Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe

Few things are as crowd-pleasing as a platter piled high with juicy, flavorful Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip. Imagine tender, savory bites of perfectly seasoned meat, brushed with classic Korean flavors, alongside a creamy and fiery mayo dip that ties it all together. This recipe offers everything you crave—sweet, salty, and umami notes balanced with a little kick—wrapped into a party-perfect snack or a weeknight dinner hero. Whether you’re serving friends or treating yourself, these meatballs taste as good as they look!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are all about simplicity with impact—every ingredient here adds its own unique flair, building layers of flavor and texture. The components are easy to find, but together, they make each bite unforgettable.

• Ground beef (or ground turkey): The hearty base for our meatballs, bringing juiciness and a satisfying bite.
• Breadcrumbs: Essential for binding and keeping the meatballs soft and light rather than dense.
• Green onions, finely chopped: Add color, freshness, and just the right amount of bite.
• Garlic, minced: For an underlying savory warmth that’s unmistakably good.
• Ginger, grated: Invigorates the mix with its zesty, slightly spicy brightness.
• Soy sauce: The secret to deep, umami-rich flavor with that signature Korean BBQ taste.
• Sesame oil: Provides nuttiness and an aromatic depth that sets these meatballs apart.
• Egg: Helps everything stick together while adding tenderness.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple but crucial for bringing everything into balance.
• Brown sugar (optional): A hint of sweetness rounds out the bold flavors.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy and rich, setting the perfect base for the spicy dip.
• Sriracha (or more, to taste): For a spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
• Lemon juice: A burst of acidity lifts and brightens the dip.
• Soy sauce (for dip): Echoes the flavors in the meatballs, making the dip deeply savory.
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish): Totally optional but definitely recommended for texture and a pop of color.

How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Get things rolling by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). For easy cleanup and no-stress serving, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little bit of prep means your meatballs will cook evenly and you’ll spend less time scrubbing pans later.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss together your ground meat of choice, breadcrumbs, finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, egg, and a touch of salt and pepper. If you like things a little sweet, now’s the time for that sprinkle of brown sugar! Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to gently mix everything until just combined—avoid overworking for the most tender meatballs.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Using your hands, scoop and roll the mixture into small balls about an inch across. Placing them spaced out on your prepared baking sheet helps them brown beautifully and cook evenly. This is the perfect job for getting the family involved—or just enjoying the tactile fun yourself!

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for golden, glistening meatballs with a savory aroma filling your kitchen. Give them a peek around the 20-minute mark; they should be fully cooked through and wonderfully juicy.

Step 5: Prepare the Spicy Mayo Dip

While the meatballs are working their magic in the oven, whip up the spicy mayo dip. Stir together mayonnaise, Sriracha, lemon juice, and soy sauce in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the Sriracha if you’re feeling bold! This dip is the powerhouse that transforms these Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip from great to seriously crave-worthy.

Step 6: Garnish the Dip

To take your dip up a notch, sprinkle on some sesame seeds and extra chopped green onions. Not only does this make your presentation pop, but it also adds a little crunch and a fresh bite that perfectly complements the meatballs.

Step 7: Serve

Once the meatballs are looking golden and irresistible, let them cool for a few minutes. Arrange them on a platter and serve them up alongside your vibrant spicy mayo dip. This moment is honestly the best—get ready for everyone to dive in!

How to Serve Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Garnishes

A simple flourish of toasted sesame seeds and some extra sliced green onions sprinkled over both the meatballs and dip adds instant party vibes. These easy garnishes amp up flavor, add crunch, and make your platter look as irresistible as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair your Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip with steamed jasmine rice, pickled veggies, or a lightly dressed cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal. These sides are cool and refreshing, letting the bold flavors of the meatballs really shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, skewer a meatball and a chunk of cucumber on cocktail picks, or serve mini sliders with one meatball atop a toasted bun and a smear of spicy mayo. Want to go bold? Nestle them in lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld twist that wows a crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Store the dip and meatballs separately so the flavors stay bright and the texture stays just right.

Freezing

Both the uncooked and cooked meatballs freeze beautifully. Lay them out on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid. The spicy mayo dip, however, is best made fresh for optimal texture.

Reheating

To reheat, arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave will do, but take care not to dry them out.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs with ground chicken or pork?

Absolutely! Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip work wonderfully with ground chicken or pork—just be sure to adjust the cook time slightly based on the protein, as leaner meats may finish faster.

Do I have to use breadcrumbs, or can I substitute something else?

Feel free to swap in panko, crushed crackers, or even cooked rice if that’s what you have on hand. Each option gives the meatballs a slightly different texture, but they’ll still hold together and taste fantastic.

How spicy is the spicy mayo dip?

The heat is totally customizable! Start with the suggested amount of Sriracha, then taste and add more if you want to turn the dial up. The creamy mayo balances the spice so you can go as mild or fiery as you like.

Can I bake the meatballs ahead, then reheat for a party?

Yes, Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are perfect for making ahead. Simply cool, refrigerate, then reheat on a baking sheet before serving to keep them juicy and delicious.

What are some vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?

You can easily adapt this dish by using plant-based ground meat substitutes, or try crumbled tofu and extra breadcrumbs for texture. The seasonings and dip will ensure your vegetarian meatballs are just as crowd-pleasing.

Final Thoughts

There’s something unforgettable about sharing a platter of Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip—every bite is packed with flavor, and the dipping moment makes it fun for everyone. Give this recipe a try and discover just how simple and delicious Korean-inspired cooking can be right in your own kitchen!

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