The Best Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

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If you’re craving big flavor in a bite-sized package, Korean BBQ meatballs are going to steal the show at your next dinner or gathering. These juicy, tender meatballs are infused with the sweet-savory heat of classic Korean BBQ and finished with a spicy mayo dip that brings the perfect creamy contrast. Whether you’re setting them out for a party or piling them over rice for a family meal, they pack a punch of umami that’s hard to resist.

Each bite is a burst of garlic, ginger, soy, and just enough gochujang to make things interesting. The addition of breadcrumbs and green onions gives them a soft interior and a savory boost that holds up beautifully in the oven or skillet. And let’s not overlook that dip — tangy, spicy, creamy, and made for dunking.

Why You’ll Love This Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe

These meatballs are crowd-pleasers and meal-prep dreams in one. They’re baked, not fried, meaning less mess and a healthier option that still tastes indulgent. The flavor is deeply satisfying thanks to a combination of traditional Korean ingredients like gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. Even better? The spicy mayo dip takes just minutes to whip up and doubles as a sauce for wraps or rice bowls.

Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for an easy dinner fix, or serve them fresh with toothpicks for the ultimate appetizer. They’re versatile, bold, and a little bit addictive.

What Kind of Ground Meat Works Best?

While traditional meatballs often call for beef, this recipe gives you some flexibility. Ground beef provides a classic rich flavor that pairs well with Korean BBQ sauce. For a lighter option, ground chicken or turkey can also work beautifully and allow the bold marinade to shine.

The key is using a protein with enough fat to stay moist during baking. If you’re going lean, consider blending it with a small portion of fattier meat or a touch more sesame oil to keep things tender and flavorful.

Ingredients for the Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

These Korean BBQ meatballs are built on a flavorful foundation that marries heat, sweetness, and deep umami. You don’t need a ton of exotic ingredients — just a handful of pantry staples and a few Korean classics. The spicy mayo dip comes together with three simple ingredients you probably already have.

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Green onions
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Soy sauce
• Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• Brown sugar
• Sesame oil
• Salt & pepper
• Mayonnaise
• Sriracha
• Rice vinegar

Each ingredient here has a purpose. Ground beef serves as the hearty base. Breadcrumbs and an egg bind the mixture for the perfect texture. Green onions, garlic, and ginger bring in that punch of fresh flavor. Soy sauce, gochujang, and brown sugar create the signature Korean BBQ taste. Sesame oil adds nuttiness while a touch of salt and pepper keeps things balanced. For the spicy mayo, mayonnaise, sriracha, and rice vinegar combine to create a creamy, tangy heat.

How To Make the Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Base

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, green onions, soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 2: Roll and Place

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the meat mixture and roll into balls. Place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Bake the meatballs for 18 to 20 minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned. You can broil them for an extra 1-2 minutes at the end for a crispier exterior if desired.

Step 4: Whisk the Spicy Mayo

While the meatballs bake, stir together the mayonnaise, sriracha, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.

Step 5: Serve and Dip

Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a platter and serve hot with the spicy mayo on the side or drizzled on top. Garnish with more green onions or sesame seeds if you’d like.

How to Serve and Store Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

These Korean BBQ meatballs are best served hot and fresh, right after baking. They’re delicious on their own with the spicy mayo dip, but they also shine when layered into lettuce wraps, tucked into bao buns, or plated over jasmine rice. This recipe yields about 20 to 24 meatballs, which is enough to feed 4 to 6 people depending on serving size and sides.

To store leftovers, let the meatballs cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

The spicy mayo can be stored in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for about a week.

What to Serve With Korean BBQ Meatballs?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Nothing soaks up that sweet and savory flavor like a fluffy bowl of jasmine rice.

Pickled Cucumber Salad

Crunchy and vinegary, it adds a fresh contrast to the rich meatballs.

Korean Kimchi

Bring the heat and fermented tang with a small scoop of traditional kimchi on the side.

Sesame Garlic Noodles

Simple yet flavorful, these noodles pair perfectly with the boldness of the meatballs.

Lettuce Wraps

Cool, crisp, and light, butter lettuce makes a great edible wrapper for each bite.

Roasted Broccoli

Tossed in a little sesame oil, roasted broccoli adds color and crunch.

Sweet Potato Fries

Their natural sweetness is a delicious counter to the spicy mayo dip.

Seaweed Salad

For a more traditional Korean vibe, seaweed salad is refreshing and full of umami.

Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If these Korean BBQ meatballs with spicy mayo dip disappear the moment they hit the table, you might want to keep the appetizer game going strong. Check out these other bold and satisfying starters:

• Crispy Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls if you want something spicy, cheesy, and crunchy all in one bite.
• Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey makes for a savory centerpiece or can be reimagined in sliders for a hearty party snack.
• Loaded Tater Tots are golden, crispy, and smothered in toppings that everyone loves.
• Cheesy Chicken Fritters pack protein and cheese into handheld bites that are easy to make and devour.
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta can double as an indulgent side dish or small-plate option for guests.

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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go all-in on the spice, or keep it mellow? Maybe you used turkey instead of beef? I’m always curious to see how these recipes take shape in other kitchens.

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