Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

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These Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are juicy, flavorful, and completely addictive. Infused with the sweet, savory flavors of Korean BBQ sauce, each bite delivers bold umami depth with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, meal prep protein, or a centerpiece for rice bowls, these meatballs are a guaranteed hit.

Paired with a creamy, spicy mayo dip that balances the caramelized glaze, these meatballs are the perfect fusion of comfort and flavor. You’ll love how easy they are to make, and even easier to devour—these will vanish as soon as they hit the table!

Why You’ll Love These Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs

They’re packed with flavor, juicy on the inside, caramelized on the outside, and pair perfectly with a spicy, tangy mayo dip. These meatballs are versatile—serve them as a snack, appetizer, lunchbox item, or dinner protein over rice or noodles.

They also freeze and reheat beautifully, making them perfect for batch cooking. And that spicy mayo? It’s so good you’ll want to put it on everything.

What’s the Best Meat to Use for These Meatballs?

Ground beef (80/20) offers richness and tenderness, but you can also use a mix of ground beef and pork for extra juiciness. Want a lighter option? Ground chicken or turkey works too, just make sure to include moisture-rich ingredients like onion and panko to keep them from drying out.

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Ingredients for the Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

These meatballs are packed with bold flavors and juicy texture. Each ingredient plays a key role in building taste and mouthfeel:

• Ground beef (or beef/pork mix): The protein base—rich and tender.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Helps hold the meatballs together while keeping them light and soft.
• Egg: Binds the mixture and adds moisture.
• Green onion: Adds freshness and a mild sharpness.
• Garlic: Boosts the flavor with aromatic depth.
• Ginger: A warm kick that brings that classic Korean flavor.
• Soy sauce: Salty umami to season the meat.
• Gochujang or Korean chili paste: For a mild heat and deep, fermented flavor.
• Sesame oil: Nutty aroma and signature Korean finish.
• Brown sugar: Balances the savory with a touch of sweetness.
• Korean BBQ sauce (for glazing): Sticky, sweet, and tangy coating.
• Mayonnaise: Base for the spicy dipping sauce.
• Sriracha or Gochujang: Adds heat to the mayo dip.
• Lemon juice or rice vinegar: Balances the creamy dip with acidity.

How To Make the Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Base

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko, egg, green onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll the meat mixture into 1.5-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until fully cooked.

Step 3: Glaze with Korean BBQ Sauce

Transfer hot meatballs to a skillet or saucepan. Add Korean BBQ sauce and toss until they’re evenly coated and glossy. Let them simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Mayo Dip

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha (or gochujang), and a splash of lemon juice or rice vinegar until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Serve meatballs warm with a drizzle of spicy mayo and a sprinkle of chopped green onion or sesame seeds. Perfect with rice, noodles, or solo as a spicy-sweet appetizer.

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Serving and Storing Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

This recipe makes about 20 meatballs, enough to serve 4 people as a main dish or 6–8 as an appetizer.

Serving: Serve warm right after glazing. Add spicy mayo on the side or drizzle it over for extra indulgence. For a full meal, pair with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried veggies, or noodle bowls.

Storing: Store leftover meatballs (without the mayo) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The spicy mayo dip can be kept separately in the fridge for 5–6 days.

Reheating: Warm meatballs in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water to loosen the glaze if needed.

What to Serve With These Korean BBQ Meatballs

Steamed Jasmine Rice

A fluffy, neutral base that absorbs the rich glaze beautifully.

Quick Cucumber Salad

Crisp, refreshing, and balances the spicy-sweet notes.

Garlic Stir-Fried Green Beans

Adds a crunchy, savory side with a garlicky punch.

Kimchi

Fermented cabbage brings zing, spice, and a probiotic boost.

Sesame Noodle Salad

Chilled, nutty noodles complement the warm meatballs well.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Their natural sweetness plays off the savory glaze.

Pickled Radish or Daikon

Crunchy, tangy contrast to the richness of the meat.

Cold Beer or Ginger Soda

To cut the heat and refresh your palate between bites.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze these Korean BBQ meatballs?
Yes! Freeze them after baking but before glazing. Let them cool, then freeze on a tray before transferring to a bag. Glaze after reheating.

2. Is gochujang very spicy?
Gochujang has a mild heat with deep, savory-sweet flavor. You can adjust the quantity or substitute with sriracha for a slightly tangier version.

3. What’s the best way to keep meatballs juicy?
Don’t overmix the meat, use enough fat (80/20 beef or a mix with pork), and include binders like panko and egg.

4. Can I air-fry the meatballs?
Absolutely. Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through for even browning.

5. What dipping sauce alternatives can I try?
Spicy yogurt, sweet chili sauce, or even teriyaki-glazed cream cheese dips work great.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how spicy you went with your mayo dip! Did you go full gochujang or tone it down with a little sriracha?

I’m all ears for custom twists too—drop your favorite pairings or questions below.

Explore more savory snacks and Asian fusion recipes on Tanya Recipes on Pinterest and fuel your flavor cravings!

Conclusion

Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are the perfect mix of comforting and exciting. Juicy on the inside, sticky and flavorful on the outside, these meatballs are next-level good with that creamy kick of chili-spiked mayo. Make them once, and they’ll be your new favorite appetizer or meal prep go-to.

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