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Sticky Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe

Sara Collins
If you love bold flavors, you will love this Sticky Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe. These meatballs are juicy, sweet and slightly spicy.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Korean
Servings 6
Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

  • 500 g ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons green onions chopped

For the Sauce:

  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang Korean chili paste
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleaning easier later.

Mix the Meatball Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, add ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, pepper and green onions. Mix gently using your hands until well combined.

Shape the Meatballs

  • Roll the mixture into small balls using your hands. Make them equal in size for even cooking. Place them on the prepared tray with space between each one.

Bake the Meatballs

  • Place the tray in the oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes. The meatballs should be cooked through and slightly browned on the outside.

Prepare the Sauce

  • While meatballs bake, add soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, gochujang, garlic, ginger and sesame oil into a saucepan. Stir well before heating.

Cook the Sauce

  • Heat the saucepan over medium heat. Stir often. When it starts to simmer, add the cornstarch mixture. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes thick and glossy.

Combine Meatballs and Sauce

  • Remove meatballs from the oven. Place them into the saucepan carefully. Toss gently until every meatball is fully coated with sticky sauce.

Final Simmer

  • Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for two minutes. This helps the flavor soak in. Turn off heat once sauce sticks nicely.

Garnish and Serve

  • Sprinkle extra green onions and sesame seeds on top. Serve warm for best flavor. Enjoy immediately while the sauce is sticky and fresh.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the meat mixture. It can make meatballs tough.
  • Use wet hands when shaping to prevent sticking.
  • Adjust spice by adding more or less gochujang.
  • For extra flavor, add a splash of lime juice.
  • You can fry instead of baking if preferred.
  • Double the sauce if serving with rice.
Keyword Sticky Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe