I don't know about you, but I want big, bold flavors without requiring a long list of complicated ingredients. These Korean BBQ meatballs are the perfect choice not only because of ease, but also because they’re different!
Made with lean ground beef and packed with garlic, ginger, lemongrass, soy sauce, and Korean BBQ sauce, these bite-sized meatballs are savory, slightly sweet, and full of delicious umami flavor. They’re quickly pan-fried until golden brown, then tossed in a sticky Korean BBQ sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the skillet. Serve them as an easy appetizer, over rice, or alongside your favorite noodles for a simple and flavorful weeknight meal.
Easy Korean Meatballs
Makes: 1 serving
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
4 ounces 93% lean ground beef
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced lemongrass
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1 teaspoon minced onion
1 teaspoon
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (can be found here or use 2 teaspoons regular soy sauce instead)
2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon Korean BBQ sauce, divided (I used this one, but any works!)
Avocado oil spray
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
-
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, minced garlic, lemongrass, ginger, minced onion, soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of the Korean BBQ sauce.
-
Mix everything together until the seasonings and ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the ground beef.
-
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs.
-
Lightly spray a large nonstick skillet with avocado oil spray and heat over medium-high heat.
-
Once the skillet is hot, add the meatballs in a single layer, making sure they have a little space between them.
-
Cook the meatballs for approximately 3–4 minutes per side, turning as needed, until they are browned on the outside and cooked through.
-
Reduce the heat to low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons Korean BBQ sauce. Gently toss the meatballs until they are evenly coated.
-
Cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing the sauce to warm through and caramelize slightly.
-
Remove from the heat and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
-
Serve immediately as an appetizer or with rice or noodles for an easy meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Korean BBQ Meatballs
1. What do Korean BBQ meatballs taste like?
Korean BBQ meatballs are savory, slightly sweet, and packed with bold umami flavor. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and Korean BBQ sauce creates a delicious balance of salty, sweet, and aromatic flavors.
2. Can I make these Korean BBQ meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and shape the meatballs ahead of time and store them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook them. You can also cook the meatballs in advance and reheat them in a skillet or microwave before serving.
3. What should I serve with Korean BBQ meatballs?
These meatballs are delicious served over steamed rice or with noodles. You can also serve them with roasted or stir-fried vegetables, a simple cucumber salad, or kimchi for an easy Korean-inspired meal.
4. Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork would all work well in this recipe. Keep in mind that leaner meats may cook more quickly and can be slightly less juicy than ground beef.
5. Are Korean BBQ meatballs spicy?
That depends on the Korean BBQ sauce you use. This recipe itself does not include additional spicy ingredients, so the heat level will primarily come from your sauce. If you prefer spicy Korean BBQ, choose a spicy sauce or add a little gochujang or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
One bite of these Korean BBQ meatballs and you’ll see just how easy it is to bring big Korean-inspired flavors into your own kitchen. They’re savory, garlicky, slightly sweet, and coated in a sticky BBQ sauce that makes every bite hard to resist. Whether you pile them over rice for dinner, serve them as an appetizer, or simply eat one straight from the skillet (we won’t tell!), this is one of those easy recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket.
If these easy Korean BBQ meatballs leave you wanting to explore even more Korean flavors and recipes, consider checking out The Chopping Block's hands-on Korean BBQ on the Grill. It’s a fun opportunity to get more familiar with Korean ingredients while learning techniques like balancing flavors, making marinades, and selecting and grilling beef. You'll also get to cook and enjoy delicious dishes like gochujang BBQ-glazed beef burgers, japchae with grilled shrimp, and bulgogi lettuce wraps. Whether you're new to Korean cooking or simply want to add more bold and flavorful recipes to your dinner rotation, it’s a delicious way to build your confidence in the kitchen.
