Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lbground beef
- ½ cminced green onions
- 4garlic cloves
minced
- 1 inchginger
grated
- 2 tbsptamari sauce
or soy sauce, if not gluten free
- 1 tspgochujang
omit for non-spicy
- 2 tbspcornstarch
- 1 tspground black pepper
- 1 tbspsesame oil
- 4garlic cloves
- ⅓ ctamari sauce
or soy sauce, if not gluten free
- 1 cwater
- 3 tbspbrown sugar
- 2 tbsprice vinegar
- 2 tspcornstarch
- 1 tbspwater
- green onions and toasted sesame seeds
for garnish
Directions
- 1
Place all ingredients for the meatballs in a large bowl. Mix until just combined.
- 2
Use a two tablespoon scoop (or a rounded tablespoon) to roll into golf-sized meatballs -- about 20 meatballs. Place in the fridge for about 10 minutes.
- 3
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add tamari sauce, water, brown sugar, and rice vinegar and stir.
- 5
Add the meatballs into the skillet. Let everything come to a boil, then lower to simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
- 6
Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl, and stir to combine.
- 7
Remove the lid and add the cornstarch slurry. Stir then simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens to your liking, spooning the sauce over the meatballs occasionally.
- 8
Taste to add more tamari sauce, if needed. Remove from heat, then serve over rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatballs
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About this Recipe
Craving the vibrant, savory-sweet flavors of Korean BBQ but need a quick and easy meal? These Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatballs deliver tender, flavorful bites simmered in a rich, sticky bulgogi-style sauce, ready to satisfy your cravings in just minutes on the stovetop.
What makes these Korean BBQ meatballs special is their perfect balance of authentic taste and remarkable simplicity. Ground beef is transformed into succulent, savory meatballs, then coated in a luscious sauce that masterfully blends sweet brown sugar, tangy rice vinegar, and a subtle warmth from gochujang. It’s a stovetop sensation that gets dinner on the table without needing an oven, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Prepare for juicy, tender beef meatballs enveloped in a glossy, thick sauce that clings to every bite. The sauce itself offers a complex interplay of umami-rich tamari, bright grated ginger, and pungent minced garlic, creating a truly irresistible Korean BBQ experience. Each mouthful provides that delightful combination of sticky sweetness and a pleasant, gentle spice that makes these meatballs incredibly addictive. You'll love how the extra glaze is perfect for spooning over your favorite rice.
Customization & Serving Ideas
You can easily tailor these Korean BBQ meatballs to your preference. For a milder flavor, simply omit the gochujang entirely. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, ensure you use tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce. While ground beef is called for, this versatile sauce would also be delicious with ground pork or even a plant-based alternative if you’re experimenting.
These sticky, sweet, and spicy meatballs are perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for gatherings or a satisfying main course served over fluffy white rice. Garnish with fresh minced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.