Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip | Sweet & Savory Asian-Inspired Appetizer

What Are Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip?

Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are a bold, fusion-style dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Korean barbecue into bite-sized form. These juicy meatballs are crafted from seasoned ground meat and baked to perfection, then glazed in a sticky, sweet-savory Korean BBQ sauce that’s rich with umami. The accompanying spicy mayo dip—creamy, tangy, and fiery—adds a cooling contrast and a kick of heat. Whether served as a party appetizer, a meal prep staple, or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish delivers crowd-pleasing flavor with minimal fuss. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, it’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Flavor Profile & Cultural Inspiration

This dish draws heavily from the flavor palette of Korean cuisine, especially bulgogi and street food classics. The meatballs and sauce are infused with umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic, balanced by the sweetness of honey or brown sugar. Gochujang—a fermented chili paste—adds depth and heat, while sriracha in the mayo dip brings a modern, spicy twist. The result is a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and spicy notes that reflect Korea’s culinary tradition of layering flavors. Inspired by the communal and festive nature of Korean barbecue, these meatballs offer a portable, easy-to-make version of beloved flavors, perfect for sharing and snacking.

Ingredient Overview

Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or chicken/pork)
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Korean BBQ Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp gochujang
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spicy Mayo Dip:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sriracha
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp rice vinegar

Garnish:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

These ingredients combine to create a flavorful, balanced dish that’s easy to prepare and customize. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari for a GF version, or swap proteins to suit your taste.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Mix Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender. Shape into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.

Make BBQ Sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, gochujang, ginger, and garlic in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Make Spicy Mayo: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until smooth and creamy. Adjust sriracha to your preferred spice level.

Toss & Garnish: Once baked, toss the meatballs in the warm BBQ sauce until evenly coated. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Serve: Serve hot with the spicy mayo dip on the side. These meatballs pair well with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps for a complete meal.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

To keep meatballs tender, mix ingredients gently and avoid compacting the mixture. Gochujang is key for authentic Korean flavor—don’t skip it. Baking the meatballs is cleaner and healthier than frying, with no sacrifice in taste. For the spicy mayo, start with less sriracha and add more to suit your heat preference. You can also make the meatballs ahead and freeze them—just reheat and glaze when ready to serve.

Nutritional Snapshot

Each serving (4–5 meatballs with dip) contains approximately 350–400 calories. The dish is high in protein, moderate in fat, and relatively low in carbohydrates. To make it gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with a GF alternative and use tamari instead of soy sauce. It’s naturally dairy-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs. For a lighter version, use lean ground meat and low-fat mayo. This dish offers a satisfying balance of flavor and nutrition, ideal for both indulgent snacking and mindful eating.