Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Introduction

What happens when you take the sweet, savory magic of Korean BBQ and wrap it into bite-sized meatballs with a creamy, spicy dipping sauce? You get Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip—a fusion favorite that’s fast, flavorful, and downright addictive.

Recent food trend data shows that Korean-inspired flavors, especially gochujang, have seen a 20% rise in global recipe searches over the past year. If you’ve been craving a way to bring restaurant-quality Korean fusion home, this is your delicious answer.


Ingredients List

For the Korean BBQ Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground pork (or a mix)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Spicy Mayo Dip:

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1–2 tbsp sriracha or gochujang (to taste)
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Optional Garnish:

  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions
  • Extra drizzle of gochujang or soy glaze

Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

That’s 25% faster than the average appetizer prep time, with way more flavor payoff!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and prep

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Mix the meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, garlic, ginger, breadcrumbs, green onions, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang, honey, and black pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it!

Step 3: Form and bake

Scoop and roll into 1.5-inch meatballs (about 20 total). Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

Step 4: Make the spicy mayo dip

While the meatballs are baking, whisk together mayo, sriracha (or gochujang), rice vinegar, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Adjust heat to taste.

Step 5: Serve and garnish

Arrange meatballs on a platter, drizzle or dip with spicy mayo, and garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions if desired.


Tips

  • Want extra char? Broil meatballs for the last 2 minutes.
  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
  • Double the batch and freeze extras—they reheat beautifully!

Nutrition (Per Serving – Makes 4)

NutrientAmount
Calories~380
Protein22g
Carbs10g
Fat28g
Fiber1g
Sodium~720mg

Want it lighter? Use lean turkey and Greek yogurt-based mayo.


Healthier Alternatives

  • Meat Swap: Try ground turkey or chicken for leaner protein.
  • Lower Sugar: Use coconut aminos or monk fruit sweetener in place of honey.
  • Dip Light: Swap regular mayo for low-fat or Greek yogurt-based mayo.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve as an appetizer for parties or game day.
  • Make it a meal with jasmine rice, kimchi, or lettuce wraps.
  • Try them in a rice bowl or slider buns for a modern Korean street-food twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overmixing the meat makes the texture dense—mix gently.
  • Skipping the glaze or dip cuts the flavor short—don’t do it!
  • Undercooking or overbaking can affect moisture. Use a thermometer if needed (160°F internal temp for beef).

Storing Tips

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze raw or cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.

Conclusion

Whether you’re hosting friends or meal-prepping something flavorful for the week, these Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip bring bold flavors, easy prep, and serious crowd-pleasing power. Sweet, spicy, and savory—what more could you want?

Tried the recipe? Comment below, leave a rating, or tag us on Instagram with your creations! Want more quick Asian-inspired meals? Subscribe to our newsletter!


FAQs

Can I use store-bought meatballs with this dip?
Absolutely. Just heat them up and pair with the spicy mayo for a shortcut version.

What can I use if I don’t have gochujang?
Mix equal parts sriracha and miso paste, or use chili garlic sauce as a substitute.

Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs.