Name: Korean BBQ Meatballs over Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 26 min
Total time: 31 min
Ingredients: 0.5 cup low sodium soy sauce; 2.5 tablespoons light brown sugar; 2 cloves minced garlic; 0.5 teaspoon minced ginger; 0.25 cup light brown sugar; 0.25 cup low sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon mirin (optional); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 0.25 small Asian pear (peeled, cored and chopped); 0.25 yellow onion chopped; 2 cloves garlic; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced); 1 green onion thinly sliced (plus more for garnish); 1 pound ground beef; salt and pepper (to taste); toasted sesame seeds (for serving); steamed white or brown rice (for serving)

Introduction to Korean BBQ Meatballs

Why Korean BBQ Meatballs Deserve a Spot on Your Dinner Table

If you're looking to add some excitement to your regular dinner rotation, Korean BBQ meatballs are a must-try. These little morsels pack a punch with their sweet and savory flavors, thanks to a delightful combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. They transform humble ground beef into a delicious meal that's perfect for sharing with friends or family.

Not only are these meatballs a fantastic option for dinner, but they also make fantastic leftovers! Simply reheat them over rice for a quick lunch or meal prep you can count on. According to studies, dinner recipes that save well are essential for busy young professionals—especially when 55% of us prefer home-cooked meals over takeout.

Plus, they're versatile! You can throw them in a salad, make a sub sandwich, or serve them on skewers for your next gathering. Pairing these delightful meatballs with steamed rice and a sprinkle of green onions makes them irresistible. If you're excited about exploring new flavors, give our Korean BBQ meatballs a whirl. You might just find your new favorite dish! For more on Korean cuisine, check out Korean Banchan to complement your meal.

Ingredients for Korean BBQ Meatballs

Creating Korean BBQ Meatballs is a breeze when you have the right ingredients on hand. Let’s break down what you’ll need to make this delicious dish.

Essential ingredients for the glaze

For that mouthwatering glaze that ties everything together, grab the following:

½ cup low sodium soy sauce
2 ½ tablespoons light brown sugar
2 minced garlic cloves
½ teaspoon minced ginger

This glaze not only gives your meatballs an irresistible shine but also adds that umami touch that makes Korean BBQ so special!

Key components for the meatball marinade

Next, we have the marinade. It infuses your meatballs with rich flavors and works wonderfully with the glaze:

¼ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon mirin (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
¼ small Asian pear, peeled, cored, and chopped
¼ yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
1 green onion, thinly sliced (plus more for garnish)

Don’t skip the Asian pear—it’s a secret ingredient to keep your meatballs juicy and tender!

Ingredients for the meatballs

Finally, for the meatballs themselves, you’ll need:

1 pound ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste

This simple combination makes for hearty meatballs that are bursting with flavor. If you’re looking for more recipe inspiration or tips, check out Serious Eats for guidance on perfecting your meatball game!

Preparing Korean BBQ Meatballs

Creating mouthwatering Korean BBQ Meatballs at home is easier than you might think. With a lovely blend of sweet and savory flavors, these meatballs are a delightful addition to your dinner table. Let’s dive into the steps to achieve this culinary delight!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375˚F. This is a crucial step, as it ensures that your meatballs cook evenly and develop a nice texture. While the oven warms up, you can gather your ingredients, making the process smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic-Soy Glaze

Next, it’s time to whip up the garlic-soy glaze that will elevate your Korean BBQ Meatballs to the next level. In a small saucepan, combine:

½ cup low sodium soy sauce
2 ½ tablespoons light brown sugar
2 minced garlic cloves
½ teaspoon minced ginger

Simmer this mixture for about 10 minutes on low heat. Once it’s thickened and cooled down, set it aside. This glaze will not only provide a beautiful finish but also add that signature flavor we associate with great Korean BBQ.

Step 3: Blend the BBQ Marinade

For the BBQ marinade, add the following ingredients to a blender:

¼ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon mirin (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
¼ small Asian pear (peeled, cored, and chopped)
¼ yellow onion (chopped)
2 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
1 green onion (thinly sliced)

Blend until smooth. This marinade is key to infusing flavor into the meatballs before they even hit the oven. It’s a flavor-packed powerhouse that you’ll love!

Step 4: Combine the Meatball Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, take 1 pound of ground beef, season lightly with salt and pepper, and pour the blended marinade over it. Using your hands, mix everything together gently until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can lead to a tough texture. Perfectly mixed grounds mean perfectly tender meatballs!

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Meatballs

Now comes the fun part—shaping your meatballs! With your hands, roll the mixture into 24 evenly-sized balls and place them on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. Ensure they are spaced about ½ inch apart. Bake these bad boys in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are cooked through but still juicy.

Step 6: Glaze and Broil for Finishing Touches

Once your meatballs are out of the oven, brush each one generously with the cooled garlic-soy glaze. Then, pop them under the broiler for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. This final touch adds a wonderful caramelization that you just can’t resist!

Remove them from the broiler and brush with a bit more glaze before serving. Pile these delectable Korean BBQ Meatballs over a platter of steamed rice and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a meal that’s not just delicious but also visually appealing.

Enjoy your homemade Korean BBQ Meatballs—they're perfect for sharing or saving for a quick weeknight meal! For more delightful recipes, check out Serious Eats on Korean Cuisine. Enjoy cooking!

Variations on Korean BBQ Meatballs

BBQ Meatballs with Chicken

For a lighter twist on traditional Korean BBQ Meatballs, try using ground chicken! The lean meat absorbs the flavors beautifully, ensuring a delicious and guilt-free meal. Simply replace the beef in the recipe with 1 pound of ground chicken, making sure it remains moist with a touch more sauce. This version offers a protein-packed option, ideal for anyone looking to mix things up. Serve them over brown rice for a wholesome dinner that's both tasty and nutritious.

Vegetarian Korean BBQ Meatballs

If you're leaning towards a plant-based diet, you can enjoy these Korean BBQ Meatballs by crafting a vegetarian version. Combine finely chopped mushrooms, cooked brown rice, and lentils, along with your favorite vegetable seasoning. The texture and flavor will mimic the original, allowing you to savor Korean BBQ without meat. For subtle sweetness, consider adding a bit of grated carrot or diced Asian pear into the mixture. Serve with your preferred rice, and watch your vegetarian guests savor every bite!

For insights into vegetarian protein sources, check out Nutrition.gov.

Cooking tips and notes for Korean BBQ Meatballs

Tips for making perfect meatballs

To achieve juicy and flavorful Korean BBQ Meatballs, use a blend of ground beef and other meats like Turkey Bacon for added richness. Don’t overmix the meat; gently combine the ingredients to keep them tender. Rolling the meatballs into uniform size ensures even cooking. Baking on a foil-lined tray is a breeze for cleanup, plus broiling them adds a delicious caramelized finish.

Notes on adjusting spice levels

If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of minced ginger and adjust your ingredients gradually. For a little kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the marinade. Balancing flavors is key; if you find the sauce too sweet, adding a splash of low-sodium soy sauce can balance it out. Feel free to explore spice levels that suit your taste!

Serving suggestions for Korean BBQ Meatballs

Ideal sides to complement the dish

When serving your delectable Korean BBQ Meatballs, consider pairing them with the following sides for a well-rounded meal:

Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or bok choy add color and nutrients.
Kimchi: This traditional Korean side dish brings a spicy kick and is packed with probiotics.
Creamy coleslaw: The crunch and creaminess provide a nice contrast to the savory meatballs.

These sides not only enhance the flavors but also make your dinner table more inviting.

Creative serving ideas for meal prep

For those busy weeknights, Korean BBQ Meatballs lend themselves beautifully to meal prep:

Build your bowl: Layer cooked rice, meatballs, and steamed veggies in a meal prep container. Add a small container of sauce on the side for extra flavor.
Wrap it up: Use lettuce leaves to create hand-held wraps filled with meatballs and garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds.
Freezer-friendly: Freeze leftover meatballs in appropriate portions to enjoy later! Just reheat and pair with different sides for variety.

These ideas will not only satisfy your cravings but will also streamline your weekday dinners.

Time details for Korean BBQ Meatballs

Preparation time

With just 15 minutes of prep, you'll have everything ready to go! This is the perfect time to gather your ingredients, blend your marinade, and roll those delightful meatballs.

Cooking time

It takes approximately 26 minutes to cook these flavorful Korean BBQ meatballs. You'll bake them to get a nice, tender texture before glazing them to perfection.

Total time

In just 31 minutes, you can enjoy a savory, satisfying meal that transports your taste buds straight to Korea. This quick total time means you can whip up dinner even on a busy weeknight!

For more tips on timing and serving suggestions, check out this guide on meal prepping.

Nutritional Information for Korean BBQ Meatballs

Calories per Serving

Each serving of these delicious Korean BBQ Meatballs contains approximately 282 calories. That makes them a satisfying option for dinner without feeling heavy!

Macronutrient Breakdown

In terms of macronutrients, you’ll find a well-rounded balance:

Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 16g (with 6g being saturated fat)

This combination offers a hearty meal that keeps you energized, perfect for a busy weeknight! For more detailed nutritional insights, consider visiting sources like Healthline or USDA Food Composition to learn how the ingredients contribute to a healthy diet.

Enjoy your cooking! What are you pairing your meatballs with? Let us know in the comments!

FAQs about Korean BBQ Meatballs

What type of meat works best for these meatballs?

When it comes to making Korean BBQ meatballs, ground beef is a popular choice due to its rich flavor and moisture content. However, you can also experiment with blends like turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you're feeling adventurous, even a combination can yield tasty results that cater to different palates.

Can I freeze Korean BBQ meatballs?

Absolutely! Freezing is a great way to save extra Korean BBQ meatballs for later. Just be sure to let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to three months. Don’t forget to label them for easy identification later!

How do I store leftovers properly?

To keep your leftover Korean BBQ meatballs fresh, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They should last for about 3 to 4 days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and satisfying meal.

For more tips on storing sauces and marinades, check out The Spruce Eats for expert advice!

Conclusion on Korean BBQ Meatballs

In summary, Korean BBQ meatballs blend sweet and savory flavors to create a delightful dinner experience. Perfectly paired with rice, they make a satisfying meal that also excels as leftovers. Try this easy recipe for your next weeknight dinner, and enjoy the burst of deliciousness in every bite!