Meatballs & Meatloaf

Korean BBQ Meatballs

Name: Korean BBQ Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon Korean chili flakes (gochugaru); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon gochujang; 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

By Theo Blackwood · June 19, 2026 · Meatballs & Meatloaf

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I tried Korean BBQ meatballs at a friend's dinner party. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors had me hooked from the very first bite. Since then, I've been experimenting with different recipes to recreate that magical taste at home. After numerous trials and errors, I'm excited to share my version of Korean BBQ meatballs that are not only mouth-watering but also easy to make.

What I love about this recipe is its simplicity and flexibility. You can serve the meatballs as an appetizer, add them to your favorite noodle dishes, or enjoy them as a main course with a side of steamed vegetables. The best part? You can make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick and delicious meal whenever you need it.

So, what makes these Korean BBQ meatballs so special? For starters, we're using a combination of ground beef and pork to give the meatballs a tender and juicy texture. We're also adding a blend of Korean chili flakes (gochugaru), soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic to give the meatballs a depth of flavor that's both spicy and sweet.

Whether you're a fan of Korean cuisine or just looking for a new recipe to try, I hope you'll enjoy these Korean BBQ meatballs as much as I do. So, let's get started and make some delicious meatballs!

In this recipe, we'll be covering the basics of making Korean BBQ meatballs from scratch, including the ingredients, equipment, and step-by-step instructions. We'll also be discussing some tips and variations to help you customize the recipe to your taste preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Korean BBQ meatballs are easy to make and require minimal ingredients.
They're perfect for a quick and delicious meal or as an appetizer for a party.
The meatballs are tender and juicy, with a depth of flavor that's both spicy and sweet.
The recipe is flexible and can be customized to your taste preferences.
The meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for later use.
They're a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with ingredients you likely have on hand.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Korean BBQ meatballs is to balance the flavors and textures. By using a combination of ground beef and pork, we're able to achieve a tender and juicy texture that's perfect for biting into. The addition of Korean chili flakes, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic gives the meatballs a depth of flavor that's both spicy and sweet.

Another important factor is the cooking method. By baking the meatballs in the oven, we're able to cook them evenly and prevent them from becoming too greasy. This method also helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the meatballs, making them more tender and delicious.

Finally, the sauce is what brings everything together. By using a combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and gochujang, we're able to create a sweet and spicy sauce that complements the meatballs perfectly. The sauce is also easy to make and can be adjusted to your taste preferences, making it a great addition to the recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delicious Korean BBQ meatballs, you'll need a few basic ingredients. The key players in this recipe are ground beef, pork, Korean chili flakes, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and gochujang. You'll also need some pantry staples like salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Don't worry if you can't find some of these ingredients at your local grocery store - you can easily substitute them with similar alternatives or find them at an Asian market.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality ground beef and pork. You'll also want to select a good-quality soy sauce and gochujang, as these will give the meatballs a rich and depthful flavor. If you're having trouble finding Korean chili flakes, you can substitute them with a similar type of hot pepper flakes or adjust the amount to your taste preferences.

1 lb (450g) ground beefChoose a high-quality ground beef with a good fat content to ensure the meatballs are juicy and flavorful.
1/2 lb (225g) ground porkGround pork adds a tender and moist texture to the meatballs, making them more enjoyable to eat.
2 tablespoons soy sauceSoy sauce is a key ingredient in Korean cuisine, adding a rich and savory flavor to the meatballs.
1 tablespoon brown sugarBrown sugar balances out the heat from the Korean chili flakes and adds a touch of sweetness to the meatballs.
1 teaspoon Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)Korean chili flakes add a spicy and smoky flavor to the meatballs, making them more authentic and delicious.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent flavor to the meatballs, making them more aromatic and appetizing.
1 tablespoon gochujangGochujang is a Korean chili paste that adds a sweet and spicy flavor to the meatballs, making them more authentic and delicious.
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbsPanko breadcrumbs help to bind the meatballs together and add a crunchy texture to the outside.
1 eggThe egg helps to bind the meatballs together and adds moisture to the mixture.
1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnishGreen onions add a fresh and oniony flavor to the meatballs, making them more appealing and delicious.
Salt and pepper, to tasteSeason the meatballs with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the amount to your preferences.
2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is used to cook the meatballs in the oven, adding a rich and savory flavor to the dish.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlMeatball scoop or small ice cream scoopBaking sheet lined with parchment paperOvenInstant-read thermometerSmall saucepanWhisk

How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs

1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, soy sauce, brown sugar, Korean chili flakes, garlic, and gochujang. Mix everything together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
3
Add the panko breadcrumbs and egg to the mixture and mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix the meatballs.
4
Use a meatball scoop or small ice cream scoop to form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 meatballs.
5
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each meatball to allow for even cooking.
6
Drizzle the olive oil over the meatballs and gently roll them around to coat them evenly.
7
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce by whisking together the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and gochujang in a small saucepan. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
9
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully place them in the saucepan with the sauce. Toss the meatballs in the sauce to coat them evenly.
10
Return the meatballs to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they are caramelized and sticky.
11
Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
12
To serve, place the meatballs on a platter or individual plates and drizzle with the remaining sauce. You can also serve them with a side of steamed vegetables, noodles, or rice.

Expert Tips

Make sure to not overmix the meatball mixture, as this can make the meatballs dense and tough.
Use a meatball scoop or small ice cream scoop to form the meatballs, as this will help them to be uniform in size and shape.
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can cause the meatballs to steam instead of brown. Cook them in batches if necessary.
Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will help the juices to redistribute and the meatballs to stay moist.
You can customize the sauce to your taste preferences by adding more or less of any ingredient.
Experiment with different types of protein, such as ground turkey or pork, to create different flavor profiles.
Add some diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, to the meatball mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of chili flakes or hot sauce to adjust the level of heat in the sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the meatball mixture, which can make the meatballs dense and tough.
Not cooking the meatballs to the correct internal temperature, which can make them undercooked or overcooked.
Not letting the meatballs rest before serving, which can make them dry and tough.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the meatballs.
Not adjusting the amount of sauce to the number of meatballs, which can make the dish too saucy or not saucy enough.
Not serving the meatballs hot, which can make them unappetizing and dry.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced kimchi to the meatball mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
Use different types of protein, such as ground turkey or pork, to create different flavor profiles.
Add some grated ginger or garlic to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
Use different types of chili flakes or hot sauce to adjust the level of heat in the sauce.
Add some chopped green onions or cilantro to the sauce for extra freshness and flavor.
Serve the meatballs with a side of steamed vegetables or noodles for a more filling meal.
Use the meatballs in a sub sandwich or wrap for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

What to Serve With Korean BBQ Meatballs

Serve the Korean BBQ meatballs hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a side of steamed vegetables or noodles. You can also serve them as an appetizer or snack, or use them in a sub sandwich or wrap for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

Some other ideas for serving the meatballs include:

Serving them with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables for a spicy and sour kick.

Using them in a stir-fry or noodle dish, such as a Korean-style bibimbap or japchae.

Serving them with a side of rice or noodles, such as a Korean-style fried rice or naengmyeon.

Using them in a soup or stew, such as a Korean-style doenjang jjigae or sundubu jjigae.

Serve with steamed vegetables or noodlesUse in a sub sandwich or wrapServe as an appetizer or snackAdd to a stir-fry or noodle dishUse in a soup or stew

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Korean BBQ meatballs can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store them in the fridge, place the meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below. To freeze them, place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store at 0°F (-18°C) or below.

To reheat the meatballs, simply bake them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a saucepan on the stovetop, adding a little water or sauce to prevent them from drying out.

Some tips for storing and reheating the meatballs include:

Labeling the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of how long they've been stored.

Storing the meatballs in a single layer, so they don't stick together or become misshapen.

Reheating the meatballs to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), to ensure food safety.

Adding a little water or sauce to the meatballs when reheating, to prevent them from drying out.

Serving the meatballs hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a side of steamed vegetables or noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to store the Korean BBQ meatballs?

The best way to store the Korean BBQ meatballs is to place them in an airtight container and refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below for up to 3 days, or freeze at 0°F (-18°C) or below for up to 2 months.

How do I reheat the Korean BBQ meatballs?

To reheat the Korean BBQ meatballs, simply bake them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a saucepan on the stovetop, adding a little water or sauce to prevent them from drying out.

Can I make the Korean BBQ meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Korean BBQ meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer until you're ready to serve them. Simply reheat them according to the instructions above.

What is the internal temperature of the Korean BBQ meatballs when they are cooked?

The internal temperature of the Korean BBQ meatballs should be at least 165°F (74°C) when they are cooked.

Can I use different types of protein in the Korean BBQ meatballs?

Yes, you can use different types of protein, such as ground turkey or pork, to create different flavor profiles. Simply substitute the ground beef with your preferred protein and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

How do I prevent the Korean BBQ meatballs from drying out?

To prevent the Korean BBQ meatballs from drying out, make sure to not overcook them and to add a little water or sauce when reheating. You can also store them in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze them to keep them fresh.

Can I serve the Korean BBQ meatballs as an appetizer or snack?

Yes, you can serve the Korean BBQ meatballs as an appetizer or snack. Simply reheat them according to the instructions above and serve with a side of steamed vegetables or noodles.

What is the best way to customize the Korean BBQ meatballs to my taste preferences?

The best way to customize the Korean BBQ meatballs to your taste preferences is to experiment with different seasonings, sauces, and ingredients. You can add more or less of any ingredient to suit your taste, and you can also try different types of protein or vegetables to create different flavor profiles.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card