Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Korean BBQ Meatballs – Sweet, Savory, Sticky Perfection


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Ena Recipes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Description

These Korean BBQ Meatballs are a mouthwatering fusion of sweet, savory, and spicy  glazed in a sticky Korean-inspired sauce that clings to every bite. Made with ground beef and pantry-friendly ingredients, they’re perfect as an appetizer, dinner, or part of a rice bowl!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 500g (1 lb) ground beef (or chicken/turkey)

  • 2 green onions, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 egg

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (check for halal certification)

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • 1 tsp ginger, grated

  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Korean BBQ Glaze:

  • ⅓ cup soy sauce (halal-certified)

  • 2 tbsp honey

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp grated ginger

  • 12 tsp gochujang (Korean chili paste – ensure no alcohol/pork derivatives)

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (for thickening)

Optional Garnishes:

  • Sesame seeds

  • Chopped green onions

  • Cooked white rice or lettuce cups for serving


Instructions

 

  1. Prepare the Meatballs:
    In a bowl, mix ground beef, green onions, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and pepper. Combine well and form into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).

  2. Cook the Meatballs:
    Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Cook meatballs in batches until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 8–10 minutes). Remove and set aside.

  3. Make the Glaze:
    In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, vinegar/lemon juice, garlic, ginger, gochujang, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer.

  4. Thicken the Sauce:
    Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture. Cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened into a glossy glaze.

  5. Coat the Meatballs:
    Add cooked meatballs to the glaze and toss to coat thoroughly.

  6. Serve:
    Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot with rice or in lettuce cups for a lighter option.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes