Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo – The Perfect Party Appetizer

Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip

Introduction

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed appetizer or dinner idea, look no further than these Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip. These oven-baked beef meatballs are juicy, tender, and bursting with umami from soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. Paired with a creamy Sriracha-lime mayo, every bite is the perfect combo of sweet, savory, and spicy.


Why I Love This Recipe

These meatballs strike the ideal balance between easy and exciting. They’re simple enough for weeknight cooking but bold and impressive enough to serve at your next gathering. Whether you’re piling them onto rice bowls, serving them on toothpicks, or enjoying them straight from the pan, they’re always a hit.

And that spicy mayo? I’d put it on everything.


Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Spicy Mayo Dip:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Sriracha
  • 1 tsp lime juice

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko, egg, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat.

3. Form & Bake

Shape the mixture into small bite-sized meatballs (about 1–1½ inches wide) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until cooked through and browned on the outside.

4. Make the Spicy Mayo

While the meatballs bake, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl. Taste and adjust heat level if desired.

5. Serve & Enjoy

Serve the meatballs hot with a generous drizzle or side of spicy mayo for dipping. Garnish with sesame seeds or extra green onions if you’re feeling fancy!


Tips for Success

  • For a lighter version, try ground chicken or turkey instead of beef.
  • Want more heat? Add a dash of chili flakes to the meatball mixture.
  • These also make a great meal prep protein—just pack with rice and veggies.
  • Try shaping them into larger patties and turning them into sliders!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These meatballs are versatile and fun. Serve them as:

  • An appetizer with toothpicks for dipping
  • A main dish with steamed rice and kimchi
  • A taco filling with Asian slaw
  • A bento box addition with soy noodles and cucumber salad

Pair them with:


Storage & Leftovers

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Bake at 350°F or microwave until warmed through. Serve with fresh mayo dip.

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Final Thoughts

These Korean BBQ Meatballs are sweet, savory, a little spicy, and all-around addictive. The creamy Sriracha mayo takes them to the next level, whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week.

Give them a try and tag us with your version—we love seeing how ChefManiac fans bring bold flavor to life!

Stay saucy,
Jason Griffith – ChefManiac.com