Juicy, flavorful meatballs glazed in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy Korean BBQ sauce — perfect as an appetizer, snack, or served over rice for a full meal.
Author:Emily
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:About 20 meatballs
Category:Appetizer
Method:Baking & Stovetop
Cuisine:Korean Fusion
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 green onions, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the sauce:
1/2 cup Korean BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) — optional for spice
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.
Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until cooked through.
While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together Korean BBQ sauce, gochujang, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Toss the cooked meatballs in the sauce until well coated.
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
You can make the meatballs ahead and freeze them before baking.
For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken.
Adjust spice level by reducing or increasing gochujang.