Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip Recipe

If you’re craving a party-perfect appetizer with the bold, addictive flavors of Korean BBQ, this Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip will fast become your go-to. Juicy meatballs glazed in sweet-spicy sauce and paired with a creamy, tangy dip—every bite is pure delight, perfect for sharing (or just keeping all to yourself)!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this craveable Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip to life. Each ingredient is chosen to maximize flavor, texture, and that signature sweet-umami depth—nothing fussy, just the essentials that make this dish shine every time!

• Ground beef or chicken (1½ pounds): The base of your meatballs—beef brings richness, chicken is lighter. Choose your favorite or try a blend!
• Breadcrumb (½ cup): Helps the meatballs hold together and stay tender, never dry.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds irresistible aromatic punch in both meatballs and BBQ glaze.
• Soy sauce (6 tablespoons, divided): Delivers salty, umami richness—you’ll use some in both the meatball mix and the glaze.
• Sesame oil (4 tablespoons, divided): That deep, toasty flavor infuses both meatballs and the shiny glaze.
• Korean chili paste (gochujang, 1½ tablespoons, divided): Sets the signature spicy-sweet mood for the entire dip.
• Rice vinegar (2 teaspoons + 1 tablespoon): Lifts the flavors with acidity in both the meatball mix and spicy mayo dip.
• Sugar or honey (up to 2 tablespoons): Optional, but adds that perfect hint of sweetness to balance the spice.
• Green onion (2 stalks, finely chopped): Fresh, punchy and bright in the meatball mixture and for garnish.
• Salt and pepper: To taste—highlight all those bold flavors.
• Korean BBQ sauce (¼ cup): Use store-bought for ease or homemade for personal flair; this makes the glaze sing.
• Mayonnaise (¼ cup): The creamy base for that tangy, spicy dip that brings every bite together.
• Hot sauce (substitute for gochujang if you prefer): Kicks up the spicy mayo in an instant.

Variations

The beauty of Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip is how endlessly versatile it is. Whether you want to fit dietary needs or simply get creative based on what’s in your fridge, you’ll love how easy it is to adapt and make this recipe your own.

• Turkey or Pork Swap: Use ground turkey or pork for a lighter (or even juicier) twist on traditional meatballs.
• Vegetarian Version: Try plant-based ground “meat” and swap the egg for a flaxseed substitute—the glaze and dip shine just as brightly.
• Extra Heat: Add a diced fresh chili to the meatball mix or stir a little sriracha into your spicy mayo for fire-lovers.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it party-friendly for everyone.

How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

In a generous mixing bowl, gently combine your ground meat of choice, breadcrumb, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang, rice vinegar, sweetener, chopped green onion, salt, and pepper. Mix just until everything looks homogenous—overmixing can toughen the meatballs. Then, roll the mixture into small golf ball-sized portions; I like to use damp hands so nothing sticks!

Step 2: Bake the Meatballs

Line a baking sheet with parchment (for easy cleanup!), arrange the meatballs with a little space between each, and bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 15–20 minutes. You want them beautifully browned and cooked through—peek at one to be sure!

Step 3: Simmer and Glaze

While the meatballs bake, whisk together your glaze ingredients—soy sauce, sesame oil, Korean BBQ sauce, garlic, gochujang, and a bit of sugar—right in a small saucepan. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it thickens enough to luxuriously coat a spoon.

Step 4: Coat the Meatballs

As soon as the meatballs are out of the oven (still piping hot!), toss them into a large bowl, pour over that shiny, sticky glaze, and rotate until each meatball is glistening. The aroma will have everyone circling the kitchen.

Step 5: Whip Up the Spicy Mayo Dip

In a small bowl, combine mayo, rice vinegar, and gochujang (or your favorite hot sauce). Stir until creamy and smooth—it’s the perfect cool, tangy contrast to the warm, spiced meatballs.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Plate your glazed meatballs, sprinkle with extra green onion and sesame seeds if you like, and set your spicy mayo dip alongside. Call everyone in—this Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip is impossible to resist!

How to Serve Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip

Garnishes

Finish your Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip with a scattering of thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. For extra color and pop, try a sprinkle of finely diced red chili or a light drizzle of extra gochujang over the top—these touches add both eye appeal and fresh flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve these meatballs alongside fluffy steamed rice, crisp lettuce cups, or crunchy pickled Korean radish (musaengchae) for a balanced spread. Simple cucumber salad or shredded carrots make refreshing, cooling companions to temper the rich BBQ flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try skewering each glazed meatball with a toothpick and nestling them around a bowl of dip for an easy party platter, or serve them slider-style, tucked into little bao buns. Layer them atop a grain bowl, or pile them onto a sizzling cast iron and let guests build their own bites—so much fun for casual gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any remaining meatballs and extra dip in airtight containers in the fridge. The glaze keeps the meatballs moist, while the spicy mayo stays zippy and fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for next-day snacking or lunchboxes.

Freezing

Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip freezes beautifully! Freeze glazed (or even unglazed) meatballs in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently—the texture and flavor will still wow.

Reheating

For perfect results, reheat meatballs in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F, or pop them in the microwave sprinkled with a tiny bit of water to keep them juicy. Gently stir the glaze to coat, and serve with fresh dip—you’d never guess they weren’t just made!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip, it’s guaranteed to become your signature appetizer—bold, fun, and always greeted with excitement. Don’t be surprised if it vanishes in a flash, so be sure to make plenty. Grab your favorite dipping vessel and dig in—you won’t regret it!

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