Korean Meatballs

Korean Meatballs are the best weeknight dinner (or appetizer)! These sweet and spicy meatballs are juicy, tender, and flavorful. Serve on a bed of rice or noodles.

Whether you want to jazz up dinnertime or super tasty party food, this Korean meatball recipe is perfect for both! You can either smother the lean ground beef meatballs in the spicy sauce or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side. Either way, Gochujang meatballs will light up your tastebuds and have you begging for more. 

You might want to make a double batch next time! This Korean meatball recipe will go fast! 

Why You’ll Love Korean Meatballs

• Robust and flavorful main dish 
• Meatball mixture can be made ahead 
• Can be made in the slow cooker
• An easy recipe that makes a perfectly tender meatball

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

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There are two parts to these tasty Korean meatballs – the simple meatballs and the sweet and tangy sauce. 

The Meatballs

• Ground Beef: These are the base of the cooked meatballs. 
• Minced Green Onion: A little fresh green onion will brighten the flavors. 
• Ginger Paste: This has more flavor and is easier to use than fresh ginger. 
• Minced Garlic: The garlic gives the meatballs some earthy notes.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Like regular meatballs, the breadcrumbs give the meatballs a better texture. 
• Egg: The eggs bind all the ingredients together. 
• Soy Sauce: Some soy sauce gives them a unique umami flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Some red pepper flakes add a bit of spice.     

The Sauce: 

• Apricot Preserves: This makes the sauce sweet and a tad fruity.  
• Ginger Paste: The ginger brings an earthy heat to the sauce.  
• Brown Sugar: The brown sugar sweetens the sauce and adds caramelized notes.  
• Soy Sauce: The soy sauce gives the sauce some umami flavors. 
• Rice Wine Vinegar: The rice vinegar gives the sauce a deliciously tangy flavor.   
• Gochujang: This makes the Korean-style meatballs taste so unique and delicious. 

How to Make Korean Meatballs

• Step One: Preheat the oven to 350F.
• Step Two: Prepare ingredients. Finely mince the green onions.  
• Step Three: Combine beef, minced onion, ginger paste, garlic paste, panko, egg, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes in a large mixing bowl. Thoroughly mix.

• Step Four: Prepare meatballs. Use a 1” cookie scoop to form uniform balls. About golf ball sized. Place onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet as you work.
• Step Five: Place into the oven on the center rack. Bake for 15 minutes, stopping once halfway through to turn.

Step Six: Meanwhile, prepare the glaze. Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and whisk. Pour into a saucepan, cover, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir often. Once boiling, stir once more and turn off the heat.

Step Seven: Add meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice and kimchi, and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

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• Sharp knife  
• Large mixing bowl 
• One-inch cookie scoop 
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Whisk 
• Saucepan 

What to Serve with Korean Meatballs

This easy Korean meatball recipe is the perfect thing to serve for dinner. Here are some of my favorite sides and main dishes that taste delicious with spicy meatballs.   

• Sardine Fried Rice
• Sweet and Sour Carrots
• Lemon Roasted Potatoes
• Curried Lentil Rice
• Roasted Root Vegetables

Variations and Substitutions

• Add sesame oil. When you cook the meatballs, they will have a nuttier taste. 
• Make spicy Korean meatballs. Add more red pepper flakes or chili paste to the meatball sauce. 
• Make it gluten-free. Use pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs and coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.    
• Use ground pork or ground turkey. Either type of meat will taste perfect.
• Buy Korean BBQ sauce. It might taste differently, but it can save you time. 

Storage Instructions 

These Korean BBQ meatballs taste the best when hot and fresh out of the oven. You can’t beat that aroma and flavor! You can also use them in your meal prep—store baked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Korean Meatballs Tips and Tricks

• Serve as a great appetizer with toothpicks in each one. 
• Cook until the internal temperature is at least 165F. 
• Garnish with sesame seeds for a burst of flavor. 
• Wear gloves if you don’t want to touch raw meat. 

What Is Gochujang?

Gochujang is a staple condiment in Korean cuisine. It is a thick, red paste that has a spicy-sweet flavor. This spicy paste is made from glutinous rice, red chile pepper flakes, fermented soybeans, and salt.   

Where Can I Buy Gochujang?

You’ll find it sold wherever other types of Korean food are sold. It is easiest to find it at a local Asian market. But if your regular grocery stores carry a lot of international foods, you can find them there, too. 

What Can I Substitute For Gochujang Paste 

This Korean chili paste has an iconic flavor that is difficult to replicate. But if you don’t have any, you can use some Sriracha sauce, chili garlic sauce, or Thai chili paste instead. 

Are Korean Meatballs Spicy?

These meatballs are only as spicy as you make them. If you want them to be mild, use only a little red pepper flakes and gochujang paste. Use more gochujang if you want them to light up your mouth with heat. 

What Is The Traditional Recipe For Korean Meatballs?

Traditionally, Korean meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef and ground pork. They also include fresh mushrooms and are dredged in flour or cornstarch instead of breadcrumbs. 

I tried to stay true to the traditional recipe with the sauce. Some Koreans might use fresh ginger and sweeten it with corn syrup. 

How To Serve

These glazed meatballs are usually served with roasted vegetables. Some people like adding white rice or steamed brown rice on the side. Others like to add some sweet potatoes to the plate as well. 

There isn’t a wrong way to serve the meatballs. Enjoy them with your favorite sides. 

Can I Make Ahead?

Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead. I suggest storing the meatballs and sauce separately and then heating them in the sauce. This will give them the best flavors and preserve the texture of the meatballs. Store them for no longer than three days in the refrigerator. 

FAQ

Meatball Recipes    

Want more easy meatball recipes? Here are some of my favorites:

• Grape Jelly Meatballs
• Swedish Meatballs 
• Waikiki Meatballs 
• Tangy Sweet and Sour Meatballs 
• Mexican Meatballs
• Air Fryer Bisquick Sausage Balls
• Cheesy Meatballs
• Meatball Stuffed Mushrooms

You’ll also like Slow Cooker Korean Sloppy Joes.

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