Irresistible Korean Meatballs: A Flavorful Delight

Name: Korean Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 3 green onions, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 large egg; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust for spice level); 1 tsp sesame oil

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

July 12, 2025

Updated:

July 12, 2025

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There’s a certain magic that happens when you mix ground meat with a tantalizing blend of spices and sauces. Korean meatballs are the perfect embodiment of this magic, bursting with flavors that dance on your palate and aromas that fill your kitchen like a warm hug. Imagine sinking your teeth into these succulent morsels, each one coated in a sweet and savory glaze that makes your taste buds sing. They’re not just food; they’re an experience.

I still remember the first time I made Korean meatballs for a family gathering. My relatives were skeptical at first, raising their eyebrows as they caught a whiff of the spicy-sweet scent wafting through the air. But after one bite, I was met with wide eyes and smiles—my uncle even declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” These little flavor bombs are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking to spice up a weeknight dinner.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These delicious Korean meatballs are quick to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights

Their unique flavor profile combines sweet, spicy, and savory notes that will impress anyone at your table
Visually appealing and fun to serve, they add flair to any meal

Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—enjoy them as an appetizer, main dish, or even in sandwiches!

I’ll never forget the way my friends devoured these meatballs at my last game night—there were no leftovers!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for juicy meatballs without excess fat.
Green Onions: Fresh green onions add crunch and brightness; chop finely for maximum flavor.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves bring aromatic depth; don’t skimp on this ingredient.

Ginger: Fresh ginger offers a zesty kick; grate it finely for even distribution.
Eggs: One egg acts as a binder to keep your meatballs moist and cohesive.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs add crunch and lightness to the meatballs.

Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while enhancing umami flavor.
Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar balances the savory elements with sweetness.
Sriracha Sauce: For those who like it spicy, Sriracha adds heat without overwhelming the dish.

Sesame Oil: A drizzle infuses a nutty aroma; use toasted sesame oil for richer flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, egg, panko breadcrumbs, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sriracha. Mix gently until just combined.

Shape the Meatballs: With clean hands (or an ice cream scoop if you’re fancy), shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Place them on a lined baking sheet as you go.

Bake the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes or until browned and cooked through. You want them golden but not burnt!

Prepare the Glaze: While the meatballs bake, mix remaining soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat until smooth. This will become your delectable glaze.

Add Glaze to Meatballs: Once baked, transfer the hot meatballs to a large bowl. Pour the glaze over them while they are still warm; toss gently until each meatball is coated in shiny goodness.

Garnish Before Serving: Add additional chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top for garnish before serving. It adds color and makes them look extra fancy!

These steps will have your kitchen filled with mouthwatering aromas that make it hard to wait!

Now that you’ve got all these juicy details about making Korean meatballs down pat—what are you waiting for? Roll up those sleeves and get cooking! If you follow these steps closely (and maybe sample along the way), I promise you’ll be rewarded with tender bites of joy sure to impress everyone around your dinner table!

You Must Know

Korean meatballs are juicy and packed with flavor
These little spheres of happiness are perfect for meal prep or entertaining
Their sweet and savory glaze will have everyone coming back for seconds, so be prepared to share (or not)!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing your ingredients thoroughly before shaping the meatballs. Sear them in a hot pan to lock in moisture, then finish cooking in the oven for perfectly tender meatballs.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through for maximum juiciness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For the best results, use fresh ginger instead of powdered; it adds more zing!
Avoid overmixing the meat to keep your meatballs tender

Always taste your sauce before adding it to ensure it’s just right

Cooking these Korean meatballs always brings me back to family gatherings where laughter filled the air and everyone raced for seconds—the joy was contagious!

FAQs

FAQ

What can I serve with Korean meatballs?

Korean meatballs pair wonderfully with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Can I freeze Korean meatballs?

Yes, freeze cooked meatballs in a single layer; they’ll last up to three months.

How do I make Korean meatball sauce?

Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil for a delicious glaze!

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