Welcome to a fusion of bold flavors and delightful textures with our Korean BBQ Meatballs! This recipe combines the traditional taste of Korean BBQ with the comforting form of meatballs, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or a lively gathering, these meatballs will surely steal the show.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup Korean BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Small saucepan
- Spatula
How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all necessary ingredients and ensure your work area is clean and ready for some culinary magic. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get things started. As the oven heats up, finely chop the green onions and mince the garlic. Measure out the breadcrumbs, sesame oil, soy sauce, and other ingredients, arranging them so you can easily reach them during the process.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, grated ginger, egg, half of the Korean BBQ sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and half of the chopped green onions. Use your hands to mix all the ingredients gently but thoroughly until well incorporated. The mixture should be homogeneous and slightly sticky.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatballs
With the mixture ready, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using an ice cream scooper or your hands, form the meat mixture into 1-inch balls, placing them evenly spaced on the prepared sheet. Once all the meatballs are shaped, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until they’re cooked through and slightly browned on the outside.
Step 4: Prepare the Korean BBQ Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, it’s time to prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining Korean BBQ sauce with the sesame seeds and the rest of the chopped green onions. Stir occasionally and bring the mix to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Coat the Meatballs
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven. While still warm, toss the meatballs in the saucepan containing the Korean BBQ sauce until they’re fully coated in the glaze, absorbing all that rich flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
To serve, transfer the glossy meatballs onto a plate or serving dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and the remaining green onions for color and freshness. Enjoy your Korean BBQ Meatballs as an appetizer or serve them over rice or noodles for a more filling meal.
How to Serve Korean BBQ Meatballs
These meatballs can be served in various ways, depending on your occasion. For a simple appetizer, serve them on skewers at parties, pairing them with a crisp salad for a balanced dish. Alternatively, place them over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or mix with sautéed vegetables for a full meal. The versatility of these meatballs allows them to shine in any context!
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For ultimate success with your Korean BBQ meatballs, ensure the beef mixture is not overworked as this can lead to dense meatballs. Consider adding a teaspoon of chili paste to the sauce for a bit of heat. If desired, swap beef for ground turkey for a lighter option, adjusting cooking times as necessary.
Packed with Power: High Protein Korean BBQ Meatballs
To elevate the protein content of this delicious dish, consider substituting regular ground beef with a leaner mix or ground chicken. For those seeking an even higher protein count, incorporate a small amount of protein powder specifically designed for cooking into the meatball mixture. This ensures you do not miss out on nutrition while delighting in flavor.
Enhancing the protein content facilitates building muscle, essential for active lifestyles, and helps you stay fuller for longer. Serve these meatballs with a side of protein-rich edamame or crispy tofu to make this meal a stellar high-protein choice.
Low-Carb Delight: Korean BBQ Meatballs
For a low-carb version of these irresistible Korean BBQ Meatballs, swap regular breadcrumbs with almond meal or crushed pork rinds. Such substitutions provide a crunchy and delightful texture to the meatballs while keeping them keto-friendly.
Pairing these meatballs with zoodles or cauliflower rice allows you to savor the full flavor experience without worrying about the carb count. This adaptation provides a guilt-free indulgence for those following a low-carb lifestyle.
Storage Instructions
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For extended storage, freeze the meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat them gently in the oven or microwave before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
FAQs
- How can I make these meatballs spicier?
Add a teaspoon of chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick. - Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. - What should I serve with these meatballs?
Pair them with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad. - How do I reheat the meatballs?
Use the microwave or oven to gently reheat, ensuring they remain moist and flavorful. - Can these be made in advance?
Definitely. Prepare and keep them covered in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
Final Thoughts: Share the Goodness of Korean BBQ Meatballs
Our Korean BBQ Meatballs bring a delightful twist to traditional meatballs with their savory-sweet glaze and aromatic spices. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a main dish, they are sure to please the crowd. We invite you to try this recipe and share your experience. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and share this recipe with fellow food enthusiasts!
Korean BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- breadcrumbs
- garlic
- ginger
- egg
- Korean BBQ sauce
- soy sauce
- sesame oil
- green onion
- sesame seeds
Instructions
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare your ingredients.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, garlic, ginger, egg, Korean BBQ sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until cooked through.
- Simmer the remaining BBQ sauce with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Coat baked meatballs in the sauce, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve hot.