If you’re searching for game night finger food ideas that impress your guests and are incredibly easy to make, look no further than Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip.
Table of Contents
These fancy meatballs bring together the sweet-savory flavor of Korean barbecue-style meatballs with a creamy, tangy dip that packs just the right amount of heat.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, planning game night appetizers, or creating Asian finger food for a crowd, these meatballs appetizers for party will steal the spotlight.
What Makes Korean BBQ Meatballs So Addictive
Korean cuisine is all about balance salty, sweet, smoky, spicy, and umami-rich flavors harmonize perfectly. These Korean meatballs with spicy mayo dip are inspired by that philosophy.
They’re glazed with a sticky, caramelized BBQ sauce made from gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. The result? Juicy meatballs that taste like your favorite Korean barbecue-style meatballs only bite-sized and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these Korean meatballs with spicy mayo:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or pork (or half-and-half mix)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp ginger (grated)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
For the Korean BBQ Glaze:
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Spicy Mayo Dip:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- ½ tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Step-by-Step: How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
1. Mix and Shape the Meatballs
Combine all the meatball ingredients in a large bowl. Mix gently overmixing makes them dense. Roll into 1-inch balls (bite-sized for easy game night appetizers).
2. Cook
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, or pan-fry until golden brown.
3. Glaze
While the meatballs cook, whisk the Korean BBQ glaze ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer until slightly thickened, then toss the cooked meatballs in the glaze for a glossy, sticky finish.
4. Make the Spicy Mayo Dip
Mix mayo, gochujang, lime juice, and garlic powder until creamy. Chill for 15 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Korean barbecue-style meatballs are ideal for:
- Party hors d’oeuvres recipes – Serve them with toothpicks and a side of spicy mayo.
- Asian finger food platters – Pair with vegetable spring rolls or dumplings.
- Game night appetizers – Perfect for snacking between rounds!
- Dinner sides – Serve over rice or noodles for a quick meal.
🥢 Pro Tip: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions for a restaurant-style look.
Fancy Meatballs for Every Occasion
These aren’t your average meatballs — they’re fancy meatballs that fit any occasion. Their glossy glaze and aromatic spices make them elegant enough for cocktail parties, yet approachable enough for casual gatherings.
They also pair beautifully with chilled drinks like sparkling water, soju, or light beer, making them ideal meatball appetizers for party nights or game night finger food ideas.
Make-Ahead, Store, and Reheat Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or oven to maintain juiciness.
These tips make them great for meal prep and quick reheating before guests arrive.
Healthy and Customizable Variations
- Air Fryer Version: Cook at 380°F for 12 minutes for crispy, guilt-free meatballs.
- Vegan Twist: Replace meat with mashed tofu and mushrooms.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and cut the sugar.
These creative swaps make the dish accessible for everyone while maintaining its authentic Korean BBQ flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing – Leads to tough meatballs.
- Skipping the Glaze – It’s what gives that glossy Korean BBQ finish!
- Undercooking the Sauce – Let it reduce slightly to coat evenly.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~240 |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Sodium | 410mg |
FAQs About Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Can I use chicken instead of beef or pork?
Yes! Ground chicken or turkey makes lighter Korean meatballs with spicy mayo without losing flavor.
How spicy is gochujang?
It’s mildly spicy with deep umami flavor you can adjust the heat by adding more or less.
Can I serve these cold?
Absolutely. They taste great warm or chilled, making them ideal game night appetizers.
What’s the best dip if I don’t like mayo?
Try Greek yogurt mixed with chili oil for a lighter version.
Can I freeze cooked meatballs?
Yes, freeze for up to 2 months and reheat before serving.
Are these suitable for kids?
Yes! Just reduce or omit gochujang for a milder version.
Conclusion
The Bold Joy of Korean BBQ Meatballs
These Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip redefine what game night finger food can be bold, flavorful, and effortlessly impressive. Whether served as Asian finger food, elegant hors d’oeuvres, or meatballs appetizers for party gatherings, they promise to leave your guests asking for seconds.
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- frying pan or skillet
- spatula or tongs
- small bowl
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef or chicken
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp neutral oil, for cooking
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp lime juice
- chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
- toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, gochujang, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat neutral oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches until browned and cooked through, about 10–12 minutes total.
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice to make the spicy dip.
- Serve the meatballs hot with the spicy mayo on the side. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.