, for that savory punch every great meatball requires.
- Ginger: A bit of grated ginger brightens things up and captures the signature Korean flair.
- Soy sauce: Brings the salty, umami-savoriness to the foreground in true BBQ fashion.
- Sesame oil: Just a splash of this nutty oil adds warmth and depth.
- Brown sugar: A touch of sweetness for that gorgeous, caramelized exterior.
- Gochujang: Korean chili paste that gives your meatballs and sauce both heat and complexity—totally worth seeking out!
- Black pepper: Rounds out the flavors with gentle warmth.
- Oil (for pan-frying): Ensures the exterior gets beautifully browned and slightly crisp.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for your spicy dipping sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Cuts through the richness for that addictive tang.
- Honey: Rounds out the sauce and echoes the sweetness of your BBQ meatballs.
How to Make Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl—trust me, you’ll want enough room to really work everything together. Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, gochujang, and black pepper. The goal here is to mix just until everything’s incorporated; over-mixing leads to tough meatballs. Use your hands for the best texture, gently folding the mixture until perfectly combined.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Now comes the fun, slightly messy part—shaping! Scoop about a tablespoonful of your mixture and roll it between your palms to create neat 1-inch balls. Not only does this size cook evenly, but you’ll end up with around 20 perfectly bite-sized meatballs. Place them on a tray as you go.
Step 3: Brown and Cook the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add the oil. When the oil shimmers, add the meatballs in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear them for about 7 to 9 minutes total, turning every couple of minutes to ensure all sides develop a caramelized, golden crust while the centers cook through. Transfer cooked meatballs to a plate and cover with foil to keep them warm while you finish the rest.
Step 4: Whip Up the Spicy Mayo Sauce
While the last batch of meatballs is sizzling, grab a small bowl and mix together mayonnaise, gochujang, rice vinegar, and honey. Whisk until completely smooth, tasting as you go. If you’re a heat lover, sneak in an extra squeeze of gochujang—this sauce is creamy, zesty, and just a little bit addictive.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange your warm Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce on a platter, drizzle with the spicy mayo, or keep it on the side for dipping. Scatter some extra chopped green onions or sesame seeds over the top for that chef’s kiss finish—everyone will want to dive in immediately!
How to Serve Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish—a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions, a pinch of sesame seeds, or even a few slivers of red chili take these Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce over the top, adding not just color but also a fresh finish with every bite.
Side Dishes
Turn this appetizer into a meal with the right pairings. A bowl of steaming jasmine or sticky rice, crisp cucumber salad, or a simple plate of pickled veggies all work beautifully alongside the rich flavors of your meatballs. For a fun twist, try serving with lettuce leaves to make wraps—guests can build their own handheld bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun! Skewer the meatballs for grab-and-go party snacks, use them to top a rice bowl with slaw and extra sauce, or serve in mini lettuce cups for an interactive, colorful appetizer. These Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce are as versatile as they are delicious—the options are nearly endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, honestly), store cooked meatballs and leftover spicy mayo sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three days, making for the best kind of quick lunch or dinner later in the week.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these meatballs! Simply arrange cooled, cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Freeze the spicy mayo separately in a freezer-safe container for the freshest results.
Reheating
To bring your Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce back to their full glory, reheat the meatballs gently in a covered skillet on the stovetop with a splash of water or in a 350°F oven until heated through. Warm the sauce at room temperature or zap it in short bursts in the microwave, stirring between each interval. Avoid overcooking, and your meatballs will be just as juicy and flavorful as day one.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Absolutely! Ground pork, chicken, or turkey all work beautifully as substitutes for beef. Choose a blend with some fat for the juiciest meatballs, and adjust seasonings to your taste.
What is gochujang and can I substitute it?
Gochujang is a Korean chili paste that adds depth, mild heat, and a hint of sweetness to this dish. If you can’t find it, try mixing a little sriracha with a touch of miso and honey as a quick alternative—but nothing matches the real deal for authentic flavor.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?
Yes! For a hands-off method, bake the meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for about 15 minutes, turning once halfway through. They’ll still deliver on juiciness, though you might miss some of that irresistible browned crust from the skillet.
Is the spicy mayo sauce very hot?
The heat is definitely present but balanced by creamy mayonnaise and a swirl of honey. Feel free to adjust the gochujang amount—add more for extra heat, or less if you want a milder dipping sauce that everyone can enjoy.
Can I make Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce ahead for a party?
Yes, and it makes party prep a breeze! Shape and cook the meatballs the day before; store them in the fridge. Just reheat gently and whisk up the spicy mayo before serving, and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser ready in minutes.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about sharing Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce with friends and family—the flavors, the textures, the pure joy of dipping and savoring together. Give this recipe a try the next time you want a dish that impresses and delights; you might just find these meatballs are the first to disappear from your table!
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Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Juicy Korean-Style BBQ Meatballs with a Spicy Mayo Sauce are a flavorful twist on traditional meatballs. The combination of savory beef, aromatic spices, and a kick of heat from gochujang makes them a delicious appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 green onions (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon oil (for pan-frying)
For the Spicy Mayo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon gochujang
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, gochujang, and black pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Pan-fry the meatballs in batches for 7-9 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Make the Spicy Mayo Sauce: Mix mayonnaise, gochujang, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm meatballs with spicy mayo sauce or use it as a dip. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with pork, chicken, or turkey.
- These meatballs are versatile and can be used in rice bowls or lettuce wraps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
