Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

You know those recipes that disappear from the platter before you can even blink? That’s exactly what happens with these Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip in my house. I first made them for a game night years ago, and now my friends won’t let me show up without them! The secret? Super tender meatballs packed with garlic, ginger, and that irresistible Korean BBQ flavor, all dunked into a creamy, spicy mayo dip that’s got just the right kick. Trust me, once you taste that perfect combo of savory-sweet meatballs and tangy heat from the dip, you’ll understand why these became my go-to party trick (and weeknight dinner lifesaver).

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

Let me count the ways these little flavor bombs will steal your heart (and probably your appetite):

• They’re unbelievably tender – that perfect balance of juicy beef with just enough breadcrumbs to hold together without getting dense
• The sweet-savory Korean BBQ flavors will have you sneaking bites straight from the baking sheet
• Ready in just 35 minutes – I’ve made these after work more times than I can count
• That spicy mayo dip takes 30 seconds to whip up but tastes like something from your favorite Korean restaurant
• Equally at home as a party appetizer or served over rice for dinner

Ingredients for Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Okay, let’s get our ingredients lined up – this is where the magic starts! I like to separate everything into two neat piles: one for the meatballs, one for the dip. Makes life so much easier when you’re in the cooking zone. Pro tip: measure everything first (mise en place, baby!) so you’re not scrambling mid-mix.

For the Meatballs

• 500g ground beef (go for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio – trust me, that bit of fat keeps them juicy)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko both work great here)
• 1 large egg (our binding agent – gives that perfect tender structure)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best – none of that jarred stuff!)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (use regular or low-sodium, whatever you’ve got)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar, packed (yes, pack it in there – we want that caramel sweetness)
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (I keep nubs in the freezer for moments like this)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if you’re feeling fancy)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (the aromatic hero of Korean cooking)
• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped (both white and green parts)

For the Spicy Mayo Dip

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (Kewpie mayo if you want to go extra authentic)
• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste – adjust this up or down for your heat preference)
• 1 tsp rice vinegar (that tangy balance is everything)

See? Nothing too crazy – just simple, punchy ingredients that come together in the most delicious way. Now let’s get mixing!

Equipment You’ll Need for Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Gather just a few trusty kitchen tools – nothing fancy required! You’ll need a large mixing bowl for the meatball mixture (I always grab my biggest one – things get messy!), a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (easy cleanup is my love language), and basic measuring spoons. A meatball scoop or small cookie scoop makes portioning a breeze, but honestly, your clean hands work just as well if you don’t have one.

These Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs are packed with flavor—juicy, savory, and perfectly glazed with a touch of sweetness. Pair them with the creamy spicy mayo dip, and you’ve got the ultimate appetizer or dinner idea. If you love unique meatball recipes, you should also try these Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce—a bright, Mediterranean twist that’s just as irresistible.

How to Make Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Alright, let’s get these beauties cooking! I promise the process is as easy as the results are delicious. Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfect meatballs every single time.

Preparing the Meatball Mixture

First things first – preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, let’s mix our magic. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, black pepper, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Here’s my golden rule: mix just until everything comes together. Overworking the meat makes tough meatballs, and we want tender little clouds of joy! I use a fork or my hands (clean, of course) to gently fold everything together – you’ll know it’s ready when you don’t see any big streaks of unmixed ingredients.

Shaping and Baking the Meatballs

Now for the fun part – shaping! Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture per meatball (I eyeball it to roughly ping pong ball size). Roll gently between your palms – no need to pack them tight. Place them about an inch apart on your lined baking sheet. Into the oven they go for about 20 minutes – you’ll know they’re done when they’re beautifully browned and the juices run clear. Pro tip: give the pan a little shake halfway through to ensure even browning!

Making the Spicy Mayo Dip

While those beauties bake, let’s make that addictive dip. Simply whisk together the mayonnaise, gochujang, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust – want more heat? Add another 1/2 tsp gochujang. Too spicy? A drizzle of honey balances it out perfectly. Takes literally 30 seconds but tastes like you spent hours on it!

Tips for Perfect Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

After making these dozens of times (and eating way too many “test” batches), here are my foolproof secrets for meatball greatness:

• Hands off the meat! Overmixing makes tough meatballs – gently fold until just combined, then walk away.
• If your mixture feels sticky, chill it for 15 minutes – colder meat holds shape better when rolling.
• Can’t find gochujang? Mix 1 tsp sriracha + 1/2 tsp honey into mayo for a quick spicy-sweet alternative.
• For extra tender bites, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes before adding to the mix.
• Always bake a test meatball first – adjust seasoning if needed before rolling the whole batch.

One last tip? Make double the dip – you’ll thank me when you start dunking everything in sight!

Serving Suggestions for Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Oh, the possibilities with these little flavor bombs! My absolute favorite way? Piled high over a bowl of steamed jasmine rice with extra dip drizzled on top – instant meal magic. For parties, stick them with toothpicks and watch them disappear (I always make extras because people go wild for them). Feeling fancy? Serve them in crisp lettuce cups with quick-pickled veggies for that perfect crunch. Don’t forget the finishing touches – a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions makes them look as gorgeous as they taste. Trust me, no matter how you serve them, that plate will be clean in minutes!

Storing and Reheating Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Here’s how to keep those meatballs tasting fresh days later (if they last that long!). Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days – but keep the spicy mayo dip separate in its own little jar. When reheating, I swear by the oven method: 5-7 minutes at 350°F brings back that crispy exterior. In a pinch, 30-45 seconds in the microwave works too – just don’t tell my grandma I admitted that! The dip? Give it a quick stir before serving to bring back its creamy perfection.

Want more viral meatball ideas and party-ready recipes? Follow us on Pinterest where we share daily inspiration, trending comfort foods, and easy recipes to wow your guests!

Nutritional Information for Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Each serving (about 4 meatballs with dip) packs roughly 280 calories – with 18g fat (that good, flavorful kind!), 20g protein to keep you satisfied, and 10g carbs. Of course, these numbers might dance around a bit depending on your exact ingredients (I’m looking at you, extra-generous mayo pourers!). But overall, it’s a tasty balance that won’t leave you feeling weighed down. Perfect for when you want something indulgent that still fits into real life!

Frequently Asked Questions About Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

I’ve gotten so many questions from friends (and their friends’ friends!) about these meatballs that I figured I’d answer the most common ones right here. Save yourself some frantic texts from the grocery store aisle!

Got more questions? Slide into my DMs anytime – I could talk about these meatballs all day!

Share Your Tender Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Did you make these meatballs? I want to see your kitchen wins! Snap a pic and tag me on Instagram – nothing makes me happier than seeing your spin on this recipe. Drop a comment below too – did you add extra gochujang? Try them with chicken? Spill all your tasty secrets!

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