Korean BBQ-Style Meatballs Recipe

If you’re craving something that packs a punch of bold, savory flavors with an irresistible tender bite, then you’re going to adore this Korean BBQ-Style Meatballs Recipe. It’s an exciting twist on classic meatballs, featuring a harmonious blend of soy sauce, garlic, and scallions that bring that iconic Korean BBQ vibe right into your kitchen. These meatballs bake up juicy, with a perfect balance of seasoning and texture that makes them a crowd-pleaser whether you’re whipping them up for a quick weeknight meal or a special gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a key role in delivering the authentic taste and satisfying texture that Korean BBQ fans will appreciate. From the rich ground beef to the flavorful soy sauce and fresh scallions, every component enhances the dish in its own unique way.

• Ground beef (1 pound): Choose ground round or chuck for the juiciest, most flavorful meatballs.
• Finely crushed Ritz crackers (1/2 cup): This pantry staple adds moisture and tenderness without overpowering the flavor.
• Chopped scallions (1/2 cup): Fresh, zesty scallions offer a bright, mild onion note that livens each bite.
• Low-sodium soy sauce (2 tablespoons): The heart of the Korean BBQ flavor, it adds umami depth with just the right saltiness.
• Minced garlic (2 tablespoons): Aromatic and bold, garlic amps up the savory punch for that perfectly balanced profile.
• Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the meat evenly and enhancing all the other flavors.
• Freshly ground black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat and complexity that rounds out the meatballs.

How to Make Korean BBQ-Style Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, throw in your ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, chopped scallions, soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently combine everything — you want the ingredients evenly mixed but don’t overwork the meat to keep those meatballs tender and juicy.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Once your mixture is ready, shape the meat into about 12 golf-ball-sized rounds, which should measure roughly 2 inches in diameter. This size ensures the meatballs cook evenly and retain their moist texture inside while getting beautifully golden on the outside.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the meatballs on a greased rimmed baking sheet, making sure they have a little space between each to allow even air flow. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until they are cooked through and have developed a gorgeous golden crust. Serve them warm for the best experience.

How to Serve Korean BBQ-Style Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

Simply sprinkle the meatballs with extra chopped scallions or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil to elevate the dish. A sprinkle of black sesame seeds adds a lovely crunch and enhances the Korean flair.

Side Dishes

These meatballs shine alongside steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up all those tasty juices. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a quick cucumber salad or kimchi for an authentic touch of Korean cuisine.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these into an impressive appetizer by skewering two or three meatballs with pieces of grilled vegetables or pineapple. Alternatively, pile them up in a lettuce wrap and add a dollop of spicy mayo for a fun handheld delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any uneaten Korean BBQ-Style Meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This way, they stay flavorful and can easily be reheated for a quick meal.

Freezing

If you want to keep these delicious meatballs longer, freeze them on a tray first to prevent sticking, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but be sure to cover to retain moisture and avoid drying out your perfectly seasoned meatballs.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey work well if you prefer a leaner meat option, but keep in mind that they may dry out faster, so watch your baking time closely.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for Korean BBQ-Style Meatballs Recipe?

You can try using plant-based ground meat substitutes along with the same seasoning, or experiment with mashed beans and breadcrumbs to create a fulfilling vegetarian version.

Can I grill these meatballs instead of baking?

Yes, grilling adds a beautiful smoky flavor. Just shape the meatballs tightly and use a grill basket or skewers to prevent them from falling apart when cooking over medium heat.

What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?

If you don’t have Ritz crackers, plain breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers will do the trick. The key is to use something that adds tenderness and a bit of binding.

How do I make the meatballs spicier?

Add some gochujang (Korean chili paste) directly to the meat mixture or sprinkle some red chili flakes on top before baking for an extra kick of heat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to impress your taste buds with a delicious dish that’s both approachable and packed with exciting Korean flavors, this Korean BBQ-Style Meatballs Recipe will quickly become a favorite. It’s easy, comforting, and full of character — a perfect way to bring a little Korean BBQ magic into your own home kitchen!

Korean BBQ-Style Meatballs Recipe

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These Korean BBQ-Style Meatballs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring juicy ground beef infused with soy sauce, garlic, and scallions, baked to perfection for a deliciously savory treat perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (12 meatballs)
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Korean

Ingredients

Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef (round or chuck)
• 1/2 cup finely crushed Ritz crackers (about 12 crackers)
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) to ensure a hot environment for cooking the meatballs evenly and creating a golden crust.
2. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, chopped scallions, soy sauce, minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands to gently but thoroughly mix all ingredients together until well incorporated without overworking the meat.
3. Shape the meatballs: Form the mixture into 12 golf-ball-sized rounds, approximately 2 inches in diameter each. Arrange them spaced evenly on a greased rimmed baking sheet to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
4. Bake the meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the meatballs are golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
5. Serve warm: Remove the meatballs from the oven and serve them warm as a main dish, appetizer, or alongside your favorite sides or dipping sauces.

Notes

• Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the salt level in the meatballs, but you can adjust the salt to taste.
• Crushed Ritz crackers add moisture and binding; you can substitute with plain breadcrumbs if preferred.
• For extra flavor, garnish with additional chopped scallions or sesame seeds before serving.
• Ensure not to overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
• These meatballs can be served with rice, noodles, or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a Korean-inspired meal.