Meet your new weeknight hero: Korean BBQ Meatloaf. This dish is everything we adore about classic meatloaf but with a thrilling fusion twist—a luscious glaze that balances savory, sweet, and just the right hint of heat, all wrapped up in tender, juicy slices. Packed with gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of brown sugar, this updated comfort food is a celebration of bold Korean flavors and hearty American coziness. Whether it’s your first bite or your fiftieth, Korean BBQ Meatloaf is guaranteed to steal the show at your family table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It never fails to amaze me how a handful of everyday ingredients can turn into something exciting. Here, every component in Korean BBQ Meatloaf brings personality—juiciness from the meat, subtle heat from gochujang, and the sweet crunch of onions. Gather these essentials for a flavor-packed loaf:
- Ground Beef and Ground Pork (optional): The main source of richness and tenderness; a combination delivers the juiciest results, but all-beef works beautifully too.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These help absorb moisture, keeping the meatloaf light rather than dense.
- Chopped Sweet Onion: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch throughout the loaf.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a fragrant depth and unmistakable warmth.
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste): The real secret to tangy-sweet heat and unmistakable Korean character.
- Soy Sauce: Contributes umami and saltiness, rounding out the flavors.
- Sesame Oil: Just a splash gives the loaf its signature toasty, nutty aroma.
- Ground Ginger or Fresh Ginger: Adds brightness and faint peppery zing.
- Eggs: The binder holding everything together for perfect slices.
- Brown Sugar or Coconut Palm Sugar: Delivers gentle sweetness to balance the complex flavors.
- Glaze (Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Brown Sugar, Gochujang, Sesame Oil, Honey or Apricot Jelly – optional, Garlic, Ginger): This glossy, flavor-packed topping takes the dish from tasty to unforgettable.
- Sesame Seeds and Green Onions (for garnish): A final sprinkle for crunch and freshness that makes every slice pop.
How to Make Korean BBQ Meatloaf
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First, set your oven to 350 °F so it’s piping hot when you’re ready for baking. Lightly grease a loaf pan—this ensures your Korean BBQ Meatloaf pops out easily and browns deeply along the edges.
Step 2: Mix Up the Meatloaf Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground beef (and pork, if you’re using it) with panko, onion, minced garlic, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, eggs, and brown sugar. Stir gently—just until combined. Over-mixing can make the loaf dense, so go easy. Let this mixture rest for a few minutes so the panko can soak up moisture and make your meatloaf ultra-tender.
Step 3: Shape and Pre-Bake
Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top. If you’re making the glaze, reserve a bit for basting later. Slide the pan into the hot oven and bake for about 40–45 minutes, or until the internal temp reaches around 140 °F. This gentle first bake sets up the shape while the flavors mingle.
Step 4: Whisk and Reduce the Glaze
While the meatloaf is baking, whisk together the glaze ingredients: soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, gochujang, sesame oil, honey or apricot jelly (if using), plus a hit of garlic and ginger. Simmer the mixture gently in a saucepan just until it thickens and gets glossy—it should coat a spoon in the most tempting way.
Step 5: Glaze and Finish Baking
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and generously brush the top with the thickened glaze. Return it to the oven for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 °F. The glaze caramelizes, adding layers of savory-sweet stickiness you won’t be able to resist.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Once done, take your Korean BBQ Meatloaf out and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This is the secret to slices that hold their shape and ensure every bite is juicy and packed with flavor. Patience pays off—trust me!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, shower your creation with sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions. These vibrant touches finish the dish with crunch, color, and an irresistible aroma.
How to Serve Korean BBQ Meatloaf
Garnishes
Garnishing makes all the difference here. Think crunchy sesame seeds scattered over the top and a tumble of crisp green onions. Not only do they make Korean BBQ Meatloaf look restaurant-worthy, but they also add fresh contrast to the rich, glazed slices.
Side Dishes
Pair your meatloaf with simple steamed rice or garlic mashed potatoes for classic comfort, or go for tangy, quick-pickled cucumbers and kimchi for a full-on Korean feast. Of course, roasted veggies or a crisp slaw made with napa cabbage are always a hit, bringing out every note in the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a weeknight dinner, bring the loaf to the table on its serving platter and let everyone dig in. Hosting a party? Slice the Korean BBQ Meatloaf and tuck pieces into slider buns with extra glaze and a spoonful of slaw—it makes a killer finger food. Or, cut chilled slices and layer them on rice for a playful bibimbap-inspired lunchbox treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Tuck any leftover slices into an airtight container and stash them in the fridge—they’ll stay fresh for up to four days. The flavors of Korean BBQ Meatloaf actually deepen a bit overnight, making it a treat for lunch the next day!
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap cooled meatloaf slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place them in freezer bags. You can freeze Korean BBQ Meatloaf (either whole or by the slice) for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked tenderness, reheat slices covered with foil in a 325 °F oven until warmed through—about 15–20 minutes. For extra moisture, spoon a little extra glaze over them before warming. Individual slices can also be microwaved in a pinch, but oven reheating preserves the texture best.
FAQs
Can I make Korean BBQ Meatloaf without gochujang?
If you don’t have gochujang on hand, you can sub in another chili paste (like sriracha or sambal oelek) to capture the gentle heat and tang, but keep in mind you might miss some of the classic Korean flavor. Adding a bit of miso or extra brown sugar can help fill in the gaps.
What’s the best meat blend for extra juicy meatloaf?
A mix of ground beef and ground pork gives unbeatable tenderness and depth—the pork adds extra moisture and a touch of sweetness. If you only have beef, don’t worry; just pick one with a little fat (like 80/20) for great results.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers, and opt for a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in both the meatloaf and glaze. Every bite will be just as satisfying.
How spicy is Korean BBQ Meatloaf?
It’s got a pleasant warmth from the gochujang, but it won’t set your taste buds on fire. You can control the heat easily—add more gochujang for a fiery kick, or use a milder chili paste if you like things gentle.
What’s the secret to perfect moist slices?
Letting your Korean BBQ Meatloaf rest before slicing is crucial! This rest time locks in every bit of juice, so each slice stays fudgy and flavorful instead of falling apart or drying out. It’s worth the wait!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a recipe that transforms an old favorite into something unforgettable, Korean BBQ Meatloaf is about to become your new comfort food obsession. The flavors are bold, the prep is easy, and the results are a pure crowd-pleaser. Give it a try this week—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Korean BBQ Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Korean BBQ Meatloaf recipe combines the classic comfort of meatloaf with the bold, savory flavors of Korean barbecue. The meatloaf is moist and flavorful, topped with a sweet and spicy glaze that adds a delicious finish.
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
Ground beef; ground pork; panko breadcrumbs; sweet onion; garlic; gochujang; soy sauce; sesame oil; ground ginger; eggs; brown sugar.
Glaze:
Soy sauce; rice vinegar; brown sugar; gochujang; sesame oil; honey or apricot jelly; garlic; ginger; sesame seeds.
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Heat oven to 350 °F.
- Mix meatloaf: Combine all meatloaf ingredients, let rest.
- Shape and bake: Form loaf in greased pan, bake for 40–45 minutes.
- Prepare glaze: Mix and simmer glaze ingredients.
- Glaze and finish: Brush meatloaf, bake until internal temp reaches 160 °F.
- Rest and garnish: Let rest, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- Gochujang adds authentic Korean flavor.
- A mix of beef and pork enhances moisture.
- Resting the meatloaf is crucial for texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion (Korean-American)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 503 kcal
- Sugar: 42 g
- Sodium: 2086 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 111 mg
