Name: Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: For the Meatballs; 1 pound ground beef (or ground pork, chicken, or turkey); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko); 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; For the Korean BBQ Sauce; 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred); 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar); 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste); 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced; 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening); 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)

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If you’re looking for a delicious appetizer or a fun main dish, Korean BBQ Meatballs are a perfect choice! These meatballs are packed with flavor, featuring a blend of savory, sweet, and spicy elements typical of Korean cuisine. They are easy to make and can be served as an appetizer, in a rice bowl, or even in a wrap. Let’s dive into this fantastic recipe!

Ingredients List

To make Korean BBQ Meatballs, gather the following ingredients:

For the Meatballs

1 pound ground beef (or ground pork, chicken, or turkey)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 large egg
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt

For the Korean BBQ Sauce

1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, green onions, minced garlic, minced ginger, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Bake the Meatballs

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.

Step 3: Prepare the Korean BBQ Sauce

Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and add it to the sauce, stirring until thickened (about 1-2 minutes). Remove from heat.

Step 4: Glaze the Meatballs

Coat with Sauce: Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the Korean BBQ sauce over them. Toss gently to coat the meatballs evenly.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish and Serve: Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with additional chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy them on their own, with rice, or in a wrap!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving (assuming 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Total Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	85mg
Sodium	800mg
Total Carbohydrates	30g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	10g
Protein	20g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and measurements.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’d like to make your Korean BBQ Meatballs a bit healthier, consider these modifications:

Lean Meat: Use lean ground beef or turkey to reduce fat content.
Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Reduce Sugar: Cut down on the honey or use a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar option.

Serving Suggestions

These Korean BBQ Meatballs pair wonderfully with various sides:

Steamed Rice: Serve over steamed white or brown rice to soak up the sauce.
Noodles: Toss with noodles for a delicious meal.
Vegetables: Pair with a side of stir-fried or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for when making your Korean BBQ Meatballs:

Overmixing the Meat: Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
Not Checking Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Skipping the Sauce: The sauce is what makes these meatballs special, so don’t skip it!

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your Korean BBQ Meatballs fresh and delicious:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked meatballs for up to three months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

In summary, Korean BBQ Meatballs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their delicious glaze and tender texture, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Try this recipe today and share your thoughts in the comments section below! Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes and updates!

FAQs

1. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them before baking or freeze them for later use.

2. How should I store the leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

3. Can I freeze the cooked meatballs?

Yes! You can freeze the cooked meatballs for up to three months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.