The Best Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

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Savory, juicy, and laced with sweet-and-spicy flavor, these Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are pure crowd-pleasers. They combine the bold umami of Korean BBQ sauce with a creamy, slightly tangy dip that adds the perfect kick. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, party snack, or weeknight dinner, these meatballs are unforgettable.

Each bite is a little explosion of caramelized edges and tender interior, brushed in a sticky glaze and finished with chopped chives for freshness. The spicy mayo drizzle is optional but highly encouraged. It balances out the richness with a creamy zing that ties it all together.

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What Kind of Ground Meat Should I Use?

These meatballs are super flexible. You can use ground beef, pork, or even a 50/50 mix for extra depth of flavor. Beef gives you classic meatball richness, while pork adds a little sweetness and tenderness. If you want a leaner option, ground chicken or turkey works well too—just be sure to include a binder and a little fat to prevent dryness.

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Ingredients for the Korean BBQ Meatballs

Ground Beef or Pork
The base of your meatballs—choose beef for richness or pork for a sweeter flavor. A mix of both adds complexity.

Panko Breadcrumbs
These give the meatballs structure and keep them moist inside.

Egg
Acts as a binder to hold everything together.

Soy Sauce
Adds saltiness and depth.

Gochujang
Korean chili paste brings that iconic spicy-sweet-umami punch.

Garlic & Ginger
Freshly grated or minced for bold aromatic notes.

Sesame Oil
Adds a nutty, toasted flavor typical in Korean cuisine.

Brown Sugar
Balances the spice and adds that classic BBQ sweetness.

Chopped Chives or Green Onions
For a pop of freshness and garnish.

Spicy Mayo Dip (Optional but addictive!)
Made with mayo, a little gochujang, and a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy-spicy drizzle.

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How To Make the Korean BBQ Meatballs

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground meat with panko breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, gochujang, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly but gently—you want it uniform, not overworked.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. A cookie scoop can help keep them evenly sized. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake or Pan-Fry

You can bake the meatballs at 400°F for 18-20 minutes or pan-fry them in a bit of oil until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Either method works beautifully.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Mayo Dip

While the meatballs cook, stir together mayo, a small spoonful of gochujang, and a splash of rice vinegar in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the spice level to your liking.

Step 5: Drizzle and Serve

Once the meatballs are cooked, drizzle with the spicy mayo or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions.

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How to Serve and Store These Meatballs

These Korean BBQ meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them over steamed rice or noodles, alongside a crisp cucumber salad, or skewer them with toothpicks for a party-ready appetizer. They pair beautifully with lightly pickled veggies or sesame slaw to cut through the richness.

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked meatballs (without the mayo dip) for up to 2 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy are these meatballs?

The spice level is moderate, thanks to the gochujang. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less to the meat mixture and the dip.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep and shape the meatballs up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Cook right before serving for best results.

Is the spicy mayo necessary?

Not at all—but it adds so much flavor. If you’re sensitive to spice, leave out the gochujang and make a simple mayo + lemon dip instead.

Can I use store-bought Korean BBQ sauce?

Yes, you can skip some of the ingredients and use a good-quality Korean BBQ sauce to bind the meatballs. Just watch the sugar content so they don’t burn during cooking.

What should I serve these with?

Steamed jasmine rice, sesame noodles, or roasted broccoli all make excellent sides. For appetizers, try skewering them with thinly sliced cucumber ribbons.

How do I freeze these meatballs?

Let the cooked meatballs cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. Thaw and reheat as needed.

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Want More Dinner Ideas with Bold Flavor?

If you love these Korean BBQ Meatballs, you might want to explore more dinner recipes that balance comfort and creativity:

• Try the Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a silky, savory indulgence.
• The Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet offers one-pan ease with big flavor.
• Craving more spice? The One Skillet Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta hits the spot.
• Or go with something quick and cozy like Garlic Chicken Lo Mein.
• Looking for something hearty? Check out the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for beef, pork, or a mix? Did you spice up the mayo even more?

I love seeing your variations and ideas. Got questions or swaps to share? Let’s inspire each other.

🔗 Find more easy and flavor-packed dishes on my Pinterest Life with Nina.

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