Name: The Best Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef or pork; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 3 scallions, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons gochujang; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon sriracha or gochujang; 1 tablespoon lime juice

Juicy, sticky, and bursting with bold umami flavor, these Korean BBQ Meatballs are everything you want in a savory bite-sized snack or appetizer. Glazed in a sweet and smoky gochujang BBQ sauce and paired with a creamy spicy mayo dip, they hit that perfect balance of heat and richness. Whether you’re planning a game-day spread, family dinner, or potluck contribution, these meatballs will steal the show.

The magic is in the layering of flavors. Ground beef or pork forms the base, while garlic, scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger work together to create the unmistakable Korean profile. The spicy mayo dip cools things off just enough, making each bite irresistibly addictive. Served hot with a sprinkle of green onions, this is one recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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

Savory and Sweet: The meatballs have a caramelized exterior and a tender inside, with a perfect balance of sweet BBQ glaze and subtle heat.
Crowd-Pleaser: They’re the first thing to disappear at gatherings!
Easy to Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, and warm them up before serving.
Versatile: Serve as a main dish with rice or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the spiciness by tweaking the amount of gochujang and chili flakes.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating these Korean BBQ Meatballs doesn’t require any fancy gadgets, but using the right kitchen tools makes the process smooth and mess-free:

Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining meatball ingredients evenly.
Cookie Scoop or Spoon: Helps portion meatballs uniformly, ensuring even cooking.
Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper: Allows meatballs to bake without sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
Small Saucepan: For simmering the Korean BBQ glaze until thick and glossy.
Whisk: Blends the spicy mayo dip into a creamy consistency.
Tongs or Chopsticks: Perfect for dipping and serving, especially if you want a clean presentation.

Getting these tools ready ahead of time will help streamline your cooking session, so you can focus on flavor and fun.

Ingredients for the Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Each ingredient in this recipe brings something special to the table:

Ground Beef or Pork – The juicy, protein-rich base for the meatballs. Pork adds a slightly sweeter richness, while beef keeps things hearty.
Garlic – Infuses the meat with depth and a punchy aroma.
Fresh Ginger – Brings brightness and warmth that cuts through the richness.
Scallions (Green Onions) – Add color and a mild onion flavor to the mix.
Soy Sauce – Provides saltiness and umami.
Sesame Oil – A fragrant ingredient that gives the dish its signature Korean aroma.
Panko Breadcrumbs – Keeps the meatballs light and tender.
Egg – Binds the ingredients together for perfect shaping.
Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) – The soul of the BBQ glaze, spicy and sweet.
Brown Sugar – Balances out the heat with a touch of sweetness.
Rice Vinegar – Adds brightness and prevents the glaze from being overly rich.
Mayonnaise – Forms the base of the spicy dipping sauce.
Sriracha or Gochujang (for the dip) – Brings the fire to the creamy mayo.
Lime Juice – Adds a citrusy zing to the dip, lifting all the flavors.

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 or pork, minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, panko breadcrumbs, and one egg. Use your hands or a spatula to mix just until combined. Don’t overmix or the meatballs can get tough.

Step 2: Form and Bake the Meatballs

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the meat mixture into even balls. Roll gently with your hands and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes or until browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Korean BBQ Glaze

In a small saucepan, mix gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Simmer over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the glaze is thick and sticky. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 4: Toss the Meatballs in the Glaze

Once the meatballs are out of the oven, gently toss them in the warm Korean BBQ glaze until fully coated. Let them sit a couple minutes to absorb the sauce.

Step 5: Whip Up the Spicy Mayo Dip

In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha or extra gochujang, and lime juice. Mix until smooth. Adjust heat to your liking.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Place glazed meatballs on a serving plate. Drizzle with extra sauce and sprinkle chopped scallions or sesame seeds. Serve with the spicy mayo dip on the side.

How to Serve and Store Korean BBQ Meatballs

These meatballs are the ultimate versatile dish. Serve them hot off the oven as an appetizer with toothpicks or skewers for easy grabbing. Pair them with fluffy jasmine rice, noodles, or even stuff them into bao buns for a fun dinner twist. Want to get fancy? Serve them over a cucumber salad or alongside Korean pickled veggies for added crunch and contrast.

To store leftovers, place the cooled meatballs in an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave, and if they start to dry out, add a spoonful of water or extra glaze to bring them back to life. For longer storage, freeze cooked (and cooled) meatballs without sauce, then glaze fresh when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy are these meatballs?

The spice level is moderate but can be adjusted. Use less gochujang or opt for a milder chili paste to tone it down.

Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef or pork?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works well. Just be sure to add a bit more fat or moisture (like grated onion) to avoid dryness.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

They go great with rice, noodles, Korean-style slaw, or even in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. The BBQ glaze and spicy mayo dip can be made 2-3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

Are these good for meal prep?

Yes, they reheat beautifully and stay juicy. Store the sauce and meatballs separately for best results if prepping for lunches.

Want More Appetizer Ideas with a Kick?

If these Korean BBQ Meatballs hit the spot, you’ll definitely enjoy exploring these other flavor-packed bites:

Spicy Ranch Taco Dip for a creamy, zesty crowd-pleaser.
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe that delivers crunch and heat in every bite.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps when you’re craving something warm and handheld.
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a hearty twist on a comfort classic.
Tzatziki Chicken Veggie Naan Pizza when you want a Mediterranean mash-up.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can revisit it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go big on the spice or keep it mellow? Try any fun variations like adding cheese inside the meatballs or switching up the dip?

I love hearing your twists and tips—feel free to share and help others get inspired!