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Easy Korean BBQ Meatballs

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Easy Korean BBQ Meatballs are juicy, tender meatballs coated in a sweet, savory, and mildly spicy Korean-style BBQ sauce. Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack, they’re full of bold flavor and super versatile.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings (about 20–24 meatballs)
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Optional: sliced green onions for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, panko breadcrumbs, and egg until just combined.
  3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and browned.
  5. While the meatballs bake, make the sauce: whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan over medium heat.
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook until thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
  7. Once meatballs are cooked, toss them in the sauce until evenly coated.
  8. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

  • To make ahead, prepare meatballs and refrigerate uncooked until ready to bake.
  • Freeze baked meatballs and reheat when needed for a quick meal.
  • Adjust the heat level by adding more or less gochujang or chili flakes.
  • Serve over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for variety.
  • Make it gluten-free with tamari and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/easy-korean-bbq-meatballs/