Description
These Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs are a flavorful fusion of ground beef and pork combined with traditional Korean ingredients like gochujang and sesame oil. Seared to perfection and finished with a spicy mayo dip, they make a perfect appetizer or main dish that packs a punch of umami and spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp gochujang
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil, plus more for searing
Spicy Mayo Dip
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, minced garlic, grated ginger, gochujang, soy sauce, panko breadcrumbs, egg, and thinly sliced green onions. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form and Chill Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1 to 1.5 inch balls, ensuring even size for consistent cooking. Place the formed meatballs on a tray and chill them in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up, which helps them hold their shape during cooking.
- Sear and Cook Meatballs: Heat a thin layer of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and sear them on all sides until they develop a golden brown crust. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and continue cooking the meatballs for 8–10 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring they are cooked through.
- Make the Spicy Mayo Dip: While the meatballs cook, whisk together mayonnaise, gochujang, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil in a bowl until smooth and well blended.
- Serve: Drizzle the cooked meatballs with the spicy mayo sauce and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve any extra spicy mayo on the side for dipping to enjoy the full flavor.
Notes
- Chilling the meatballs before cooking helps them hold their shape and improves texture.
- You can adjust the amount of gochujang in both the meatballs and the sauce to control spiciness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- These meatballs pair excellently with steamed rice or a fresh Asian-inspired salad.
