Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip isn’t just another appetizer—it’s a bold flavor experience designed to impress every guest at your table. Welcome to homeasyrecipes.com, where every recipe feels like home. I’m Anna, the voice and hands behind this little corner of the internet, built out of a deep love for sharing simple meals that bring people together. Inspired by my grandmother Mary’s kitchen—where warmth and wonderful smells always greeted you—this blog is a celebration of family, flavor, and fuss-free cooking.
At HomeasyRecipes, my goal is to take the stress out of home cooking with dishes that anyone can make, no matter how hectic life gets. I know how it feels to crave something tasty and doable without needing a pantry full of exotic ingredients. That’s why I created recipes like these Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip: easy to prepare, bursting with Korean-inspired flavors, and versatile enough to serve as a weeknight dinner, party appetizer, or even a snack for game day.
This guide will walk you through every step from prepping the juiciest meatballs to whipping up a creamy spicy dip that ties it all together. We’ll also explore variations tips and serving ideas so you can make this dish your own. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out this is one recipe that deserves a spot in your rotation.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Origin and Appeal of Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
How Korean BBQ Inspired This Fusion Favorite
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip is a dish born out of the love for combining bold Korean flavors with classic comfort food. Traditional Korean BBQ is known for its sweet savory and umami-rich marinades packed with soy sauce garlic sesame oil and a hint of heat. This Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip takes those same signature flavors and infuses them into tender juicy meatballs that are baked to perfection.
While Korean BBQ itself dates back centuries this creative twist is relatively modern making it perfect for home cooks who crave something easy yet impressive. The addition of the spicy mayo dip creates a creamy zesty companion that balances the smoky notes of the meatballs beautifully.
Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or need a winning appetizer for a gathering Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip fits the bill. They’re bite-sized flavorful and incredibly versatile. Serve them over rice tuck them into lettuce wraps or enjoy them solo with extra dip on the side.
People also search for how to make Korean BBQ at home and what sides pair best with Korean BBQ Meatballs. We’ll answer these questions naturally as we dive deeper into the recipe.
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip is a flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender meatballs infused with Korean BBQ flavors and served with a creamy, spicy mayo dip. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound Beef Mince
1/4 cup Breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
1 Egg
1/4 cup Onion, chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
For the Spicy Mayo Dip:
1/4 cup Mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Sriracha
1/2 teaspoon Soy Sauce
1/4 teaspoon Sesame Oil
1/8 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix until well combined.
Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and browned.
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder until smooth.
Serve the baked meatballs warm with the prepared spicy mayo dip on the side.
Notes
Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
Adjust the Sriracha in the spicy mayo dip for more or less heat.
You can freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
Reheat in an oven or air fryer for the best texture.
Nutrition
Serving Size:4 meatballs with 2 tbsp dip
Calories:325
Sugar:3g
Sodium:680mg
Fat:22g
Saturated Fat:7g
Unsaturated Fat:12g
Trans Fat:0g
Carbohydrates:8g
Fiber:0.5g
Protein:20g
Cholesterol:90mg
Keywords: Korean BBQ Meatballs, Spicy Mayo Dip, Asian Meatballs, Korean appetizer, easy meatball recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need for Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Building Blocks of Bold Flavor
To bring Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to life you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Each element contributes to the rich savory-sweet-spicy flavor profile that makes this dish so irresistible.
The focus here is on simplicity. You don’t need any exotic or hard-to-find items—just honest ingredients that deliver big taste.For another bold and easy weeknight dinner idea, try our Honey Garlic Chicken Bites that pair beautifully with steamed rice and quick pickles.
For the Korean BBQ Meatballs
1 pound Beef Mince: The base of the meatballs tender and juicy when baked.
1/4 cup Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture and keeps the meatballs moist.
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated: Adds a touch of umami and richness.
1 Egg: Essential for binding the ingredients together.
1/4 cup Onion chopped: Brings mild sweetness and moisture.
2 cloves Garlic minced: Adds aromatic depth to the meatballs.
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped: For a pop of freshness.
1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano: Gives a subtle earthy flavor.
1/4 teaspoon Salt: Balances all the flavors.
1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds mild heat.
1 tablespoon Soy Sauce: A key component of Korean-inspired flavor.
1 teaspoon Sesame Oil: Brings a nutty fragrant finish.
ding" id="for-the-spicy-mayo-dip">For the Spicy Mayo Dip
1/4 cup Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the dip.
1 tablespoon Sriracha: For heat and a hint of sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon Soy Sauce: Adds savory depth.
1/4 teaspoon Sesame Oil: Brings the dip together with a nutty note.
1/8 teaspoon Garlic Powder: A hint of garlicky warmth.
Simple pantry ingredients for making Korean BBQ Meatballs
Ingredient Tips and Variations
People also search for substitutions like using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef in this Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip You can absolutely make that swap for a lighter version of Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip. Gluten-free breadcrumbs and vegan mayo also make this recipe accessible for more diets.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures an even bake that locks in the juices while creating a golden-brown exterior. While the oven heats line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
ding" id="mix-the-meatball-ingredients">Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl combine:
1 pound beef mince
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 minced garlic cloves
1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix until everything is just combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough so keep it light.
Shape the Meatballs
Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet leaving space between them for even cooking.
-image size-full">Shaping meatballs ready to go in the oven
Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’re looking for meatballs that are browned on the outside and cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Make the Spicy Mayo Dip
While the meatballs are baking whisk together in a small bowl:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Sriracha
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the Sriracha if you prefer more or less heat. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
ding" id="serve-and-enjoy">Serve and Enjoy
Once the meatballs are out of the oven let them rest for a few minutes before plating. Serve with the spicy mayo dip on the side or drizzle it directly over the meatballs for a bold presentation.
People also search for how to keep meatballs moist and can I air-fry meatballs instead of baking. The answer is yes—an air fryer at 375°F for 12–15 minutes will yield crispy flavorful results with even less oil.
If you’re craving pasta with BBQ-inspired flavors, don’t miss our One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta—a true crowd-pleaser for family meals.
ding" id="variations-to-try-with-korean-bbq-meatballs-and-spicy-mayo-dip">Variations to Try with Korean BBQ Meatballs and Spicy Mayo Dip
Swap the Protein for a Fresh Twist
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip doesn’t have to be made with beef alone. For a lighter option substitute ground turkey or chicken which absorbs the marinade beautifully while keeping the texture tender and juicy. These alternatives are perfect if you’re looking to cut down on red meat without sacrificing flavor.
Make It Vegetarian
For a meat-free version try plant-based ground meat or even lentil-based “meatballs.” Pair them with the same spicy mayo dip for a satisfying vegetarian appetizer or main dish. People also search for vegetarian Korean BBQ options and this tweak makes it easy to include everyone at the table.
Spice Level Adjustments
Love heat? Add extra Sriracha or a dash of gochujang Korean chili paste to the dip for a fiery kick. Prefer it milder? Reduce the Sriracha and balance with a touch of honey for a sweet-savory blend that’s kid-friendly.
Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones and use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip completely gluten-free. This is a great adjustment for guests with dietary restrictions who still want to enjoy Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip.
Serving Style Switch-Ups
Serve the meatballs on skewers for a party-ready appetizer
Toss them in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb meal
Add them over rice noodles with fresh veggies for a Korean-inspired bowl
Tips for Perfect Korean BBQ Meatballs Every Time
Keep the Meat Moist and Tender
One of the secrets to juicy Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip is handling the meat mixture gently. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense and dry. Use a light hand when combining the ingredients and stop mixing as soon as everything is evenly distributed.
ding" id="uniformity-is-key">Uniformity Is Key
For even cooking and a professional presentation make sure all your meatballs are the same size. A small ice cream scoop or tablespoon makes portioning easy and consistent.
Don’t Skip the Rest Time
After baking let the meatballs rest for 3–5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute keeping the centers moist and flavorful when you bite into them.
Enhance the Smoky Flavor
For a more authentic Korean BBQ vibe try grilling the meatballs over medium heat instead of baking them. The slight char adds a smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the spicy mayo dip.
If you prefer a quicker option Korean BBQ Meatballs can be air-fried at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes. This method creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
People also search for how do you keep meatballs from falling apart and the key is using the right binder. In this Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip breadcrumbs and an egg work together to hold the meatballs’ shape during cooking.
Looking for a fun plant-based snack? These Tofu McNuggets with Spicy BBQ are perfect for dipping and sharing at parties.
ding" id="unique-ways-to-serve-korean-bbq-meatballs-with-spicy-mayo-dip">Unique Ways to Serve Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Perfect as a Party Starter
Imagine walking into a room filled with the aroma of freshly baked Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip. They’re the ultimate finger food for any gathering. Arrange them on a platter with individual dipping cups so guests can enjoy them mess-free. Garnish with finely chopped chives or sesame seeds to elevate their look and flavor.
A Hearty Main Course
These meatballs aren’t just for appetizers they shine as the star of a full meal too. Serve them over a bed of fluffy white rice or fragrant coconut rice for a satisfying dinner. Add a side of quick pickled vegetables or sautéed bok choy to bring balance and freshness to the plate.
Creative Serving Inspirations
Create lettuce wraps by tucking the meatballs into crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves. Top with shredded carrots and drizzle with extra spicy mayo for a light low-carb option.
Build a rice bowl by layering steamed rice with sautéed veggies sliced avocado and a generous helping of meatballs drizzled with spicy mayo.
Try them in a slider bun for a Korean BBQ-inspired sandwich perfect for casual dinners or game-day snacks.
-image size-full">
People also search for what to serve with Korean meatballs and options like stir-fried noodles kimchi fried rice or even a simple cucumber salad work beautifully alongside them.
People Also Search For – Answering the Most Common Questions
How Do You Keep Meatballs from Drying Out?
The secret to juicy Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip is all in the prep and cooking method. To keep them moist, avoid overmixing your meat mixture and don’t overbake. Using fresh breadcrumbs and a touch of milk helps lock in tenderness, making each bite as flavorful as the first.
What Gives Korean BBQ Its Signature Taste?
Korean BBQ is famous for its balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. Ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and a hint of sugar or honey create that irresistible taste. These flavors shine through in Korean BBQ Meatballs, bringing authentic Korean-inspired notes to your table.
ding" id="can-i-make-the-spicy-mayo-ahead-of-time">Can I Make the Spicy Mayo Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the spicy mayo dip up to three days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving. This makes meal prep a breeze and ensures the dip stays creamy and fresh.
What Side Dishes Pair Well with Korean BBQ Meatballs?
These meatballs are versatile and pair beautifully with many sides. Steamed rice, garlic sautéed greens, or a crunchy Asian-style slaw are great options. For a lighter meal, serve them in lettuce wraps with a drizzle of extra spicy mayo.
For a meatless alternative with a spicy kick, check out these Crispy Maple Sriracha Tofu Wings that deliver the same sweet-heat balance as Korean BBQ.
class="rank-math-block">
Can I substitute pork or chicken for beef?
Yes, you can swap the beef with ground pork, chicken, or even turkey. Each protein brings a slightly different flavor and texture, but all work beautifully with the Korean BBQ marinade and spicy mayo dip.
Is the spicy mayo dip overly hot?
Not at all. The heat level is moderate thanks to the Sriracha, but you can easily adjust it. For more spice, add extra Sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes. For a milder version, reduce the Sriracha and balance it with a touch of honey.
What makes Korean BBQ Meatballs different from classic meatballs?
The key difference is in the flavor profile. Korean BBQ Meatballs are infused with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and a hint of sweetness giving them a savory-sweet umami taste that sets them apart from traditional Italian-style meatballs.
Absolutely. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook the meatballs for 12–15 minutes. This method creates a crispy outer layer while keeping the insides tender and juicy.
Conclusion: Why Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip Belong on Your Table
These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are more than just a recipe—they’re a flavor-packed experience designed to impress at any occasion. Whether you’re serving these Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next party or as the centerpiece of a cozy family dinner, they’re guaranteed to steal the show. With bold Korean-inspired seasoning, tender juicy meatballs, and the creamy spicy mayo dip, this dish delivers the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors in every bite. Make these Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip part of your regular rotation and bring the unforgettable taste of Korean BBQ to your table anytime.
Discover How To Make This Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip