The Best Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

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These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are everything you want in a bite-sized dish: juicy, flavorful, and packing a perfect punch of heat. With a delicious blend of soy, garlic, sesame, and ginger, each meatball bursts with umami and a subtle sweetness, making them totally irresistible. And that creamy, spicy mayo on the side? It pulls everything together with a velvety zing that balances the bold meatballs beautifully.

Whether you’re prepping appetizers for a party, putting together a fun dinner spread, or just looking for a snack that hits all the right notes, these meatballs won’t disappoint. The combination of tender meat and bold Korean-inspired flavors makes this dish a standout. And the best part? They’re super easy to whip up, with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Why You’ll Love This Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

This dish is the ultimate fusion of comfort and bold flavor. The meatballs are baked (or pan-fried if you’re feeling indulgent), which means no mess from deep-frying. The marinade caramelizes beautifully, giving each bite that sticky-sweet BBQ edge. The spicy mayo adds just the right touch of creamy heat, turning this into a dynamic duo you’ll crave again and again.

Plus, they freeze well and make excellent leftovers. So whether you’re making them ahead for meal prep or stashing a batch for surprise guests, they deliver every single time.

What Kind of Ground Meat Should I Use?

You can use any ground meat you like, but a mix of ground beef and pork gives the juiciest, most flavorful results. Beef brings bold richness, while pork adds a slightly sweet, tender texture. If you’re looking to keep it lean, ground turkey or chicken works too—just be sure to add a splash of sesame oil or a little extra egg to keep the mixture moist.

Ingredients for the Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

The key to juicy, flavorful Korean BBQ meatballs lies in a simple blend of pantry staples and a few bold, punchy ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role in creating that perfect bite — savory, sweet, and slightly spicy.

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Garlic
• Fresh ginger
• Green onions
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Brown sugar
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs
• Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• Mayonnaise
• Rice vinegar

Ground beef and ground pork create the flavorful, tender base. Garlic and fresh ginger build a savory-spiced foundation, while green onions add freshness and a slight bite. Soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar mimic classic Korean BBQ marinades, bringing balance between umami, nuttiness, and sweetness. The egg and breadcrumbs bind everything, ensuring the meatballs hold together. For the dip, gochujang, mayonnaise, and a splash of rice vinegar create a creamy, tangy, spicy sauce that makes the whole dish pop.

How To Make the Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork with minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix everything together until just combined. Don’t overwork it — you want tender meatballs, not dense ones.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll the meat mixture into 1.5-inch balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. If you want extra caramelization, broil for the last 2 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Spicy Mayo Dip

While the meatballs are baking, stir together gochujang, mayonnaise, and a splash of rice vinegar in a small bowl. Adjust spice level to your taste.

Step 4: Serve

Serve the hot meatballs with a drizzle or side of spicy mayo. Garnish with more green onions or sesame seeds if you like a little flair.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The flavor of Korean BBQ meatballs comes down to balancing ingredients and cooking with care. One common mistake is overmixing the meat mixture, which can make the meatballs dense instead of tender. Mix until just combined to keep that light, juicy texture. Another slip-up is under-seasoning—since these meatballs are small, they need bold flavor in every bite. Don’t skimp on the garlic, soy, or sesame oil.

Also, be mindful not to overbake them. Even a few extra minutes can dry them out. Use a meat thermometer if needed and pull them out when they hit 165°F (74°C).

How to Serve and Store Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

This recipe feeds about 4 to 6 people, depending on how generously you’re serving. For parties, they’re great served on skewers or toothpicks as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. As a main course, pair them with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps for a filling meal.

Leftovers store beautifully. Let the meatballs cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or give them a quick pan sear for best texture.

What to Serve With Korean BBQ Meatballs?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

The clean, fluffy texture of jasmine rice helps soak up every bit of flavorful sauce.

Quick Pickled Cucumbers

A crunchy, acidic bite that cuts through the richness.

Korean Kimchi

Bring on the funk and heat with a few spoonfuls of classic fermented kimchi.

Lettuce Wraps

Crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves add freshness and make for fun hand-held bites.

Sesame Noodles

Toss noodles in a simple sesame oil and soy dressing for a cozy pairing.

Asian Slaw

Shredded cabbage with a tangy vinaigrette gives contrast and crunch.

Roasted Broccoli or Cauliflower

Roasting brings out a nutty flavor that complements the meatballs.

Fried Rice

Great for turning leftovers into a next-day lunch or dinner with a twist.

Want More Meatball Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re into bold bites like these Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip, here are a few other fun and flavorful options to try from my collection:

• Buffalo Chicken Calzone for a spicy, cheesy handheld dinner.
• Sausage Rolls Appetizer if you’re entertaining and need a meaty, flaky bite.
• Cheesy Pizza Bombs when you’re craving something gooey and irresistible.
• Shipwreck Dinner for a hearty, one-pan family favorite.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts if you’re after something rich and comforting.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go all beef? Add extra gochujang? Maybe threw in a splash of lime juice?

I love seeing how these recipes evolve in your kitchens. Don’t be shy—share your tips or ask questions, and let’s keep making good food better.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are more than just a quick bite—they’re an experience of bold flavors, satisfying textures, and that unmistakable Korean BBQ sweetness with a kick. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a cozy dinner at home, these meatballs bring everyone to the table.

With their freezer-friendly convenience and make-ahead ease, they’re sure to become a staple in your rotation. So roll up your sleeves, get that oven preheating, and get ready to enjoy one of the tastiest bites your kitchen has to offer.

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