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A dark ceramic bowl filled with saucy gochujang meatballs, with chopsticks resting on the side, showcasing an easy weeknight meal.

Korean BBQ Meatballs: An Easy & Irresistible Recipe

These Korean BBQ Meatballs are incredibly easy to make, featuring tender, juicy baked meatballs tossed in a sweet and spicy gochujang glaze. A perfect weeknight dinner ready in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Korean
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 85/15 lean to fat ratio recommended
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 3 green onions thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce low sodium
  • 1/4 cup gochujang Korean chili paste
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce low sodium
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar packed
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil toasted
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Baking Sheet
  • 1 Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. In a large bowl, add the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, sliced green onions, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tsp of grated ginger, and 1 tbsp of soy sauce. Use your hands to gently combine all ingredients, but be careful not to overmix.
  3. Roll the mixture into approximately 1.5-inch meatballs and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
  4. While the meatballs are in the oven, combine the gochujang, 1/4 cup soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, remaining garlic, and remaining ginger in a medium saucepan. Whisk to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes more, until the glaze has thickened.
  6. Remove the meatballs from the oven and carefully add them to the saucepan with the glaze. Gently toss to coat each meatball completely. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

For extra spice, add an additional tablespoon of gochujang to the sauce.
Ensure you do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
Meatballs can be made with ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for beef.