Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

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If there’s one thing that makes my heart (and taste buds) do a little happy dance, it’s Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip. I mean, who doesn’t want juicy, flavor-packed meatballs dripping in sticky-sweet glaze, paired with a creamy sauce that packs a spicy punch?

Whether you’re hosting friends for game night, planning a family dinner, or just looking for a way to shake up your chicken routine, this recipe is your new secret weapon. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and—best of all—customizable to how spicy you like things.

So grab your apron and let’s bring some Korean BBQ magic into your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Quick and easy. Done in about 30 minutes, even on your busiest days.
Big bold flavors. Sweet, savory, spicy—it’s the flavor trifecta!
Versatile cooking methods. Pan-fry, bake, or air fry, depending on your vibe (and how many dishes you want to wash).
Crowd-pleaser. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or your next Netflix binge snack.

And let’s be honest: anything with a spicy mayo dip is basically a win, right?

Ingredients for Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

For the Meatballs:

1 lb (450g) ground chicken
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 green onions, finely chopped

For the Korean BBQ Glaze:

¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon gochujang
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

For the Spicy Mayo Dip:

½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon gochujang
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon honey
½ teaspoon garlic powder

For Garnish:

Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions

How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, panko, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, salt, black pepper, and chopped green onions.

Mix gently until just combined—no overmixing! Overworked meatballs = tough meatballs, and nobody wants that.

2. Shape the Meatballs

Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or baking sheet while you heat things up.

3. Cook the Meatballs

Pick your preferred method:

Pan-Frying Method:

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add meatballs in a single layer (don’t overcrowd them).
Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.

Baking Method:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange meatballs on a lined baking sheet.
Bake for 18-20 minutes until fully cooked.

Air Fryer Method:

Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Arrange meatballs in a single layer.
Air fry 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

4. Make the Korean BBQ Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger.

Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and keep stirring until the glaze thickens into a shiny sauce.

Pro tip: don’t walk away while it’s thickening—it can go from perfect to gloopy pretty quickly!

5. Coat the Meatballs

Toss the cooked meatballs in the warm glaze until they’re glossy and coated in sticky-sweet goodness.

This is the moment they officially become Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip stars!

6. Make the Spicy Mayo Dip

Whisk together mayonnaise, gochujang, lime juice, honey, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the spice level if you want more kick!

7. Garnish and Serve

Transfer meatballs to a serving plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and serve immediately with your spicy mayo dip.

Bonus points if you stick toothpicks in them—they’re practically screaming “party food!”

Aneta’s Tips for Perfect Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Spice it up… or down. Love heat? Add more gochujang to the meatballs or dip. Prefer mild? Dial it back a notch.
Ground chicken alternatives: Swap in ground turkey or pork if that’s what you have on hand.
Leftover magic: Toss leftover meatballs into a rice bowl or wrap for an easy lunch the next day. Trust me, they’re even better once the flavors settle in.
Don’t skip the dip. Seriously, the spicy mayo takes these meatballs from delicious to downright addictive.

A Little Story from My Kitchen…

I first made these Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip for a girls’ night in, thinking they’d just be a cute little appetizer. Well… we ended up abandoning the rest of the menu and devouring the entire tray. My friend Tina still talks about “those magical meatballs.” And honestly, who can blame her?

Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip served with sesame seeds, green onions, and dipping sauce in a black bowl — Savor the bold taste of Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor and crunch.

FAQs About Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Can I make Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can form the meatballs and refrigerate them a day ahead. Just cook and glaze when ready to serve. The spicy mayo also keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Yes! Freeze the cooked, unglazed meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw, warm up, and toss with the glaze when you’re ready.

Are these meatballs very spicy?

Not crazy spicy—but they have a little heat. You can control the spice level easily by adjusting the gochujang in both the meatballs and the spicy mayo.

Let’s Get Cooking!

These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip are the perfect recipe when you’re craving something bold, delicious, and just a bit different. Quick, easy, and bursting with that iconic sweet-spicy Korean BBQ flavor, they’ll become a regular on your dinner—or party—rotation.

So roll up your sleeves and give them a try. Your tastebuds (and your guests) will thank you.

More Delicious Recipes to Try Next

If you loved these Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip, here are some other mouthwatering dishes that bring bold flavors and global inspiration to your kitchen:

Keep the sweet-and-savory vibes going with my Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken — it’s perfect if you’re craving even more Korean-inspired heat and sticky glaze goodness.
For another fun twist on meatballs, check out these Chicken Piccata Meatballs, offering bright citrus flavors and a cozy Italian touch.
Dive into the smoky, spicy world of Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken for a crowd-pleasing dinner that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles.
And if you’re in the mood for an Asian-inspired stir-fry, don’t miss my Mango Chicken Stir Fry — a quick, colorful dish that’s as vibrant as it is delicious.

These recipes are all easy, flavorful, and perfect for spicing up your weeknight meals! Happy cooking, friends!