Name: Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Korean American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 5 lb ground pork 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 25 cup soy sauce 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 75 cup panko breadcrumbs 1 large egg 3 green onions, finely chopped; 5 cup mayonnaise 1 to 2 tbsp Sriracha 1 tbsp lime juice 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds, for garnish 2 tbsp sliced green onions, for garnish

Juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly satisfying, these Korean BBQ Meatballs bring together the savory sweetness of traditional Korean barbecue with the tender, comforting bite of homemade meatballs. Each bite bursts with rich umami notes from soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness from brown sugar and a slight tang from rice vinegar. Paired with a creamy, spicy mayo dip, they transform into a mouthwatering appetizer or a fun, flavor-packed dinner.

These meatballs aren’t just delicious — they’re versatile. Serve them as a standout party snack, pile them over steamed rice for a quick meal, or even tuck them into lettuce wraps for a fresh, crisp twist. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night at home, this recipe delivers on flavor and comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

This recipe takes the beloved flavors of Korean BBQ and gives them a bite-sized makeover. The combination of tender meatballs and a creamy, zesty dip creates an addictive contrast that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, it’s simple to make and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The dipping sauce adds a cooling creaminess with just the right amount of heat, making it perfect for both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors.

What Kind of Meat Should I Use?

Ground beef and pork are classic choices for Korean BBQ-style meatballs because they create a juicy, flavorful texture. Beef brings richness, while pork adds a slightly sweet, tender bite. If you prefer leaner options, ground chicken or turkey can work beautifully, but you may want to add a bit of extra oil or breadcrumbs to keep them moist. For a plant-based version, you can swap in ground plant protein or finely minced mushrooms and tofu to mimic the texture while keeping the bold BBQ flavor.

Ingredients for the Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

The heart of this recipe lies in fresh, quality ingredients. Each component plays an important role in building the rich, balanced flavors that make these meatballs so irresistible. From the savory umami base to the touch of sweetness and spice, here’s what you’ll need:

Ground beef — Provides a rich, hearty flavor that holds the meatballs together.
Ground pork — Adds tenderness and a subtle sweetness to balance the beef.
Garlic — Infuses a bold, aromatic base.
Fresh ginger — Brings warmth and a gentle spice that brightens the flavors.
Soy sauce — Delivers deep, savory umami notes.
Brown sugar — Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
Rice vinegar — Introduces a mild tang for a well-rounded taste.
Panko breadcrumbs — Keep the texture light and help bind the mixture.
Egg — Holds the meatballs together while adding moisture.
Green onions — Offer a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Mayonnaise — The creamy base for the dipping sauce.
Sriracha — Brings heat to the mayo for a perfect spicy kick.
Lime juice — Adds a fresh citrus brightness to the dip.

How To Make the Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, panko breadcrumbs, egg, and chopped green onions. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 15 to 18 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. You can also pan-fry them in a skillet over medium heat until golden and cooked in the center.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Mayo Dip

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Sriracha to taste.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the hot meatballs on a platter with the spicy mayo dip in a small bowl. Garnish with extra chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a finishing touch.

Serving and Storing Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

These meatballs are best served warm so the juicy interior and flavorful exterior shine. They’re ideal as a party appetizer, plated with toothpicks for easy grabbing, or as part of a main meal over rice or noodles. You can even tuck them into lettuce cups for a light, fresh bite.

This recipe yields about 20 to 24 meatballs, enough to feed 4 to 6 people as a main dish or 8 to 10 as an appetizer. To store leftovers, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave in short intervals.

What to Serve With Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Fluffy and aromatic, it’s the perfect base to soak up all that Korean BBQ flavor.

Garlic Stir-Fried Bok Choy

Adds a fresh, garlicky crunch that complements the rich meatballs.

Pickled Cucumber Salad

The tangy, crisp bite cuts through the savory richness beautifully.

Kimchi

A classic Korean side that adds spice, crunch, and probiotics.

Sweet Potato Fries

Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the smoky-sweet glaze.

Sesame Noodles

Chewy noodles tossed in sesame oil and soy sauce make a comforting side.

Roasted Broccoli and Carrots

Adds a healthy, roasted veggie element to balance the meal.

Miso Soup

Light and warming, perfect for starting your meal on a cozy note.

Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If you love these Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip, you might enjoy these other flavor-packed bites from MiaPlates:

• Crispy Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls for a crunchy, cheesy snack with a spicy kick.
• Savory Chicken Wraps with Garlic Cream Sauce if you want handheld comfort food.
• Loaded Tater Tots for a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Easy Homemade Naan Bread to scoop up sauces and dips.
• Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers for a sweet and savory twist.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can revisit it whenever the craving strikes.

And I’d love to hear how yours turn out. Did you make them with beef and pork or try chicken? Did you add extra spice to the mayo? Share your tweaks and tips in the comments — we can all learn from each other’s kitchen experiments.

Explore beautifully curated appetizer and snack ideas on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next flavor obsession!