Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip: An Incredible 7-Step Recipe

Posted on December 25, 2025

Delicious Korean BBQ Meatballs with spicy mayo dip on a serving platter

Easy Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip: A Delicious Comfort!

When it comes to easy weeknight dinners, I’m all about finding recipes that hit the sweet spot — perfectly delicious, simple to make, and just the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug. Enter these Korean BBQ meatballs with a spicy mayo dip! Oh, where do I even begin? This recipe is one of those delightful finds that combines the heartiness of meatballs with the zingy flavors of Korean cuisine, all while being something the whole family devours.

I remember the first time I stumbled upon a similar idea. I was scrolling through a food blog late one evening, belly grumbling after a long day of work. Suddenly, I found myself captivated by their glossy glazed meatballs. I thought to myself, “Surely, I could whip something similar up for dinner.” Spoiler alert: My first attempt was a glorious disaster. The meatballs came out burnt, and I might have dropped a whole bottle of soy sauce — talk about a salty surprise! But I learned a lot that day, mainly how to embrace the chaos of cooking. Fast forward to today, and I’ve perfected this recipe, making it a staple in our household, especially on those cozy nights in.

The smell of baking meatballs wafting through the kitchen transports me to a Korean BBQ restaurant. It brings back memories of laughter, shared bites, and vibrant conversations. Honestly, who doesn’t love that? So grab your apron and join me on this delicious culinary adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, these meatballs come together effortlessly, perfect for quick family meals.
High Protein: Packed with protein, you’ll feel satisfied without having to spend hours in the kitchen.
Picky Eater Approval: I dare you to find someone, especially the younger crowd, who doesn’t love meatballs! These are a surefire hit.
Leftover Friendly: Make a big batch, and you’ll have tasty leftovers for lunches all week. They work beautifully in a wrap or with some rice!
Comfort Food: They remind you of cozy family dinners that feel like a warm hug on a chilly night.
Versatile: While they shine on their own, you can easily pair them with rice, stir-fried veggies, or a light salad for a well-rounded meal.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Something magical happens when you combine ground beef or turkey with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. It’s not just your everyday meatball. No, these gems are bursting with flavor! The sweetness of the brown sugar (totally optional, but give it a shot) elevates the taste, creating a delightful contrast to the soy sauce’s savory notes. But what truly makes these meatballs shine is the spicy mayo dip. It’s creamy, spicy, and just the right accompaniment to the tender meatballs. You’ll find yourself doubling the dip recipe because you’ll want it on everything — trust me!

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey): I usually opt for lean ground beef for a richer flavor, but turkey works just as well if you’re aiming for something leaner.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs while adding texture. I love using panko for extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs will do.
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped: These not only bring a fresh pop of flavor but also a beautiful color to the meatballs.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic is life, don’t skip it! It adds depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
1 tablespoon ginger, grated: Ginger gives an earthy warmth that complements the soy sauce beautifully.
1/4 cup soy sauce: This ingredient is the backbone of flavor, providing umami-rich goodness. Don’t skimp here!
1 tablespoon sesame oil: This brings that unmistakable nutty fragrance and taste, elevating your meatballs to new heights.
1 egg: The binding agent that helps hold our delightful meatballs together.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Season wisely; just enough to enhance the other flavors.
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional): If you want an extra hint of sweetness in your meatballs, add it. It’s a game changer!

For the Spicy Mayo Dip:

1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for our dip; I prefer a full-fat version for the best texture.
1 tablespoon Sriracha (or more, to taste): Awaken those taste buds! Adjust based on your spice tolerance.
1 teaspoon lemon juice: A splash of acidity balances everything out.
1 teaspoon soy sauce: Just a touch for that familiar umami note.
Optional: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color and crunch.

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Let’s roll up those sleeves and get to cooking! You have no idea how easy this is!

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). I like to get this step out of the way because there’s nothing worse than forgetting to preheat and waiting an eternity to cook your food. Trust me, I’ve been there, and it ruins the mood! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This saves you so much cleanup time — like, yay for easy cleanup!
Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, egg, salt, and pepper. Oh my goodness, the smells that hit you at this point are something else! I should have bottled that aroma. Mix everything until well combined. Don’t be shy, get in there with your hands — it’s the best way to ensure everything is blended!
Form the Meatballs: Time for the fun part! Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about an inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to give them some space — they need a little room to breathe. Just picture me rolling these little balls and trying not to make them look too lopsided. Pro tip: wet your hands with a little water to prevent the meat from sticking.
Bake the Meatballs: Slide that baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and have that beautiful golden-brown color. You want them to be perfectly juicy, not dried out, so keep an eye on them!
Prepare the Spicy Mayo Dip: While the meatballs are in the oven, grab a small bowl and mix together the mayo, Sriracha, lemon juice, and soy sauce. Oh boy, the creamy, spicy concoction that you’re about to whip up is seriously something you’ll want to slather on everything. Taste it and adjust the Sriracha to your liking. I usually start with one tablespoon, then add more if I’m feeling daring!
Garnish the Dip: If you’re feeling fancy (and I’m usually in that mood), sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the dip. It adds that gourmet touch that looks impressive but takes no extra effort.
Serve: Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, serve them warm alongside that spicy mayo dip. Just imagine sinking your teeth into those savory meatballs with a kick of spicy dip. Honestly, it’s pure magic!

Tips for Best Results

Don’t Overmix: While mixing the meatball ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs — we want them tender and juicy!
Experiment with Spice: Don’t hesitate to play around with spices! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili powder to the meat mixture if you like an extra kick.
Keep an Eye on Baking: Ovens differ, so watch your meatballs. Set a timer so you don’t forget them, and check for doneness at the 20-minute mark.
Make Them Bigger or Smaller: Adjust the size of your meatballs based on your preferences. Just know that cooking times will change accordingly.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Ground Beef or Turkey: If you’re looking for a lighter option, feel free to use ground chicken or even a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian twist.
Breadcrumbs: You could also use crushed crackers or even oats if you’re after something gluten-free.
Mayo: Swap out regular mayo for Greek yogurt for a healthier spin. Just be aware it might taste a tad different!
Sriracha: If you’re not a fan of heat, you can replace Sriracha with a milder hot sauce or even leave it out entirely. The dip will still be creamy and delicious!

Directions

Prepare your kitchen by preheating the oven, mixing the meatball ingredients, and forming them into perfect little orbs. Bake until golden and delicious. While that magic is happening, whip up a spicy mayo dip to serve alongside. Trust me, it’s a winning combination that pairs wonderfully with your crispy baked balls of flavor. Don’t forget to enjoy them warm with a movie or a cozy chat with friends!

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

These meatballs are incredibly versatile! Pair them with fluffy rice, crispy stir-fried veggies, or even a zesty Asian slaw for a vibrant meal. A refreshing cucumber salad on the side creates a perfect balance! And can we talk about drinks? An ice-cold soju or a light beer would complement the flavors beautifully. And let’s be real, these meatballs would make a stunning appetizer for any gathering — just a thought!

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (which you might, if you restrain yourself while cooking), transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply pop them in the microwave or bake them until warmed through. Pro tip: if you oven-reheat, add a splash of water to keep them juicy!

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

These meatballs are a dream for meal prep! You can prepare them ahead of time, shape them, and freeze them raw. When it’s time for dinner, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Guess what? You can also freeze cooked meatballs if you crave an easy meal down the line — just thaw, reheat, and dip away!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t Skip Binding Ingredients: Make sure you don’t omit the breadcrumb or egg; both are critical for holding your meatballs together, preventing them from falling apart during cooking.
Overbaking: Keep an eye on those meatballs! If you let them bake for too long, they’ll lose their juiciness and turn into little hockey pucks.
Ignoring the Spice Factor: Trust your taste buds! Don’t hesitate to taste as you go, especially with the dip. You want to balance the flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats for the meatballs, and make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) for the dip.
Can I use a different protein?
Of course! Ground chicken or a plant-based alternative will work just as well. Just be mindful of the cooking times.
How spicy is the dip?
The spice level depends entirely on your Sriracha preference! Start with one tablespoon and add more to adjust to your taste.
Can I use something other than mayonnaise for the dip?
Certainly! Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo can make a great base for a lighter dip.
How do I prevent my meatballs from drying out?
Make sure not to overbake, and consider adding a bit of moisture (like a tiny splash of water) to the baking tray to keep them juicy.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
Baking sheet: Line it for easy cleanup.
Parchment paper: Makes life easier; no one likes scrubbing pans!
Measuring cups and spoons: So you get the ratios just right.
Food processor (optional): If you want to finely chop your veggies in a jiffy.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something special about gathering around the table with loved ones to enjoy a homemade meal, and these Korean BBQ meatballs bring just the right vibe. The blend of flavors, the enjoyable process of making them, and the joyful faces at the dinner table; it all adds up to a beautiful evening. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear all about it! Whether you changed things up or followed it as is, share your journey with me.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! Happy cooking!