Korean BBQ-Style Meatballs Recipe (2024)

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Dragana

- Double recipe- ADD (per lb): 2tbsp gochujang, 1tbsp ginger, more garlicGlaze: 1/3cup apricot preserves2tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)1 1/2tablespoons rice vinegar1tablespoon soy sauceMeanwhile, in small saucepot, combine all glaze ingredients. Cook over medium heat 5 minutes or until mixture is slightly thickened. To serve, brush meatballs with glaze and sprinkle with green onion and sesame seeds.

KCaesar

I followed another reviewer's lead and omitted the additional salt, added in sesame seed oil (1/2 tbsp), ginger (1 tbsp), extra scallions and a few red pepper flakes --- with these modifications, these were super flavorful and moist! I did not find them bland or dry at all.

rrwwcox

I recently saw a cooking show with Kenji Lopez-Alt as a guest. He demonstrated why salt is a critical ingredient in meatballs because it allows the proteins to stick together. The ratio of salt to meat is important for texture, so if you reduce the salt, the meatballs would likely be crumbly. Hope that helps.

Anne B

This recipe seems so nineteen fifties—Ritz crackers!—but, it is really good and easy to make. But, could someone tell me why I am supposed to use low sodium soy sauce and then to add a teaspoon of salt?

BLC

Used 2 Tbsp regular soy sauce and reduced salt to 1/4 tsp. Added 1 Tbsp minced ginger, 1/2 tsp red chile flakes and 1 tsp sesame oil, and an extra 1/2 tsp black pepper. The ritz crackers added a nice buttery richness to the meatballs, vs panko. I mixed the meat mixture in the morning and let it marinate in the fridge all day. I made 30 meatballs from 1 lb beef, as we like them bite-sized. Baked at 425* for 9 min. Served with steamed rice and stir fried peppers and onions. Yummy.

Chris

Similar to my mom's fantastic Korean-style barbecue marinade, but missing one crucial flavor! Add maybe a tablespoon of toasted sesame seed oil.

Maggie

This would have been pretty boring without 'jazzing' it up a bit. Added a little worschestire sauce and hoisin as well as an egg. Served with rice and a fresh slaw with cabbage, carrot, mint, basil, red onion and a little mayo/hoisin/soy/sesame oil.

Julia

These were delicious with a few key tweaks: to really get the flavour the recipe describes you need to measure out your pepper and not just grind in a random amount. Also like most good Korean bbq, it needs sugar. I added 2 tbsp brown sugar to the mix. Another reviewer suggested sesame oil and I added a tsp. They caramelized when they baked and we ate them in soft rolls with sriracha mayo and pickled jalapeños. Not authentic to anything but the cult of the delicious sandwich.

PCMAEA

These are fine - I would not make again, as I thought they were dry and bland. I added gochugaru for spice and subbed gluten-free breadcrumbs. A dipping sauce is a must -- I'd suggest a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, crushed ginger, scallion, and gochugaru.

Clark

Just curious--what makes this a Korean BBQ style meatball? I would simply call it an asian meatball.

ranu

Used pork/beef mixture and added sriracha, gochuchuang, fish sauce, ginger and an egg. Used panko instead of ritz. This recipe is quick, easy and delicious. Throw it over cauliflower rice with some kimchi and pickles for a quick weeknight meal.

Stephanie

Easy and tasty. Served with white rice. Put everything on a bed of raw baby spinach sprinkled with fresh lime juice. Used hot pepper jelly as a condiment.

Laura

The low sodium Kikkoman soy sauce has a better flavor, in my opinion.

Susan Marie Lucas

If you can, go with the Ritz crackers... first time I made this I used an Australian brand of crackers (Arnott's Jatz) which look identical but was like crushing poker chips. Ritz are buttery and light; better than panko crumbs, too.

butters7788

I’m afraid this was a real disappointment. The brown rice we cooked it with had more flavour. I would add more of everything and include ginger, maybe some chilli oil to give it a little heat...

Cris

Dragana adaptation sounds great

Tom

Doubling it makes 25-26 meatballs. 5 large servings, 6 small servings

Louise

I was sceptical (and am fussy!). These meatballs were incredibly tasty…and addictive.

Dennis

Very tasty. A bit salty for my taste so I will leave out the salt next time. I tasted with and without dipping sauce and would use low sodium salt in the dip as well as the marinade.

Jae

I used impossible meat for this as I'm trying to reduce red meat consumption. However, the following additions made this recipe really shine:- Add a tbsp of ginger- Added an egg- Added extra garlic- Added one tbsp of gochujang (adds a nice yet mild kick)- Added tsp of sesame oil

Barbsy

I’ve made this recipe twice now. It’s delicious, fast and easy. I made it as written. I kept it in the fridge overnight before forming into meatballs . The dipping sauce as suggested was very good and really added to the meatballs taste, next time I’ll cut back on the fresh garlic as it was a bit too much for me.

janice

I made this with Chicken mince - worked wellThe recipe as is is way too salty for me so next time I will omit the added salt

RI

Cut salt in half, consider sesame oil

CB

Has anyone tried making these vegan? With Impossible or Beyond meat?

M Reid

These were so good! I made them exactly as the recipe called for! Id do a half a tablespoon less of garlic. I made a double batch and will freeze the rest.

smoothie king 420

Made with ground chicken, added ginger and a little fish sauce—delish !

Melissa

Band and not tasty at all. Disappointing. :(

David Chambers

I added fresh ginger to the meatballs, and it gave them a really bright flavor. Also, the gochujang is a necessity + a dash of fish sauce. Additionally, I did a 2:1 ratio of ground beef to pork for a little extra fat. Also, I topped the rice with some stir-fried veggies (I used a zucchini, a serrano chili and and shallot)- it made the recipe feel less like starch + meat.Big weeknight win and really easy.

CircaNow

Korean family here. This mimics a dish called tteookgalbi. Often there would also be mirin, sesame oil, black pepper, and a bit of sugar in the seasoning. Our family usually makes a version of this that also includes diced onion, and we use half a brick of firm tofu, water squeezed out, mixed with the beef to lighten the texture (instead of crackers). I usually just cook them in a pan, not the oven, but the oven is a good idea

Marghe

I veganized them using grounded tempeh instead of meat and adding a little more grease (olive oil). Quick and tasty!

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Korean BBQ-Style Meatballs Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is Korean BBQ sauce made of? ›

Korean BBQ Sauce Ingredients

To make this Korean barbecue sauce recipe, you'll need: soy sauce, dark brown sugar, minced garlic, rice wine vinegar, chile-garlic sauce, ground black pepper, fresh ginger, Asian sesame oil, cornstarch, and water.

What is the difference between BBQ sauce and Korean BBQ sauce? ›

The main difference between Korean BBQ sauce and a more traditional American BBQ sauce is going to be the base. That's because this sauce uses soy sauce as a base rather than your American tomato-style base. Because of this, it's going to be a thinner sauce with a bold savory flavor and a punch of heat.

What meat to use for Korean barbecue? ›

Korean BBQ isn't always beef, but beef, like short rib, is the most common meat. Beef, pork, and chicken are the most popular KBBQ meats. Other popular meats to grill include: Gopchang (beef or pork intestines)

What is the thin meat in Korean BBQ? ›

Bulgogi is a popular Korean BBQ dish (literally translating to “fire meat”) made of thinly sliced marinated beef ribeye or sirloin.

What makes Korean BBQ Korean BBQ? ›

Think pork belly, short rib, brisket or beef tongue. By cooking these cuts over a gas grill or fried on a pan, you're able to get an even more robust flavor! Korean BBQ is also known for its distinctly sweet taste, calling for ingredients like soy sauce, sugar, garlic, sesame and oil.

Is bulgogi sauce the same as Korean BBQ? ›

Bulgogi sauce is considered being the BBQ sauce of Asian and Korean cuisine. It's sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy, and has a subtle spice hit thanks to the chili sauce. In many Korean restaurants, they actually serve this as a dipping sauce too!

How to thicken Korean barbecue sauce? ›

In a small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch until smooth. This mixture will act as a thickening agent for the sauce. Once the sauce on the stove has come to a boil, pour the water-cornstarch mixture into the saucepan and stir well with a whisk.

Is Gochujang the same as Korean BBQ? ›

Gochujang adds some heat to bibimbap, brings color to stir-fries, makes the base for many Korean stews, and is the main ingredient in ssamjang - the most popular sauce for Korean BBQ. Gochujang paste is a powerful umami flavor booster; it's as thick as tar and fiery in both color and taste.

What kind of lettuce for Korean barbecue? ›

You can use any lettuce you like for these Korean beef lettuce wraps, but I'd recommend crispier lettuce leaves, such as romaine or iceberg lettuce, as they hold together better.

What is the healthiest meat at Korean BBQ? ›

The leanest KBBQ meats are those that do not have a lot of fat. The leanest KBBQ meats include beef sirloin, chicken breast, and pork loin. The leanest meats for Korean BBQ are the same as the lean meats you would eat in other cuisines.

What is typical Kbbq meat? ›

Traditionally, beef and pork cuts are most common, but poultry (chicken and turkey) is widely prepared, and lamb and goat are regional favorites. Barbecue has its roots in using tougher, less valuable cuts of meats although today some barbecue establishments even cook prime rib as one of the menu items.

What are meatballs made of? ›

The main ingredients of an Italian meatball are beef and/or pork and sometimes poultry or sausage, salt, black pepper, chopped garlic, olive oil, Romano cheese, eggs, bread crumbs, and parsley, mixed and rolled by hand to a golf ball size.

What are Thai meatballs made of? ›

The sticky Thai Meatballs.

The meatballs are a pretty simple mix of ground chicken, garlic, ginger, and lots of black pepper. Roll this all together, then pan-fry the meatballs in a bit of olive oil to get them nice and crispy on the outside. At this point, add in the shallots, bell peppers, and peanuts.

Are pork meatballs pink inside? ›

Cook all raw ground pork to an internal temperature of 160°F (71.1 °C) as measured with a food thermometer. If fresh pork has reached 145°F (62.8 °C) throughout, even though it may still be pink in the center, it should be safe. The pink color can be due to the cooking method or added ingredients.

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