Name: Sticky Korean BBQ Meatballs with Gochujang Glaze
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (or ground pork); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 3 green onions, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste); 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon neutral oil (for searing or greasing baking sheet); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish); 2 tablespoons chopped scallions (for garnish)

Sink your teeth into these Sticky Korean BBQ Meatballs with Gochujang Glaze—a flavorful twist on a beloved comfort food. These meatballs are perfectly seared until golden brown, then simmered in a sticky-sweet glaze with just the right kick of heat. Balanced with the umami of soy sauce, the punch of garlic, and the smoky depth of gochujang, every bite is tender, juicy, and addictively bold.

Whether served over a bowl of steamed jasmine rice, alongside quick-pickled cucumbers, or skewered as a party appetizer, these meatballs offer versatility and bold character. They’re easy to make ahead, great for entertaining, and even better as leftovers—if they last that long.

Why You’ll Love This Sticky Korean BBQ Meatballs with Gochujang Glaze

Sweet & Spicy Fusion: The glaze combines honey, gochujang, and soy sauce, offering layers of flavor.
Tender Texture: Thanks to breadcrumbs and egg, the meatballs stay moist and hold their shape.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids love the sweetness, adults love the heat. Everyone goes back for seconds.
Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze some for later.
Quick Weeknight Meal: Ready in about 30 minutes.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting the right tools makes cooking these meatballs a breeze and keeps the cleanup minimal.

Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining the meatball mixture and preparing the glaze separately.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters, especially when balancing the glaze ingredients.
Baking Sheet or Oven-Safe Skillet: For oven-baking or searing the meatballs evenly.
Whisk: Helps emulsify the glaze into a smooth, clingy sauce.
Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Makes flipping and transferring meatballs easy without breaking them apart.
Brush (optional): To glaze meatballs after cooking for extra shine and flavor.

With these tools at hand, you’ll move smoothly from prep to plate without skipping a beat.

Ingredients for the Sticky Korean BBQ Meatballs with Gochujang Glaze

Ground beef (or ground pork): Provides a rich, meaty base and pairs well with Korean BBQ flavors.
Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs while keeping them light and juicy.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
Green onions: Add freshness and a subtle onion kick to each bite.
Garlic: Essential for depth and aromatic richness.
Soy sauce: Lends a salty umami flavor that enhances the glaze and meatballs.
Gochujang (Korean chili paste): The star of the glaze, offering heat, sweetness, and fermented complexity.
Honey: Balances the heat and adds a sticky sheen.
Rice vinegar: Brings brightness and balances the glaze.
Sesame oil: A little goes a long way in adding that iconic nutty finish.
Sesame seeds and scallions (for garnish): Optional but add crunch and color.

How To Make the Sticky Korean BBQ Meatballs with Gochujang Glaze

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped green onions, and a splash of soy sauce. Mix until just combined. Don’t overwork the mixture or the meatballs may become dense.

Step 2: Shape and Cook the Meatballs

Form the mixture into evenly-sized balls, about 1.5 inches wide. Heat oil in a skillet or preheat your oven to 400°F. Sear meatballs on all sides until browned, or bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

Step 3: Prepare the Gochujang Glaze

In a small saucepan, whisk together gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until the glaze thickens slightly.

Step 4: Glaze and Simmer

Add the cooked meatballs to the glaze and toss to coat. Let them simmer in the sauce for 3-5 minutes so the flavor soaks in.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Serve hot, sprinkled with sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Pair with rice, noodles, or toothpicks for appetizers.

How to Serve and Store These Meatballs

These sticky Korean BBQ meatballs are wonderfully flexible. Serve them as a main dish with steamed rice or vermicelli noodles, or transform them into sliders for party bites. You can even place them on skewers for an easy finger-food presentation.

To store leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm them gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy are these meatballs?

The heat level is moderate, thanks to gochujang, but you can reduce the amount or add more honey for a milder version.

Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead?

Absolutely! Both work well, though the texture might be slightly leaner. Be sure not to overcook them.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes. The glaze stores well in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat gently before tossing with the meatballs.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Think jasmine rice, kimchi, quick pickled veggies, or even a crisp cucumber salad.

Can I make these meatballs in an air fryer?

Definitely. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Is gochujang gluten-free?

Some brands are, but many contain wheat. Always check the label if you’re cooking gluten-free.

Want More Meatball Ideas with a Kick?

If these sticky Korean BBQ meatballs got your taste buds buzzing, here are more savory, saucy recipes to explore:

Try these flavor-packed Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella for a cheesy surprise.
Craving something classic with a bold twist? Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta are a dinner hero.
Make it a spicy night with Spicy Cheesy Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet.
For a rich, indulgent experience, check out Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti.
Don’t miss out on the crowd favorite Bang Bang Chicken Recipe if you’re after crispy, saucy goodness.

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Let me know in the comments if you used ground chicken or beef. Did you add extra spice or keep it mellow? I love hearing your twists on these crowd-pleasers. Questions? I’m here to help you cook it right every time!