Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible mix of sweet, smoky, and spicy that comes with every bite of Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs glazed in a glossy Korean BBQ sauce, paired with a creamy, spicy mayo dip—right out of your oven and begging to be shared. It’s the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make for every game day, potluck, or laid-back Friday night with friends!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how effortless the ingredients come together for this Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip! Each component brings its own magic—adding tenderness to the meatballs, depth to the glaze, and a creamy kick to the dip. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters.

• Ground beef or ground chicken: Your choice here! Beef gives rich, hearty flavor, while chicken keeps things a little lighter without sacrificing juiciness.
• Breadcrumb: Holds your meatballs together for that soft, tender bite—and helps them soak up the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a non-negotiable for that subtle kick and authentic aroma, in both the meatballs and the glaze.
• Soy sauce: Brings salty, umami depth to both the meat mixture and the glaze—it’s the flavor backbone here.
• Sesame oil: Adds a distinctly toasty, nutty flavor that screams Korean BBQ.
• Korean chili paste (gochujang): The secret weapon for a perfect hint of sweetness, heat, and depth—don’t skip it!
• Rice vinegar: Just a splash keeps everything balanced, cutting through the richness with a little tang.
• Sugar or honey (optional): Optional, but a drizzle rounds out all those savory notes and helps the glaze shine.
• Green onion: Finely chopped for color and an aromatic freshness in the meatballs and as a garnish.
• Salt and pepper: Season to taste—classic and essential.
• Store-bought or homemade Korean BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand or make your own for even more flavor control.
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base for that craveable spicy dip.
• Hot sauce or gochujang (for spicy mayo): A dash bumps up the flavor and makes the dip extra addictive.

Variations

One of the best things about Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip is how easy it is to tweak and put your own spin on it! Whether you have dietary preferences or want to try a different flavor combo, you can easily customize this recipe—no fancy ingredients required.

• Turkey Meatballs: Swap in ground turkey if you want a leaner, lighter version without sacrificing tenderness.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check your BBQ sauce.
• Vegan Version: Try plant-based ground “meat” and egg-free mayo, and use agave in place of honey for the glaze.
• Extra Spicy: Add a dash of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) into the meatball mix for real heat lovers!
• Sweet & Tangy Glaze: Stir in a little pineapple juice to your BBQ glaze for a fruity tropical twist that pairs beautifully.

How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip

Step 1: Mix & Shape the Meatballs

Start by combining your ground beef or chicken, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang, rice vinegar, sugar or honey, green onion, salt, and pepper in a big mixing bowl. Use clean hands or a fork to gently fold everything together—don’t overwork it, or the meatballs can get tough! Then, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and set them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Bake Until Juicy

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), making sure it’s nice and hot so you get that perfect golden brown on your meatballs. Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes or until they’re cooked through and deliciously browned on the outside. Resist the urge to overbake—they should stay tender!

Step 3: Make the Sweet & Savory Glaze

While the meatballs are baking, prep your Korean BBQ glaze. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, Korean BBQ sauce, minced garlic, gochujang, and a touch of sugar or honey. Simmer the mixture over medium heat until it thickens into a glossy, sticky sauce—this only takes a few minutes and makes the whole kitchen smell irresistible.

Step 4: Coat Meatballs in Glaze

As soon as the meatballs are done, pop them into a bowl and pour the warm BBQ glaze all over. Toss everything gently until each meatball is coated in saucy, sticky goodness. This is when you’ll see just how tempting they look!

Step 5: Whip Up the Spicy Mayo Dip

Mix mayonnaise, rice vinegar, and gochujang (or your favorite hot sauce) in a small bowl. The result is a smooth, creamy, and zingy dip that balances the sweetness of the glazed meatballs. Set aside for serving—it’s dangerously good paired with every bite.

Step 6: Assemble & Serve

Arrange your glazed meatballs on a pretty serving plate, garnish with extra green onion or sesame seeds, and set the spicy mayo dip alongside. Watch as everyone dives in—these will disappear in no time!

How to Serve Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip

Garnishes

Finish your Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip with a shower of finely sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for gorgeous color, crunch, and that unmistakable Korean flavor. If you want even more wow factor, add a few thin slices of red chili or a dusting of gochugaru chili flakes for a spicy finish.

Side Dishes

This dish plays beautifully with crisp veggie sticks (think carrot, cucumber, bell pepper), fluffy steamed rice, or a plate of lightly pickled veggies to cut through the richness. You can even serve the meatballs over butter lettuce leaves for a mini Korean-style wrap—so much fun for sharing!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip into a party centerpiece by serving them skewered on toothpicks over a bed of shredded cabbage, or arrange them on a platter with the spicy mayo in a hollowed-out cabbage or bell pepper “bowl.” For a spin on sliders, tuck a couple glazed meatballs and a smear of dip into mini buns—trust me, everyone will flip for them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (it’s a big “if”!), pack them into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The meatballs actually absorb more of the glaze flavor overnight, making next-day snacking even better.

Freezing

Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip is totally freezer-friendly! Freeze the cooked, unglazed meatballs in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just freeze the glaze separately—when you’re ready to eat, just reheat the meatballs and toss in fresh glaze for maximum flavor.

Reheating

Warm up meatballs in a covered skillet with a splash of water or extra glaze over low heat until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, checking that they stay moist. The dip can be served straight from the fridge, but a quick stir helps revive its creamy texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a guaranteed hit that’s saucy, satisfying, and bursting with flavor, Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip is the answer. Give this recipe a try, gather your favorite people, and enjoy every dippable, bite-sized moment! There’s just something special about sharing a platter of these sweet-and-savory beauties together. Happy cooking!

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