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...

Kiara

Solid, fast and easy recipe. Don’t think it needs 1 tsp Kosher salt, 1/4 at most.

tess

Easy weeknight meal! I second others who suggest adding gochujang and sugar. I roasted some green beans alongside the balls, and whipped up a lil bbq sauce (gochujang, honey, soy, garlic, rice vinegar) to drizzle over the top on rice. What a delight!

Tim N

Double recipe- ADD (per lb): 2tbsp gochujang, 1tbsp ginger, more garlicGlaze:1/3 cup apricot preserves2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar1 tablespoon 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.

Kat

My favorite restaurant in Korea is this little hole in the wall restaurant in Suwon on the blue line to Seoul that serves the best beef meatballs. The woman who ran the restaurant would pack the table with about 25 side dishes and then deliver a plate topped with sizzling meatballs that were actually shaped more like patties. All the reviews suggesting adding ingredients don’t know Korean food. Add banchan to provide complexity. These meatballs are perfect as is.

MT

Too salty for my taste. Edible, but not enjoyable. Unfortunate, because I'd looked forward to it

cuckoo rice cooker

2 T gochujang splash chili oil sugar sesame seeds

elmo

This was not savory sweet. I have made Korean BBQ many times and I was skeptical when I read the ingredients. Nothing “carmelizes” it is savory, but no sweet. Honestly, it was just OK, and probably wouldn’t make again.

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

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Korean BBQ-Style Meatballs Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How is Korean BBQ made? ›

One of the most popular styles of Korean BBQ is bulgogi, which translates to “fire meat.” Made from thin slices of sirloin, pork belly or tenderloin, the tender meat lends to an even fuller taste and is marinated with lots of spices before being cooked over a flame.

What is the flavor profile of Korean BBQ? ›

The marinades and dipping sauces are rich and filled with umami. It's the perfect marriage of meat, marinate, and fat. A Korean barbecue feast includes all kinds of textures — chewy and crunchy — and tastes: sweet, savory, spicy, sour, and bitter. Korean barbecue is a feast for the senses.

What meat is best for Korean BBQ? ›

10 Best Cuts Of Meat For Korean BBQ
  1. Short rib (Kalbi 소갈비) MERCURY studio/Shutterstock. ...
  2. Outside skirt steak (Ahnchangsal 안창살) ...
  3. Chicken thigh (Dalg Heobeogji 닭 허벅지) ...
  4. Pork belly (Samgyupsal-gui 삼겹살 구이) ...
  5. Pork jowl (Hangjeongsal 항정살) ...
  6. Beef brisket (Chadolbaegi 차돌박이) ...
  7. Ribeye (Deungshim 등심) ...
  8. Beef belly (Woo Samgyup 우삼겹)
Sep 7, 2023

What does Korean BBQ sauce contain? ›

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.

How many sides does a meatball have? ›

Editor: I think your instincts are right on here — two sides for smaller meatballs and four for larger ones. But my favorite way to brown meatballs is actually in the oven, not on the stove!

Is it better to grill or bake meatballs? ›

Baking them gives the meatballs a little more flavor without additional oil since you are searing the outside under the broiler in your oven. Just make sure you bake them on a really heavy-duty baking sheet like this one.

What sauce does Korean BBQ use? ›

Ssamjang is an essential component of Korean barbecue. It's a simple, no-cook, stir-together dipping sauce that combines the savory funk of doenjang (fermented Korean soybean paste) with the sweet heat of gochujang.

What oil to use for Korean BBQ? ›

"In Korean BBQ, it's all about the marinade, and sesame oil is one of the key ingredients.

What is the best Korean BBQ sauce? ›

Ssamjang is the undisputed king of Korean BBQ sauces. Combining fermented soybean paste (doenjang), spicy gochujang, sesame oil, garlic, and green onions, this addictive sauce packs a punch. Its rich, savory umami flavor enhances the smoky goodness of grilled meats.

What kind of lettuce for Korean BBQ? ›

Red leaf lettuce is probably the most common in modern ssam but other lettuces, steamed or parboiled cabbage, and kaenip (also known as perilla) leaves are also are popular.

What vegetables for Korean BBQ? ›

While there are already several components for Korean BBQ, some other things that are common and easier to prepare are rice and vegetables like lettuce, perilla leaves, thinly sliced garlic, and sliced pepper. Small servings of soup are also served with Korean BBQ.

What is the thin meat in Korean BBQ? ›

Beef (Bulgogi)

Beef is another great option of meat for Korean BBQ. Bulgogi is a type of thinly sliced beef from the loin area of the cow. The best thing about bulgogi is that it has a sweet and savory flavor that will definitely tantalize your taste buds.

What meat is meatballs made of? ›

You can use any ground meat or mix of ground meat you like.

My personal favorite is a blend of ground beef and pork. I've also done just ground beef and just ground pork. Ground lamb, turkey, chicken, veal, or buffalo are all also fair game.

What are authentic meatballs made of? ›

Ground beef, pork and veal are the most common choices in Italy when making meatballs. Some prefer just one, others a mix. It's really up to you. We definitely recommend staying away from chicken or turkey, though.

What are traditional meatballs made of? ›

Meat: Some say that it's more old-school for traditional Italian cooks to use a combination of beef, veal and pork to make meatballs (and you can too).

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