If you’re craving something that brings bold flavors and bite-sized joy all at once, the Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. These juicy, tender meatballs soak up the rich umami from soy sauce and sesame oil, while the homemade spicy mayo dip adds just the right kick to keep your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re looking for an appetizer to impress guests or a fun dinner idea to share, this dish combines classic Korean-inspired flavors with a playful, comforting twist that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for these Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe is simpler than you might think, but each component plays an essential role. From ground beef to fresh parsley, every item adds unique flavors and textures that come together beautifully.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base for tender, juicy meatballs packed with flavor.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs while keeping them light and soft.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a subtle nuttiness and depth to the mix.
- 1 egg: Acts as the natural glue holding the meatball ingredients together.
- 1/4 cup chopped onion: Infuses sweet, aromatic flavor that balances the savory beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A punch of garlicky goodness essential for authentic flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Brings freshness and a hint of herbal brightness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds subtle earthiness to complement the meat.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: A gentle heat that rounds out the seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Delivers the signature umami and salty depth central to Korean BBQ flavors.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Provides rich nuttiness and a fragrant aroma to the meatballs.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the spicy mayo dip that cools down every bite.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha: Brings a vibrant spicy kick to the dipping sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce: Adds an extra touch of umami to the dip.
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil: Enhances the dip’s aroma and flavor profile.
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder: Rounded garlic flavor to tie the dip ingredients together.
How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
Begin by mixing ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a large bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything thoroughly but gently, so the meatballs stay tender once cooked. Then, roll the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs to ensure they cook perfectly on all sides.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs carefully in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for several minutes on each side until they are beautifully browned and cooked through. This step locks in their juiciness and develops that mouthwatering crust that makes every bite satisfying. Once done, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Mayo Dip
While the meatballs rest, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. This spicy mayo dip is the perfect partner for the savory meatballs, balancing their richness with a hint of heat and a touch of tanginess that keeps the flavors exciting.
How to Serve Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds over the meatballs. These garnishes add a pop of color and a fresh crunch that makes the dish feel even more vibrant and special.
Side Dishes
Serve these Korean BBQ Meatballs with steamed jasmine rice or a simple cucumber salad to refresh the palate. The subtly sweet rice pairs beautifully with the savory meatballs, while a crisp salad adds a cooling contrast to the warm, spicy dip.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual get-together, thread the meatballs onto skewers for easy finger foods. Alternatively, pile the meatballs on top of steamed buns or lettuce wraps to turn this recipe into a fun fusion slider or wrap. Trust me, these presentations can turn any gathering into a festive Korean-inspired feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the spicy mayo dip in a separate container to maintain its creamy texture and flavor freshness.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about an hour. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Freeze the dip separately or prepare a fresh batch when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat meatballs gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave on medium power to avoid drying them out. Give the spicy mayo a good stir before serving, ensuring it’s creamy and perfectly blended.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and offers a leaner option, though you may want to add a bit more oil to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful.
How spicy is the mayo dip?
The dip has a nice balance of creamy and spicy, thanks to the sriracha. If you prefer milder flavors, simply reduce the amount of sriracha to suit your taste.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?
Yes, baking is a great alternative for a hands-off method. Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through and browned.
Is the spicy mayo dip gluten-free?
As long as you use gluten-free soy sauce, the dipping sauce will be gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, try substituting the meatballs with seasoned mashed chickpeas or plant-based meat alternatives, then proceed with the same dip for that signature flavor combo.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe a try soon because it’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and full of exciting flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, these meatballs bring a warm, satisfying vibe to any table. Trust me, once you experience these juicy bites paired with that creamy, spicy mayo, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite dishes to make again and again.
Print
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings (about 18 meatballs)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or main dish. Juicy ground beef meatballs are seasoned with Korean-inspired ingredients like soy sauce and sesame oil, then pan-fried to perfection. Served with a creamy, spicy mayo dip enhanced with sriracha and garlic, this recipe brings Korean flavors to your kitchen in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Spicy Mayo Dip
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until evenly combined. Then, shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs carefully to the skillet, cooking them until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. This should take about 10-12 minutes. Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and set them aside to keep warm.
- Make the Spicy Mayo Dip: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined. This dip will have a creamy texture with a spicy kick, perfect for complementing the meatballs.
- Serve: Arrange the cooked Korean BBQ meatballs on a serving plate alongside the spicy mayo dip. Enjoy them as an appetizer or a main dish with your favorite sides.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground pork or a mix of beef and pork for a different flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the dip according to your preferred spice level.
- These meatballs can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes if you prefer baking over pan-frying.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
