Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

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Tender, juicy, and glazed with a sticky-sweet Korean BBQ sauce, these meatballs are anything but ordinary. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner, hosting a party, or just looking to upgrade your appetizer game, these Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip deliver a bold fusion of sweet, savory, and spicy in every bite.

The meatballs are pan-seared until golden, then coated in a glaze made from soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and gochujang, a spicy Korean chili paste that adds heat and depth. Paired with a creamy, tangy mayo dip laced with sriracha and sesame oil, these meatballs are addictively delicious and surprisingly easy to make.

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

These meatballs are a flavor explosion in a single bite. The perfect blend of sweet and heat makes them incredibly satisfying. The sauce caramelizes beautifully, giving the meatballs a gorgeous glossy coat. And let’s not forget the spicy mayo dip—creamy, punchy, and the ultimate finishing touch.

They’re also incredibly versatile: serve them as an appetizer, tuck them into lettuce cups for a fun twist, or pile them over rice for a hearty dinner.

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What Kind of Ground Meat Works Best for Korean BBQ Meatballs?

You can use ground beef, pork, chicken, or a blend—each brings its own unique texture and flavor. Ground beef and pork give the juiciest result, while chicken or turkey offers a lighter option. The key is not to overwork the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender and moist.

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Ingredients for the Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role, from building the flavor profile to enhancing the texture.

• Ground meat (beef, pork, or chicken) – This forms the base of your meatballs. A fatty mix like 80/20 beef keeps the texture juicy and tender.
• Panko breadcrumbs – These breadcrumbs keep the meatballs light and help bind them together.
• Egg – Helps bind the meat mixture to prevent crumbling.
• Garlic & ginger – Freshly grated, they bring an aromatic kick that’s essential in Korean cooking.
• Soy sauce – Adds salty umami depth.
• Gochujang (Korean chili paste) – The backbone of that iconic sweet-heat flavor.
• Brown sugar – Balances the heat and adds a sticky caramelized finish.
• Rice vinegar – Introduces a tangy element to balance the richness.
• Sesame oil – For toasty, nutty flavor.
• Green onions – Add freshness and crunch to the dish.

For the Spicy Mayo Dip:

• Mayonnaise – The creamy base for the dip.
• Sriracha – Brings heat to the dip.
• Lime juice – Adds brightness.
• Sesame oil – Enhances depth with its warm aroma.

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How To Make the Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Step 1: Prep the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, panko breadcrumbs, egg, grated garlic and ginger, soy sauce, and green onions. Mix just until combined to avoid tough meatballs.

Step 2: Shape and Cook

Roll the mixture into uniform balls and place them on a tray. Heat oil in a skillet and brown the meatballs on all sides until golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Korean BBQ Sauce

In the same skillet, combine soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer until slightly thickened. Return meatballs to the pan and coat them in the sauce.

Step 4: Whip Up the Spicy Mayo Dip

In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and a dash of sesame oil. Adjust spice level to taste.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Serve warm meatballs with a drizzle of spicy mayo or on the side for dipping. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flair.

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How to Serve and Store Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

This recipe yields around 20 medium-sized meatballs, perfect for feeding 4 to 6 people as an appetizer or main course.

To serve, arrange them warm on a platter with toothpicks and a side of spicy mayo dip for party-ready bites. Or plate them over jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal. For a low-carb option, they pair beautifully with lettuce wraps or cauliflower rice.

To store, refrigerate leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them—just let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop for best results.

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What to Serve With Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

The slightly sticky texture and mild flavor of jasmine rice complement the bold glaze on the meatballs.

Pickled Vegetables

Add some brightness and crunch with quick pickled cucumbers, carrots, or daikon.

Kimchi

This classic Korean fermented dish delivers tang, spice, and gut-healthy benefits.

Garlic Noodles

Simple, buttery noodles tossed in garlic and sesame oil are always a good idea.

Asian Slaw

Crunchy cabbage with a sesame-ginger dressing balances the richness of the meatballs.

Roasted Broccoli or Bok Choy

Add some greens to your plate—these roasted veggies pair wonderfully.

Lettuce Wraps

Scoop the meatballs into lettuce cups, drizzle with spicy mayo, and top with chopped peanuts for a hands-on meal.

Korean Pancakes (Pajeon)

These crispy scallion pancakes add another fun, flavorful bite to your spread.

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Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If you love these Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip, you’ll definitely want to check out these other irresistible appetizers:

• Try the Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs for cheesy, meaty goodness.
• These Easy Veggie Patties are perfect if you’re looking for a meat-free option.
• For something uniquely savory and tangy, explore the Spicy Sailor’s Dip that’s a hit at any gathering.
• Add a seafood twist with these Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna.
• Craving handheld bites? You might love the Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how your meatballs turned out! Did you go with beef, chicken, or pork? Did you tweak the spice level or add your own twist?

I love hearing your variations and tips. Questions welcome too—let’s make these bites even better together.

Explore beautifully curated flavor-packed appetizers and meal inspirations on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for bold, crowd-pleasing bites!

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