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Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatballs

Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatballs

Delicious Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatballs packed with flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Korean
Servings 4 meatballs
Calories 337 kcal

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • skillet
  • scoop

Ingredients
  

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 0.5 cup minced green onions
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoon tamari sauce or soy sauce, if not gluten free
  • 1-2 teaspoon gochujang omit for non-spicy
  • 2 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Korean BBQ Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 0.33 cup tamari sauce or soy sauce, if not gluten free
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Place all ingredients for the meatballs in a large bowl. Mix until just combined.
  • Use a two tablespoon scoop (or a rounded tablespoon) to roll into golf-sized meatballs — about 20 meatballs. Place in the fridge for about 10 minutes.

Cooking

  • Heat sesame oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add tamari sauce, water, brown sugar, and rice vinegar and stir.
  • Add the meatballs into the skillet. Let everything come to a boil, then lower to simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl, and stir to combine.
  • Remove the lid and add the cornstarch slurry. Stir then simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens to your liking, spooning the sauce over the meatballs occasionally.
  • Taste to add more tamari sauce, if needed. Remove from heat, then serve over rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Tips for Korean BBQ Sauce: Need it thicker? Simmer two extra minutes or add ½ teaspoon cornstarch mixed with a splash of water. Too sweet? Stir in a dash of rice vinegar. Craving more heat? Whisk another teaspoon of gochujang into the pan for sweet and spicy meatballs that kick. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Freezing: The meatballs freeze well for up to 3 months without the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 337kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 26gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 1669mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 130IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 56mgIron: 4mg
Keyword BBQ, Easy Recipes, Korean cuisine, meatballs, spicy, Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatballs
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