Korean Beef Meatballs

Korean Beef Meatballs are a savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly tender twist on classic meatballs, infused with the bold, umami-rich flavors of Korean cuisine. These bite-sized delights make an excellent appetizer, party snack, or main course when served over rice or noodles. Whether baked or pan-seared, they’re sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavors: A delicious combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil gives these meatballs a signature Korean taste.

• Quick and Easy: Requires minimal prep and cooks quickly, making it ideal for weeknight meals.

• Perfect for Entertaining: Bite-sized and easy to serve, they work well as an appetizer or finger food.

• Versatile: Serve over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps—great for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

• Family-Friendly: The sweet and savory glaze is appealing to kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ground beef

• garlic

• fresh ginger

• green onions

• soy sauce

• sesame oil

• brown sugar or honey

• egg

• breadcrumbs

• black pepper

• gochujang (Korean chili paste, optional for heat)

• vegetable oil (for pan-frying)

• sesame seeds (for garnish)

• additional soy sauce and honey for the glaze

Directions

1. Preheat Oven or Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking. If pan-frying, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Mix the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, egg, breadcrumbs, and black pepper. Mix just until combined—avoid overmixing.

3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter.

4. Cook the Meatballs:

   • To bake: Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes or until fully cooked.

   • To pan-fry: Cook meatballs in batches in the hot skillet, turning to brown all sides and cook through, about 10–12 minutes.

5. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, and a little gochujang if using. Simmer until slightly thickened.

6. Glaze and Garnish: Toss cooked meatballs in the glaze or drizzle over the top. Garnish with sesame seeds and more green onions before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes

• Total Time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Increase the gochujang or add crushed red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute beef with leaner meat for a lighter option.

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari in place of soy sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

• Bulgogi-Inspired: Add grated pear or apple for a hint of traditional Korean BBQ sweetness.

• Lettuce Wraps: Serve in crisp lettuce leaves with rice and pickled vegetables for a refreshing twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave until heated through. Reheat with a bit of glaze or sauce to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used as alternatives to beef.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to use a binder like egg and breadcrumbs, and don’t overmix the meat.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, shape them in advance and refrigerate or freeze until ready to cook.

What is gochujang, and do I need it?

Gochujang is a Korean chili paste. It adds spice and depth, but the meatballs are still delicious without it.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, baking is a healthier option and works well with minimal cleanup.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, kimchi, or even noodles make great accompaniments.

How spicy are these?

The base recipe is mild. Spice can be adjusted with gochujang or chili flakes.

Are these good for kids?

Yes, kids often enjoy the sweet-savory flavor—just reduce or omit any spicy elements.

Can I use store-bought Korean BBQ sauce?

Yes, for convenience you can glaze the meatballs with a bottled Korean BBQ sauce.

How do I make them uniform in size?

Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion the meatballs evenly for even cooking.

Conclusion

Korean Beef Meatballs are flavorful, satisfying, and simple to prepare. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, they bring a delicious Korean-inspired flair to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners, party trays, or make-ahead meals, these meatballs are sure to become a favorite.