Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Welcome to this delicious recipe for Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip. If you’re a fan of Korean cuisine and love the flavors of tender meatballs smothered in a tangy and spicy sauce, then this recipe is perfect for you. These meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and packed with the bold and vibrant tastes of Korean BBQ. Paired with a creamy and spicy mayo dip, they make for a delightful appetizer or main course. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why you’ll fall in love with these Korean BBQ meatballs. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques, you can whip up a batch of these meatballs in no time. They are perfect for busy weeknight dinners or when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Secondly, these meatballs are incredibly tender and juicy. The combination of ground beef and pork creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The addition of Korean BBQ sauce adds a depth of flavor that takes these meatballs to the next level. Each bite is packed with savory goodness that will leave you wanting more.
Lastly, this recipe is highly versatile. You can serve these meatballs as an appetizer at a party or as a main course with rice and vegetables. They are perfect for any occasion and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like them spicy or mild, these meatballs are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten
For the Korean BBQ sauce:
- 1/2 cup Korean BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the spicy mayo dip:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Korean chili paste (Gochujang)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger paste, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and beaten egg. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
2. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You can use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the meatballs.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Place the meatballs in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook the meatballs in batches if necessary. Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning them gently with a spatula. This will take about 8-10 minutes.
4. While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the Korean BBQ sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the Korean BBQ sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Once the meatballs are browned, pour the Korean BBQ sauce over them in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. In the meantime, prepare the spicy mayo dip. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Korean chili paste, lime juice, and honey until well combined.
7. Serve the Korean BBQ meatballs hot, drizzled with the sauce from the skillet and accompanied by the spicy mayo dip. Garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are a few expert tips to ensure your Korean BBQ meatballs turn out perfect every time:
– Use a combination of ground beef and pork for the best flavor and texture. The beef adds richness, while the pork adds moisture.
– Don’t overmix the meatball mixture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid tough meatballs.
– For extra tenderness, refrigerate the meatball mixture for 30 minutes before shaping into balls. This will help the flavors meld together and prevent the meatballs from falling apart during cooking.
– Brown the meatballs before adding the sauce. This step adds a delicious caramelization and extra flavor to the meatballs.
– If you prefer a spicier sauce, add additional red pepper flakes to the Korean BBQ sauce or the spicy mayo dip.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:
– Instead of ground beef and pork, you can use ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
– If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the meat with plant-based ground meat alternatives.
– For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with crushed gluten-free crackers.
– If you don’t have Korean BBQ sauce on hand, you can make your own by combining soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
Serving Suggestions
These tender Korean BBQ meatballs are delicious on their own, but they can be served in various ways to elevate your dining experience. Here are a few serving suggestions:
– Serve the meatballs as an appetizer at your next gathering. Place toothpicks in each meatball for easy serving.
– Turn them into a main course by serving them over steamed rice or noodles. Add some steamed vegetables on the side for a complete meal.
– Use them as a filling for sandwiches or sliders. Toast some buns, add a few meatballs, and top with crunchy slaw for a flavorful and satisfying sandwich.
– Add them to a stir-fry for an extra burst of flavor. Simply toss the cooked meatballs with your favorite vegetables and sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, follow the recipe instructions.
Q: Can I freeze the meatballs?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer bag or container. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and follow the recipe instructions.
Q: Can I use a different dipping sauce?
A: Yes, if you prefer a different dipping sauce, feel free to get creative. Try a sweet chili sauce, teriyaki sauce, or even a peanut sauce for a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
These Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are a true delight for your taste buds. The combination of juicy meatballs, tangy Korean BBQ sauce, and creamy spicy mayo dip is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a flavorful meal, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious taste of Korean cuisine!
We hope you enjoy making and devouring these meatballs as much as we do. Don’t forget to share your experience and tag us on social media. Happy cooking!
Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Juicy and flavorful Korean BBQ meatballs smothered in a tangy and spicy sauce, paired with a creamy mayo dip. Perfect for appetizers or main course – easy to make and versatile.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup Korean BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Korean chili paste (Gochujang)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
Directions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger paste, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and beaten egg. Mix well.
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Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
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Cook the meatballs in batches in a skillet until browned on all sides.
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Prepare the Korean BBQ sauce by whisking together Korean BBQ sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
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Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the skillet and simmer until cooked through and sauce thickens.
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Prepare the spicy mayo dip by whisking together mayonnaise, Korean chili paste, lime juice, and honey.
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Serve the Korean BBQ meatballs drizzled with sauce and accompanied by the spicy mayo dip. Garnish as desired.
