Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever tasted a dish that perfectly balances spice and sweetness? Easy Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo – The Ultimate Sweet & Spicy Appetizer! offer just that. Imagine juicy meatballs infused with aromatic spices, glazed in a sweet and tangy sauce, and topped with a creamy, spicy mayo. This dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also brings vibrant colors to your table.
These delightful meatballs are perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to lively gatherings with friends. You can serve them as an appetizer or pair them with rice for a satisfying meal. With their bold flavors and enticing aromas, they will undoubtedly wow your guests. So gear up for an amazing cooking experience filled with deliciousness!
Key Ingredients For Easy Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo – The Ultimate Sweet & Spicy Appetizer!
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for the best texture and flavor while keeping the meatballs moist.
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Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a mild onion flavor and vibrant color; chop them finely for even distribution.
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Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the flavor profile; use fresh garlic for a more robust taste.
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Breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs to bind the meat mixture together while maintaining moisture.
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Egg: An egg acts as a binder to keep the meatballs intact during cooking.
For the Sauce:
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Ketchup: A base for your sauce, ketchup adds sweetness and tang; opt for organic for better flavor.
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Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is ideal to control salt levels while adding umami richness.
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Brown Sugar: This sweet component balances out the savory notes of the sauce perfectly.
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Gochujang: This Korean chili paste provides heat and depth; adjust according to your spice preference.
For the Spicy Mayo:
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Mayonnaise: Use good quality mayonnaise as the base for a creamy texture; consider using Japanese mayo for added richness.
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Sriracha Sauce: This hot sauce brings heat and flavor; adjust it based on how spicy you want your mayo.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions For Easy Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo – The Ultimate Sweet & Spicy Appetizer!
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Second Step: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped green onions, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix everything together until well combined but do not overmix.
Third Step: Form Meatballs
With wet hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs about one inch in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Fourth Step: Bake Meatballs
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F (70°C).
Fifth Step: Make the Sauce
While meatballs are baking, whisk together ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, and gochujang in a medium bowl until smooth.
Sixth Step: Prepare Spicy Mayo
In another bowl, mix mayonnaise and sriracha sauce until well combined. Adjust spice levels according to your preference.
Final Step: Glaze and Serve
Once baked, remove meatballs from the oven and toss them in the sauce until well coated. Transfer to serving plates and drizzle with spicy mayo for an extra kick. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients will enhance the overall flavor of your meatballs.
- Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to adjust gochujang in the sauce or sriracha in the mayo based on your heat preference.
- Add Variety: Experiment by adding vegetables like grated carrots or bell peppers into the meatball mixture for added nutrition.
Cooking Instructions
To prepare Easy Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo – The Ultimate Sweet & Spicy Appetizer!, follow these straightforward steps. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Next, form small meatballs using your hands, about one inch in size. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. While the meatballs are baking, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a separate bowl to create the spicy mayo dipping sauce.
Once the meatballs are ready, let them cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with spicy mayo and sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for added flavor and presentation.
Serving Suggestions
These Easy Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo – The Ultimate Sweet & Spicy Appetizer! can be served in various delightful ways. Consider pairing them with:
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Steamed rice: A perfect base that absorbs the flavors of the sweet and spicy sauce.
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Sushi rolls: Add these meatballs inside sushi rolls to create a fusion dish that everyone will love.
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Fresh vegetables: Serve alongside cucumber slices or carrot sticks for a crunchy contrast.
Storage Tips
For those who want to enjoy Easy Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo – The Ultimate Sweet & Spicy Appetizer! later, proper storage is key. Allow the meatballs to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.
To reheat frozen meatballs, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This method ensures they retain their juiciness while heating through.
Presentation Ideas
This Easy Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo – The Ultimate Sweet & Spicy Appetizer! is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
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A decorative platter: Arrange the meatballs on a beautiful serving dish garnished with fresh herbs.
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Dipping bowls: Serve individual bowls of spicy mayo next to each guest for convenience.
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Cocktail skewers: Thread each meatball on a skewer for easy grabbing during parties.
FAQs
What types of meat can I use for these Easy Korean BBQ Meatballs?
You can use various types of ground meats such as beef, pork, chicken, or turkey for your Easy Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo – The Ultimate Sweet & Spicy Appetizer!. Each type brings its unique flavor profile. For instance, beef may provide a richer taste while chicken offers a lighter option. Mixing different meats can also enhance the flavor complexity of your dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! To make Easy Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo gluten-free, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers. Additionally, ensure that your soy sauce is gluten-free or opt for tamari as an alternative. These adjustments maintain flavor while catering to dietary needs.
How do I adjust the spice level in the spicy mayo?
Adjusting the spice level in your spicy mayo is simple! If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of sriracha or mix in more mayonnaise. On the other hand, if you crave extra heat, add more sriracha or even a dash of cayenne pepper. Experiment until you find your perfect balance!
Can I prepare these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare Easy Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo – The Ultimate Sweet & Spicy Appetizer! ahead of time by mixing all ingredients and forming the meatballs. Store them in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to bake or freeze them for later use. Just remember to adjust cooking times if they are frozen!
Easy Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Savor the perfect blend of spice and sweetness with these Easy Korean BBQ Meatballs topped with a creamy spicy mayo. Juicy, flavorful meatballs are baked to perfection, then glazed in a tangy sauce that will delight your taste buds. Ideal as an appetizer or served over rice, this dish is sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp gochujang (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, green onions, minced garlic, and egg until combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs (about one inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach at least 160°F or 70°C).
- While baking, whisk together ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, and gochujang in a medium bowl.
- In another bowl, mix mayonnaise and sriracha until combined.
- Once meatballs are done baking, toss them in the sauce until well coated and serve drizzled with spicy mayo.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (approx. 120g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
