Name: Sticky Korean BBQ Meatballs with Gochujang Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Ingredients: 450g ground pork; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 green onions, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons gochujang; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds; Chopped cilantro or green onion, for garnish

If you’re looking to shake up your weeknight dinner or need a show-stopping appetizer, these Sticky Korean BBQ Meatballs with Gochujang Glaze are about to become your new favorite. Juicy, tender meatballs get tossed in a glossy, spicy-sweet glaze that clings to every curve, promising flavor in every bite.

What makes this dish truly irresistible is its perfect balance. The meatballs are rich and savory, while the glaze adds just enough heat and tang to keep your taste buds dancing. It’s the kind of dish that disappears from the plate almost as quickly as you serve it.

Why You’ll Love This Sticky Korean BBQ Meatballs Recipe

These meatballs check all the boxes. They’re quick to make, customizable with your favorite ground meat, and coated in a sticky glaze that’s bursting with umami and a gentle kick from gochujang. Whether served as a party appetizer or a meal with rice and veggies, they deliver big flavor with minimal effort.

Plus, they’re a fantastic make-ahead option. You can bake or pan-fry the meatballs in advance and simply toss them in the glaze when you’re ready to serve. The leftovers (if you have any) taste even better the next day.

What Kind of Gochujang Should I Use?

Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste that adds depth, heat, and a touch of sweetness. For this recipe, go with a mild or medium-heat version unless you’re a true spice-lover. Most grocery stores now carry gochujang in the international aisle, or you can find it online easily.

Look for gochujang that comes in a red tub or squeeze bottle and is labeled as 100% authentic Korean or made with fermented soybeans. The deeper the fermentation, the more complex the flavor. Avoid gochujang sauces that already have sugar or other additives if possible, so you can control the sweetness in the glaze yourself.

Ingredients for the Sticky Korean BBQ Meatballs with Gochujang Glaze

What makes these meatballs so rich and flavorful is the layering of ingredients. Each component contributes a unique texture or taste that makes the whole dish come together in one cohesive, irresistible bite.

Ground pork
Garlic cloves
Green onions
Fresh ginger
Soy sauce
Sesame oil
Panko breadcrumbs
Egg
Salt and pepper
Gochujang
Brown sugar
Rice vinegar
Honey
Cornstarch
Water
Toasted sesame seeds
Chopped cilantro or green onion for garnish

These ingredients are what give the meatballs their juicy interior and their addictive outer glaze. The combination of gochujang and brown sugar in the sauce brings that perfect sticky-sweet balance.

Sticky Korean BBQ Meatballs with Gochujang Glaze 2

How To Make the Sticky Korean BBQ Meatballs with Gochujang Glaze

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, minced garlic, chopped green onions, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, panko, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix just until everything comes together without overworking the meat.

Step 2: Shape and Cook the Meatballs

Roll the meat mixture into 1.5-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. You can also pan-fry them for a crispier outside.

Step 3: Prepare the Gochujang Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together gochujang, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, and a splash of water. Bring to a simmer. Mix cornstarch with a bit of water to make a slurry and stir it into the glaze. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens.

Step 4: Coat the Meatballs

Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the warm glaze until they’re evenly coated and shiny.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with toasted sesame seeds and a sprinkle of chopped green onion or cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy every sticky, spicy, and sweet bite.

How to Serve and Store Sticky Korean BBQ Meatballs with Gochujang Glaze

These meatballs are perfect for both intimate dinners and party spreads. They feed around 4 people as a main course or 6 to 8 if served as appetizers. Serve them over steamed jasmine rice, nestled in lettuce cups, or skewered for party bites.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a pan with a splash of water or microwave them in 30-second intervals until heated through. The glaze keeps them moist and flavorful even after a few days.

What to Serve With Sticky Korean BBQ Meatballs?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Fluffy jasmine rice is the perfect neutral base to catch all the glaze and juice from the meatballs.

Pickled Cucumbers

The bright acidity of quick-pickled cucumbers cuts through the richness of the meatballs.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

Toss together bok choy, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a quick and colorful side.

Kimchi Fried Rice

Take the Korean theme all the way and pair these meatballs with bold, spicy kimchi fried rice.

Garlic Noodles

Sweet and savory garlic noodles complement the gochujang glaze without stealing the spotlight.

Shredded Cabbage Slaw

A cool, crunchy slaw dressed with sesame oil and rice vinegar adds texture and contrast.

Lettuce Wraps

Wrap the meatballs in butter lettuce with a dab of glaze for a fresh, low-carb option.

Soft Bao Buns

For a trendy twist, stuff the glazed meatballs into fluffy bao buns with pickled veggies and herbs.

Want More Appetizer Ideas with Bold Flavors?

If you’re into these sweet and spicy Sticky Korean BBQ Meatballs, you’re going to fall hard for these other crave-worthy dishes:

Crispy Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls for a cheesy, crunchy, spicy bite.
Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl if you love heat and protein-packed meals.
Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl when you want something hearty but fresh.
Homemade Mexican Pizza to take your pizza nights to the next level.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce for a healthy spin on comfort food.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can find it anytime you’re craving sticky, saucy meatballs.

I’d love to know how your batch turned out. Did you go full spice or mellow it out? Any fun twists you added? Share your thoughts and let’s make this a recipe we all come back to.

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Conclusion

Sticky Korean BBQ Meatballs with Gochujang Glaze are everything you want in a quick, flavor-packed recipe. Easy to make, endlessly versatile, and bold enough to impress guests or satisfy a solo weeknight craving. With that balance of sweet, heat, and umami, they just might be your new go-to.