Go Back
Sweet Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe for Game Day

Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe

Tender and juicy pork meatballs simmered in a sweet, spicy, and savory Korean BBQ sauce. A perfect appetizer or main course that's packed with flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 460

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 500 g pork mince 15-20% fat content is ideal
  • 60 g panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large free-range egg beaten
  • 3 spring onions finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • ½ tsp black pepper
For the Korean BBQ Sauce
  • 60 ml light soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar packed
  • 2 tbsp gochujang Korean chilli paste
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 60 ml water
For Garnish (Optional)
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 spring onion finely sliced

Method
 

  1. Combine Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the pork mince, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped spring onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper.
  2. Mix and Shape: Using your hands, gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. What works best for me is to stop as soon as everything looks evenly distributed. Roll the mixture into about 20 evenly-sized meatballs, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter.
  3. Sear the Meatballs: Heat a large, non-stick frying pan or skillet over a medium-high heat with a splash of neutral oil (like rapeseed or vegetable oil). Carefully place the meatballs in the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it (work in batches if needed). Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are beautifully browned on all sides. They don't need to be cooked through at this stage.
  4. Remove Meatballs: Once browned, use a slotted spoon to remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside on a plate. Don't wipe the pan clean!
  5. Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and grated ginger for the sauce. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Simmer the Sauce: Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water to the pan. Whisk everything together until the sugar and gochujang have dissolved. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, until it starts to thicken slightly.
  7. Finish the Dish: Return the browned meatballs to the pan, turning them gently to coat them completely in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for a further 8-10 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the sauce has thickened into a glossy glaze.
  8. Garnish and Serve: To serve, transfer the meatballs and all that delicious sauce to a serving dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced spring onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

These meatballs are delicious served over steamed rice with a side of kimchi or steamed vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.