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Korean cuisine has taken the culinary world by storm over the past few years, captivating food lovers with its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and intricate preparations. From the sizzling sounds of bulgogi on a grill to the spicy tang of kimchi, Korean dishes offer a delightful explosion of tastes that appeal to a wide audience. One dish that stands out in this rich culinary tradition is the savory Korean BBQ meatball, a perfect fusion of textures and flavors that encapsulate the essence of Korean cooking.

Korean BBQ Meatballs

Embark on a flavor-packed journey with savory Korean BBQ meatballs, a delicious fusion of ground beef and pork, aromatic spices, and essential Korean condiments. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these homemade meatballs offer a delightful mix of sweet, spicy, and savory notes. Learn to craft them from scratch, control the flavors, and experience the joy of Korean cuisine in your own kitchen. Enjoy the vibrant tastes and the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ginger, minced

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sesame seeds, for garnish

Additional green onions, sliced, for garnish

Optional: Lettuce leaves for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated but don’t overwork the meat.

    Shape the Meatballs: Once the mixture is combined, use your hands to form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

      Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

        Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should read 160°F (70°C).

          Prepare the Korean BBQ Glaze: While the meatballs are baking, make the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon gochujang, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

            Glaze the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and brush the Korean BBQ glaze generously over the meatballs, ensuring they're well-coated.

              Serve: Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving platter. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and additional sliced green onions for garnish. If desired, serve with fresh lettuce leaves for wrapping.

                Enjoy: Serve immediately while they're warm. These meatballs go great with steamed rice, a side of kimchi, or simply as an appetizer!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 35 minutes | Serves 4-6