Korean BBQ Beef Meatballs with Sweet Sesame Garlic Dip

Posted on June 16, 2025

Korean BBQ Beef Meatballs with Sweet Sesame Garlic Dip

If you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine or impress your guests at your next gathering, look no further than these mouthwatering Korean BBQ Beef Meatballs with Sweet Sesame Garlic Dip. This delightful dish brings together the rich flavors of Korean cuisine with the comforting appeal of homemade meatballs. Juicy beef meatballs are infused with a medley of savory and sweet ingredients, perfectly complemented by a luscious sesame garlic dip that adds a delightful touch of umami. Whether served as an appetizer, a main course, or a game day snack, these meatballs are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this recipe for Korean BBQ beef meatballs. First and foremost, the flavors are absolutely divine. The combination of ground beef, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey creates a perfectly balanced taste that is both savory and sweet, making every bite incredibly satisfying.

Also, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can serve these meatballs at parties, as a family dinner, or even over rice or noodles for a complete meal. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them a great option for meal prep or potlucks.

Moreover, these meatballs are packed with protein and are relatively easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. In less than an hour, you can have a delicious dish ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. Plus, with the sweet sesame garlic dip on the side, you can customize each bite to your liking, adding a burst of flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you haven’t yet tried cooking with Korean flavors, this recipe is the perfect introduction. The ingredients are easy to find, and the cooking process is straightforward. You’ll be surprised at how simple it is to create restaurant-quality dishes at home.

One of the standout features of this recipe is the sweet sesame garlic dip. Made with soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil, this dip not only enhances the meatballs but can also be used as a versatile condiment for various dishes. Think of it as a go-to sauce for grilled vegetables, chicken, or even as a salad dressing!

Moreover, with its balance of flavors, this dish appeals to a wide range of palates. Whether you’re a fan of bold, savory flavors or prefer sweeter notes, the combination of ingredients in these meatballs caters to both preferences. This makes it a fantastic option for family dinners or social gatherings where everyone has different tastes.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To make your Korean BBQ Beef Meatballs with Sweet Sesame Garlic Dip, gather the following ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sweet Sesame Garlic Dip:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Recommended Tools:

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small bowl for the dip
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Garlic press (optional)

Having these ingredients and tools ready will ensure a seamless cooking experience. The preparation is simple and doesn’t require any special equipment, which makes this recipe accessible for home cooks of all levels!

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have everything you need, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these delicious Korean BBQ beef meatballs:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly and develop a lovely brown crust.
  2. Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Make sure not to overmix; you want the meatballs to remain tender.
  3. Form the Meatballs: Once your mixture is ready, shape it into small meatballs, roughly 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  4. Bake the Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be cooked through and golden brown on the outside. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
  5. Prepare the Sweet Sesame Garlic Dip: While the meatballs are baking, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, sesame seeds, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl. This dip is where the flavor truly shines, so mix until well combined.
  6. Serve: Once the meatballs are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm alongside the sweet sesame garlic dip. Enjoy the explosion of flavors!

FAQ

FAQs

Can I make Korean BBQ beef meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze them for later use and bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve with Korean BBQ beef meatballs?

These meatballs pair wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or even a fresh salad. You can also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks or in lettuce wraps for a fun twist!

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Just be aware that the flavor will be slightly different, and you may need to adjust the seasonings to enhance the taste.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

In summary, these Korean BBQ Beef Meatballs with Sweet Sesame Garlic Dip are a delightful addition to any meal plan. With their savory and sweet flavors, they are sure to please everyone at your table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, an impressive appetizer for your next gathering, or a dish to add to your meal prep, this recipe checks all the boxes. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below, and if you loved this recipe, please share it with your friends!

For more delicious recipes, be sure to check out some of our favorites: Sweet Teriyaki Beef Skewers, Garlic Butter Shrimp Poppers, and Korean BBQ Beef Bites.

For more inspiration, don’t forget to visit our Pinterest page: Cheflora on Pinterest!

Korean BBQ Beef Meatballs with Sweet Sesame Garlic Dip

Korean BBQ Beef Meatballs with Sweet Sesame Garlic Dip

These Korean BBQ Beef Meatballs are flavorful and tender, served with a delicious Sweet Sesame Garlic Dip for an irresistible appetizer or main dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Korean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 1/4 cup Breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Green Onions
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
  • 1 tablespoon Honey
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Sweet Sesame Garlic Dip Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Honey
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, sesame seeds, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined to make the dip.
  • Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve the meatballs warm with the sweet sesame garlic dip on the side.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level of the dip by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
Keyword bbq, beef, meatballs

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