Prepare for a culinary journey that will ignite your taste buds! These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are a fusion masterpiece, bringing together the savory richness of traditional meatballs with the vibrant, bold flavors of Korean barbecue. Each bite is a delightful explosion of sweet, tangy, and perfectly spiced goodness, complemented by a creamy, zesty dipping sauce that you'll want to put on everything!
A Flavor Adventure You'll Love
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's an experience. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs coated in a glossy, irresistible Korean BBQ glaze, ready to be dunked into a luscious, spicy mayo. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly at parties and becomes a family favorite in no time. The balance of flavors makes these meatballs truly addictive, offering a satisfying combination that hits all the right notes.
Whether you're looking for an impressive appetizer for your next gathering or a fun, flavorful twist on weeknight dinner, these Korean BBQ Meatballs are your answer. They're surprisingly simple to make, yet deliver a sophisticated taste that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

Crafting the Perfect Korean BBQ Meatballs
The secret to these sensational meatballs lies in the harmonious blend of ingredients. We start with lean ground beef (though ground turkey also works beautifully for a lighter option) and infuse it with classic Korean aromatics like fresh ginger and garlic. A touch of soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil creates the iconic sweet and savory Korean BBQ profile. The star ingredient, of course, is gochujang, a rich Korean chili paste that adds a subtle heat and incredible depth to the meatballs.
Once baked to perfection, these meatballs boast a tender interior and a beautifully caramelized exterior. For another fantastic ground beef creation, you might enjoy our Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese. And if you're a fan of easy BBQ flavors, be sure to check out our Easy Crockpot BBQ Chicken: Your New Weeknight Favorite!
The Irresistible Spicy Mayo Dip
No Korean BBQ Meatball is complete without its perfect companion: a creamy, spicy mayo dip. This simple yet flavor-packed sauce comes together in minutes, blending mayonnaise with more gochujang, a splash of rice vinegar for tang, and a hint of sesame oil. You can easily adjust the level of spiciness to suit your preference, making it a crowd-pleaser for all heat tolerances. It's the ideal cool counterpoint to the warm, flavorful meatballs.
Conclusion
These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are truly a game-changer. They’re a testament to how incredible global flavors can elevate everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. Easy enough for a casual weeknight but special enough for entertaining, this recipe promises big flavors and happy eaters. Don't wait, give these a try and prepare to be amazed!
FAQs
Can I make these Korean BBQ Meatballs spicier?
Absolutely! To increase the heat, you can add more gochujang (Korean chili paste) to both the meatball mixture and the spicy mayo dip. You could also include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the meatballs.
What are some good serving suggestions for these meatballs?
These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks, or as a main course over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. They also pair wonderfully with a simple cucumber salad or roasted vegetables.
Can I prepare Korean BBQ Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the meatball mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Form and bake the meatballs just before you're ready to serve. The spicy mayo dip can also be made a day or two ahead and kept chilled.
What is gochujang and where can I find it?
Gochujang is a savory, sweet, and spicy fermented Korean chili paste. It's a staple in Korean cuisine and provides a unique depth of flavor. You can typically find it in the international aisle of most major grocery stores or at Asian markets.

Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
Savory, sweet, and slightly spicy Korean BBQ meatballs paired with a creamy, zesty gochujang mayo dip, perfect for appetizers or a main course.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko works well)
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 egg, beaten
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon gochujang (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, gochujang, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined
—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Step 3: Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
Step 4: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden color.
Step 5: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the spicy mayo dip by whisking together the mayonnaise, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey (if using) in a small bowl. Adjust the spice level to your liking.
Step 6: Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve the meatballs warm with the spicy mayo dip on the side, garnished with sliced green onions.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, consider brushing the cooked meatballs with a little extra Korean BBQ sauce before serving. You can also shallow-fry or air fry the meatballs for a crispier exterior.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean, Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs with dip
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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