Korean BBQ Meatballs Spicy Mayo

Featured in: Quick Comfort Meals

Enjoy juicy meatballs glazed in sweet and savory Korean BBQ sauce, paired with a creamy, spicy mayo dip. Ideal for sharing at parties or as a main dish, this Korean fusion favorite features a blend of ground beef, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a touch of gochujang for unmistakable flavor. Pan-fry, bake, or air fry for golden perfection, then toss in a glossy glaze. Serve with sesame seeds and green onions, offering depth and a hint of kick in every bite. Versatile for rice bowls, lettuce wraps, or on their own, these meatballs elevate any gathering with bold taste and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Updated on Thu, 29 Jan 2026 07:20:31 GMT
Juicy Korean BBQ meatballs glazed in a savory sauce with spicy mayo dip.  Save
Juicy Korean BBQ meatballs glazed in a savory sauce with spicy mayo dip. | freshyforks.com

Juicy, tender meatballs coated in a sweet and savory Korean BBQ glaze, paired with a creamy spicy mayo — perfect for parties, game days, or a flavor-packed family dinner.

When I first made these Korean BBQ meatballs for my family, they quickly became a requested favorite for gatherings. I love how the glaze packs on flavor, and the spicy mayo dip always disappears fast!

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Ingredients

  • Ground beef (or mix of beef and pork): 1 lb (450 g)
  • Panko breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
  • Large egg: 1
  • Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
  • Ginger, grated: 1-inch piece
  • Soy sauce: 2 tbsp for meatballs, 1/4 cup for glaze
  • Gochujang (Korean chili paste): 1 tbsp for meatballs, 1 tbsp for glaze, 1 tbsp for dip
  • Brown sugar: 1 tbsp for meatballs, or 2 tbsp honey/brown sugar for glaze
  • Sesame oil: 1 tbsp for meatballs, 1 tbsp for glaze
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Green onions, finely chopped: 2 for meatballs, extra for garnish
  • Rice vinegar: 1 tbsp for glaze
  • Garlic, minced: 1 tsp for glaze
  • Ginger, minced: 1 tsp for glaze
  • Cornstarch slurry: 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water for glaze
  • Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup for dip
  • Lime juice: 1 tbsp for dip
  • Honey: 1 tsp for dip
  • Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp for dip
  • Sesame seeds: for garnish
  • Chopped green onions: for garnish

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Instructions

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Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and green onions. Mix gently until just combined.
Shape the Meatballs:
Form mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Cook the Meatballs:
Pan-frying: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 10 to 12 minutes. Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake meatballs for 18 to 20 minutes. Air fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Make the Korean BBQ Glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
Coat the Meatballs:
Toss cooked meatballs in warm glaze until fully coated.
Make the Spicy Mayo Dip:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, gochujang, lime juice, honey, and garlic powder until smooth.
Garnish and Serve:
Transfer glazed meatballs to a serving plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and serve with spicy mayo dip.
Tender meatballs in sweet Korean BBQ sauce, served with creamy spicy mayo.  Save
Tender meatballs in sweet Korean BBQ sauce, served with creamy spicy mayo. | freshyforks.com
Tender meatballs in sweet Korean BBQ sauce, served with creamy spicy mayo.  Save
Tender meatballs in sweet Korean BBQ sauce, served with creamy spicy mayo. | freshyforks.com

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Sharing these meatballs at family dinners always sparks lively conversation and second helpings. My kids love helping coat them in the sticky glaze before serving!

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, whisk, skillet, oven or air fryer, saucepan, measuring cups and spoons.

Allergen Information

Contains soy (soy sauce, gochujang), eggs, gluten (panko breadcrumbs, soy sauce). For gluten-free: Use gluten-free panko and tamari.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 410 per serving. Total Fat: 28 g. Carbohydrates: 18 g. Protein: 24 g.

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Flavor-packed Korean BBQ meatballs drizzled in glaze, perfect for your next party. Save
Flavor-packed Korean BBQ meatballs drizzled in glaze, perfect for your next party. | freshyforks.com
Flavor-packed Korean BBQ meatballs drizzled in glaze, perfect for your next party. Save
Flavor-packed Korean BBQ meatballs drizzled in glaze, perfect for your next party. | freshyforks.com

Enjoy these Korean BBQ meatballs fresh, garnished and ready for dipping! They're even delicious the next day for lunch.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How spicy are these meatballs?

The spice level comes mainly from gochujang. Adjust the quantity to your heat preference for mild or extra spicy flavors.

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well and results in a lighter version, while keeping the same savory glaze.

What can I serve alongside these meatballs?

They're fantastic with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, or as finger food on a platter with extra spicy mayo dip.

How do I make these gluten-free?

Replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko and swap soy sauce for tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

Is baking, air frying, or pan-frying best?

All methods work! Baking yields easy, even cooking, air frying crisps up the outside, and pan-frying offers a classic sear.

Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep and refrigerate the mixture, or cook and reheat as needed. The glaze stays glossy upon reheating.

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Korean BBQ Meatballs Spicy Mayo

Tender meatballs in Korean BBQ glaze with spicy mayo dip, ideal for appetizers or main dishes.

Prep time
20 minutes
Time to cook
20 minutes
Time required
40 minutes
Recipe by Freshyforks Lena Brooks


Skill level Medium

Cuisine Korean Fusion

Portions 4 Number of servings

Diet Details None specified

What You'll Need

Meatballs

01 1 lb ground beef or a blend of beef and pork
02 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 1 large egg
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 1-inch piece ginger, grated
06 2 tablespoons soy sauce
07 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
08 1 tablespoon brown sugar
09 1 tablespoon sesame oil
10 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 2 green onions, finely chopped

Korean BBQ Glaze

01 1/4 cup soy sauce
02 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
03 1 tablespoon gochujang
04 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
05 1 tablespoon sesame oil
06 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
07 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
08 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Spicy Mayo Dip

01 1/2 cup mayonnaise
02 1 tablespoon gochujang
03 1 tablespoon lime juice
04 1 teaspoon honey
05 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Garnish

01 Sesame seeds
02 Chopped green onions

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Meatball Mixture: Combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, salt, black pepper, and green onions in a large mixing bowl. Mix gently until evenly incorporated.

Step 02

Shape Meatballs: Divide and shape mixture into uniform balls, each about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

Step 03

Cook Meatballs: Pan-frying: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs, turning until browned and cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Baking option: Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange meatballs on a baking tray and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Air fryer: Preheat to 375°F and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Step 04

Prepare Korean BBQ Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Simmer over low heat. Add cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened.

Step 05

Coat Meatballs: Transfer cooked meatballs to a bowl. Pour warm glaze over and toss until thoroughly coated.

Step 06

Prepare Spicy Mayo Dip: Whisk together mayonnaise, gochujang, lime juice, honey, and garlic powder in a small bowl until emulsified and smooth.

Step 07

Finish and Serve: Arrange glazed meatballs on a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve with spicy mayo dip.

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Tools Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Skillet, oven, or air fryer
  • Saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy info

Review ingredients for allergens. Reach out to medical experts if you're not sure.
  • Contains soy (soy sauce, gochujang), eggs, gluten (panko, soy sauce). Use gluten-free panko and tamari for a gluten-free variation.

Nutritional breakdown (each serving)

This nutritional data guides only—don't treat as medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 410
  • Lipids: 28 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 18 grams
  • Proteins: 24 grams

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