Dinner

Korean Barbecue-Style Meatballs Recipe

Name: Korean Barbecue-Style Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

ByHarry Bern November 29, 2025November 29, 2025

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Introduction

These Korean barbecue-style meatballs offer a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Infused with savory soy, ginger, and garlic, they’re perfect as an appetizer or served over rice for a satisfying meal.

A white bowl filled with ten round meatballs covered in a thick, glossy dark brown sauce. The meatballs sit in the sauce with some of it pooling around them, giving a shiny and rich appearance. On top of each meatball, there are small white and light brown sesame seeds scattered evenly, along with chopped green onion pieces, adding a fresh green color contrast. The bowl is placed on a white cloth, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place them on a baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
Step 5: Optional: While baking, prepare a glaze of your choice and brush it over the meatballs before serving for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or gochujang to the mixture for a spicy kick.
For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Serve with steamed rice and a side of kimchi to complete the Korean barbecue experience.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to keep them moist and flavorful.

How to Serve

A round white pan holds twelve glossy meatballs covered in a thick, dark reddish-brown sauce. Each meatball is evenly coated, showing a slightly textured, cooked brown surface under the sauce. Scattered over the top are tiny white sesame seeds and bright green chopped scallions adding fresh contrast. The meatballs sit in a shallow pool of rich sauce inside the pan, placed on a white marbled surface with part of a white cloth visible nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and shape them a day in advance. Keep them refrigerated and bake just before serving for best results.

What glaze works best with these meatballs?

A simple glaze made from soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil complements the flavors beautifully, adding a glossy finish and extra depth.