Chef Mitchell preparing Korean BBQ Glazed Meatballs
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered Korean BBQ during a trip to Seoul and fell in love with the bold flavors. After experimenting with various ingredients back home, I perfected this meatball recipe that balances sweetness and umami. It has since become a favorite among my friends and family, and I love sharing it at gatherings."

Chef Mitchell has spent over a decade specializing in Asian cuisine, with a particular passion for Korean dishes. His expertise in creating appetizers ensures that each recipe delivers authentic flavors while being accessible to home cooks.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Korean BBQ Glazed Meatballs served on a plate

Why This Korean BBQ Glazed Meatballs Recipe Works

This recipe combines traditional Korean flavors with a familiar comfort food, meatballs. The balance of ingredients ensures that each meatball is moist and full of flavor, while the glaze adds an irresistible shine and sweetness.

By baking the meatballs instead of frying, we achieve a healthier version without sacrificing taste. The method allows for easy preparation, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

💡 Professional Tip

For extra flavor, let the meatball mixture rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before forming the meatballs. This enhances the flavors and ensures a more cohesive texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and bake them a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before glazing. This makes it convenient for parties or gatherings.

If you prefer not to use ground pork, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Both alternatives will still provide a delicious flavor when combined with the other ingredients.

The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this. They should also be nicely browned on the outside.

Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs. Allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

These meatballs pair wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with additional Korean BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Stored in an airtight container, these meatballs will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to reheat them thoroughly before serving.

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them before glazing. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat and toss them in the glaze.

The best way to reheat the meatballs is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will help keep them crispy on the outside.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your meatballs turn out dry, it may be due to overcooking or not enough moisture in the mixture.

Solution: Ensure you follow the cooking time and check the internal temperature. Adding a bit more egg or some milk to the mixture can also help retain moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the meatballs are not crispy, they may not have been baked long enough or at a high enough temperature.

Solution: Increase the baking time slightly or raise the oven temperature to ensure a crispy exterior. You can also broil them for the last few minutes.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked meatballs can become tough and dry.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, monitor the internal temperature closely and remove them from the oven as soon as they reach 160°F (70°C).

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center can make the meatballs unsafe to eat.

Recovery: If you suspect that the meatballs are undercooked, return them to the oven and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking the temperature regularly.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the outside of the meatballs is burnt, they may have been cooked at too high a temperature.

Prevention: Adjust the oven temperature and check them periodically while cooking to avoid burning.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the meatballs are too sweet, balance the flavor by adding more soy sauce or a splash of vinegar.

Too Salty: If they are too salty, add a bit of sugar or honey to counteract the saltiness.

Bland: For bland meatballs, enhance the flavor by adding more spices or herbs, such as chili flakes or garlic powder.

Fresh ingredients for Korean BBQ Glazed Meatballs

Essential Ingredients for Korean BBQ Glazed Meatballs

This recipe features a combination of ground beef and pork, providing a flavorful base for the meatballs. The addition of breadcrumbs helps to bind the mixture and keep it tender. Green onions and garlic add freshness, while the soy sauce and sesame oil give it that unmistakable Korean flavor.

Using high-quality ingredients makes all the difference in achieving the best flavor and texture. Opt for fresh ground meats and authentic Korean BBQ sauce for an unforgettable taste experience.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a balance of flavor and moisture. Avoid extra lean options, as they may result in drier meatballs.
  • Green Onions: Use fresh green onions for a burst of flavor and color. The white part is more pungent, while the green tops offer a mild taste.
  • Korean BBQ Sauce: Select a high-quality Korean BBQ sauce that suits your taste preference. Some are sweet, while others are spicier, so choose according to your desired flavor profile.
Cooking process for Korean BBQ Glazed Meatballs

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making Korean BBQ Glazed Meatballs is a straightforward process that involves mixing, forming, and baking. By following the steps closely, you can create perfectly tender meatballs that are full of flavor. The glaze adds a delicious finish that elevates the dish.

Pay attention to the cooking time and temperature to achieve the best results. The combination of baking and glazing ensures that each meatball is juicy inside while having a beautiful, caramelized exterior.

Key Technique for Perfect Korean BBQ Glazed Meatballs

The key to perfect meatballs is in the mixing and forming stage. Avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough meatballs. Gently combine ingredients until just mixed, and handle the mixture lightly when forming the meatballs for a tender result.

Korean BBQ Glazed Meatballs

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup Korean BBQ sauce
    For glazing
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
    For garnish

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef
    For meatball base
  • 1 lb ground pork
    For meatball base
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
    For binding
  • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
    For freshness
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    For flavor
  • 1 egg
    For binding
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
    For seasoning
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
    For flavor
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
    For flavor
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
    For sweetness

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.

  2. Form Meatballs

    Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

  3. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  4. Bake the Meatballs

    Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.

  5. Prepare the Glaze

    In a saucepan, combine Korean BBQ sauce and sesame seeds over medium heat. Stir until heated through.

  6. Glaze the Meatballs

    Remove meatballs from the oven, and toss them in the BBQ glaze until well coated.

  7. Serve

    Garnish with additional green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

  8. Enjoy!

    Serve hot as an appetizer or main dish with rice or noodles.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store Korean BBQ Glazed Meatballs, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs are fantastic served over steamed rice or alongside noodles. You can also offer a side of kimchi or a light salad for a refreshing contrast.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with different meats, such as ground turkey or chicken. You can also add vegetables like grated carrots or zucchini into the meat mixture for added nutrition.