Korean BBQ Meatballs Spicy Mayo

Section: Start Your Meal with a Zing

Enjoy juicy beef meatballs baked until golden, glazed in sweet and spicy Korean BBQ-style sauce, and paired with a bold, creamy Sriracha-mayo dip. Combining soy, garlic, sesame oil, and Parmesan with fresh herbs, these bites pack authentic savory flavor. Serve hot with sesame seeds and scallions for gatherings or a satisfying meal. Easily adjust the spice, and make ahead or freeze for convenience.

Ranah
Written By Emily Chen
Updated on Wed, 01 Oct 2025 21:17:24 GMT
A bowl of meatballs with spicy mayo dip. Save
A bowl of meatballs with spicy mayo dip. | tangyrecipe.com

Juicy bites of Korean BBQ meatballs glazed in a sweet and spicy sauce with a creamy fiery sauce on the side—this is one of those recipes I pull out when I need a crowd-pleaser for game night or a speedy main after a busy day. The meatballs are packed with the bold flavors of soy, sesame, fresh garlic, and onion, while the dip brings just the right kick to make you keep reaching for another bite. If you love bold Asian-inspired flavors but like meals simple and hands-on, you are going to crave these.

I made these for a birthday party the first time because I needed something fast but a bit different. They disappeared before I turned around and now my family votes them into regular dinner rotation whenever I mention them.

Gather Your Ingredients

  • Beef mince: Look for fresh with at least a little fat for juiciness
  • Breadcrumbs: They soak up moisture so meatballs stay tender not dry
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and helps hold everything together go for the real stuff if possible
  • Egg: Binds the mixture for that classic tender bite
  • Onion and garlic: Bring aromatics for authentic flavor and a little sweetness
  • Fresh parsley: Adds freshness and bright color
  • Dried oregano: Subtle earthiness that plays well with beef
  • Salt and black pepper: Essential for balanced flavor
  • Soy sauce: Deepens the umami flavor and adds a bit of saltiness choose a good-quality one
  • Sesame oil: Signature nutty flavor goes a long way here use toasted if you can
  • Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the spicy dip choose real mayo for best richness
  • Sriracha: Heat and tang with a bit of garlicky flavor adjust to taste
  • Soy sauce and sesame oil (for the dip): Echo the flavors in the main dish and bring it all together
  • Garlic powder: Rounds out the dip with a subtle bite

How to Make It

Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 400°F or 200°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment so nothing sticks and cleanup is simple.
Combine the Meatball Mixture:
In a big bowl gently mix beef mince breadcrumbs Parmesan egg onion garlic parsley oregano salt pepper soy sauce and sesame oil. Be careful not to overwork the meat or the texture will tighten up.
Form the Meatballs:
Wet your hands and roll the mixture into bite-sized balls about the size of a golf ball not too big or too small for perfect cooking. Place on the lined sheet with a little space in between.
Bake the Meatballs:
Pop them into the hot oven for twenty to twenty five minutes. You are looking for golden brown outsides and no pink in the center. If you want even browning spin the sheet halfway.
Make the Spicy Mayo Dip:
While the meatballs cook whisk mayonnaise Sriracha soy sauce sesame oil and garlic powder in a small bowl. Taste and add more Sriracha if you want more heat. Chill for now.
Optional Glaze:
For deeper Korean BBQ flavor stir gochujang brown sugar a splash of soy vinegar and a little sesame oil until smooth. When the meatballs come out brush them while still hot for glossy spicy shine.
Serve and Garnish:
Arrange the hot meatballs on a platter sprinkle with sliced scallions and a few sesame seeds. Put your dip in a small bowl and get ready to dig in.
A bowl of meatballs with sauce.
A bowl of meatballs with sauce. | tangyrecipe.com

I never skip the Parmesan—it melts into the meat for little savory pockets that make every bite pop. Last Thanksgiving, my cousin nearly missed the turkey because he filled up on these straight out of the oven.

Flavor Boosters

You can swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter touch but choose versions with a touch of fat so they are not dry. Use gochujang in the glaze for a hit of authentic Korean spice or add chopped shiitake mushrooms for savory depth. Panko breadcrumbs or rice crumbs work as alternate binders to match your dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these over steamed rice with pickled veggies for a quick weeknight meal. They make awesome party skewers or tuck into a wrap with crunchy slaw for an easy lunchbox treat. For potlucks try lettuce cups piled high with meatballs and extra spicy dip.

Creative Twists

Shape the mix into patties and grill as Korean BBQ burgers in summer or add finely chopped mushroom to stretch the meat in winter. Try a squeeze of lime over the final dish or drizzle a little honey into the dip for a milder crowd-pleaser.

A plate of meatballs with a bowl of sauce.
A plate of meatballs with a bowl of sauce. | tangyrecipe.com

A friend made these for her Super Bowl party and said people started asking her for the recipe before halftime. When I bring a batch to my potluck club they are always the first thing gone—a testament to their universal appeal.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I get the meatballs juicy and not dry?

Use a mix of breadcrumbs, egg, and minced onion to retain moisture in the meatballs while baking, and avoid overmixing the beef.

→ Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Yes, both ground chicken and turkey work well. Adjust baking time slightly and check for doneness for the best texture.

→ How spicy is the mayo dip?

The heat comes from Sriracha. Adjust the amount to your taste for a milder or hotter dipping experience.

→ What should I serve with Korean BBQ meatballs?

Serve them with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, or simple sautéed veggies to complement the sweet and spicy flavors.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Refrigerate meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for a month. Reheat in a microwave or oven until hot.

→ Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, form and bake in advance, then reheat before serving. The spicy mayo dip can also be prepared ahead and chilled.

Korean BBQ Meatballs Spicy Mayo

Tender Korean meatballs with sweet-spicy glaze, paired with bold mayo dip—perfect for sharing or hearty mains.

Preparation Time
10 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Overall Time
35 mins
Written By: Emily Chen

Type of Dish: Appetizers

Difficulty Level: Great for Beginners

Style of Cuisine: Korean-inspired

Servings: 4 Portion Size (Approximately 20 meatballs)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients You’ll Need

→ Meatballs

Quantity of Ingredients: 01 1 pound ground beef
Quantity of Ingredients: 02 1/4 cup plain dry breadcrumbs
Quantity of Ingredients: 03 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Quantity of Ingredients: 04 1 large egg
Quantity of Ingredients: 05 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
Quantity of Ingredients: 06 2 cloves garlic, minced
Quantity of Ingredients: 07 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Quantity of Ingredients: 08 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Quantity of Ingredients: 09 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Quantity of Ingredients: 10 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Quantity of Ingredients: 11 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Quantity of Ingredients: 12 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

→ Spicy Mayo Dip

Quantity of Ingredients: 13 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Quantity of Ingredients: 14 1 tablespoon Sriracha
Quantity of Ingredients: 15 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
Quantity of Ingredients: 16 1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Quantity of Ingredients: 17 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Optional Garnish

Quantity of Ingredients: 18 Sliced scallions
Quantity of Ingredients: 19 Toasted sesame seeds

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix gently until incorporated, avoiding overmixing.

Step 03

Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 04

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked through.

Step 05

While meatballs bake, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 06

If desired, brush cooked meatballs with a Korean BBQ glaze prepared from gochujang, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil.

Step 07

Serve hot meatballs garnished with scallions and sesame seeds, accompanied by the spicy mayo dip.

Extra Tips

  1. For enhanced flavor, brush finished meatballs with a gochujang-based glaze after baking.
  2. Adjust Sriracha amount in the dip to modify heat intensity.
  3. Meatballs can be frozen in an airtight container for up to one month.

What You’ll Need to Cook

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Small bowl

Allergen Info

Double-check all ingredients for allergens and consult a health professional if needed.
  • Contains egg, dairy, wheat (gluten), sesame, and soy.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

These facts are for general informational purposes and shouldn't replace advice from a dietitian or medical expert.
  • Calories: 320
  • Fats: 18 grams
  • Carbs: 15 grams
  • Protein: 22 grams