Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables

These Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables are a delightful combination of flavors, making them perfect for various occasions. Whether you are hosting a gathering or preparing a weeknight dinner, these meatballs stand out with their sweet glaze and tender veggies. The dish not only features juicy meatballs but also incorporates crispy brussels sprouts and soft sweet potatoes, creating an all-in-one meal that everyone will love.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
• Step 3: Make the Meatball Mixture
• Step 4: Combine Ingredients for Meatballs
• Step 5: Bake Meatballs with Vegetables
• Step 6: Cook Everything Together
• Step 7: Prepare Korean BBQ Sauce
• Step 8: Thicken Sauce
• Step 9: Coat Meatballs in Sauce
• Step 10: Broil for Final Touches
• How to Serve Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables
• On a Bed of Rice
• In Lettuce Wraps
• Paired with Asian Slaw
• As an Appetizer
• With Extra BBQ Sauce
• How to Perfect Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables
• Best Side Dishes for Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables
• Reheating Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables?
• Can I customize the vegetables in this recipe?
• How do I make Korean BBQ Meatballs gluten-free?
• Are Korean BBQ Meatballs kid-friendly?
• Can I prepare these meatballs ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe is simple enough for beginners, yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of gochujang and a sweet glaze brings a unique taste that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair these meatballs with steamed rice or an Asian slaw for a complete meal.
• Healthy Ingredients: Incorporating vegetables like brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes makes this dish nutritious.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweetness of the sauce and tender meatballs appeal to kids, making it a great family meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather the necessary tools to make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Cookie scoop
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Ideal for roasting vegetables and meatballs evenly, ensuring they cook perfectly.
• Mixing bowl: Allows you to combine ingredients thoroughly for the best texture in your meatballs.

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 12 oz brussels sprouts (trimmed and cut in half)
• 2 Tablespoons sesame oil (divided)
• 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs (gluten-free if needed)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 scallions (thinly sliced, white ends and greens separated)
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Gochujang (or sriracha sauce)
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
• 1/3 cup maple syrup (or brown sugar)
• 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger (grated)
• 1 Tablespoon Gochujang (or sriracha sauce, plus more to taste)
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch (+ 1 Tbsp water)
• Toppings: sesame seeds and green onion

How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Arrange the oven rack to the top position. Gently grease a large baking sheet with olive oil or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Place the sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts on one half of the sheet pan. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Sprinkle with salt to taste. Toss to coat. Arrange them in a single layer with the brussels sprouts cut side down. Roast in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Meatball Mixture

While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the meatballs. In a large bowl, add panko breadcrumbs and pour milk on top. Let it sit for about five minutes. Chop scallions and garlic during this time. Remember to separate scallion whites from greens; mince the white bulb ends.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients for Meatballs

To the breadcrumb mixture, add ground beef, scallion whites, grated ginger, minced garlic, kosher salt, and gochujang. Mix everything together using clean hands until thoroughly combined. Use a medium cookie scoop to form about twenty-two meatballs that are each approximately one-and-a-half inches in size.

Step 5: Bake Meatballs with Vegetables

After removing veggies from the oven, place the formed meatballs in a single layer on the other side of the sheet pan. Drizzle them with remaining sesame oil.

Step 6: Cook Everything Together

Bake both vegetables and meatballs for about fourteen to sixteen minutes or until internal temperatures reach at least165°F. Ensure that sweet potatoes are tender while brussels sprouts become golden and crispy.

Step 7: Prepare Korean BBQ Sauce

While everything is baking, make your Korean BBQ sauce by combining all ingredients except cornstarch in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until boiling.

Step 8: Thicken Sauce

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until dissolved; whisk this into your BBQ sauce. Stir continuously for one to two minutes until thickened before removing from heat. Set aside one-third cup of sauce for drizzling later.

Step 9: Coat Meatballs in Sauce

Once baked, carefully remove meatballs from their pan; add them into your saucepan filled with BBQ sauce and toss gently until fully coated. Return them back onto the baking pan.

Step 10: Broil for Final Touches

Turn your oven’s setting to broil; broil both meatballs and veggies for two to three minutes until BBQ sauce bubbles around edges while sweet potatoes become slightly crispy on top. Serve immediately with remaining BBQ sauce drizzled over everything plus topped with green onions and sesame seeds.

How to Serve Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables

Korean BBQ meatballs and vegetables are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.

On a Bed of Rice

• Serve the meatballs and vegetables over steamed rice for a hearty meal that soaks up the delicious BBQ sauce.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Wrap the meatballs and veggies in crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing, low-carb option that adds crunch to every bite.

Paired with Asian Slaw

• Accompany the dish with a tangy Asian slaw for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

As an Appetizer

• Serve smaller portions on skewers as an appetizer at parties. They’re easy to pick up and full of flavor.

With Extra BBQ Sauce

• Drizzle additional Korean BBQ sauce over the top before serving for those who love extra sweetness and spice.

How to Perfect Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables

To ensure your Korean BBQ meatballs are always a hit, keep these tips in mind. Perfecting this dish will impress your family or guests every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic add depth of flavor that dried spices cannot match.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients for the meatballs, mix just until combined to keep them tender.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Gochujang or substitute it with mild sriracha.
• Broil for Crispiness: Broiling at the end gives the meatballs and vegetables a nice caramelization that enhances flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables

Complete your meal with these delightful side dishes that complement Korean BBQ meatballs perfectly. Each option adds its unique flavor profile, making your dinner even more enjoyable.

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic side that absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully.
2. Kimchi: This fermented vegetable side adds a spicy kick and balances out the sweetness of the meatballs.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with sliced cucumbers tossed in vinegar, sesame oil, and spices offers a crunchy contrast.
4. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup brings umami flavors to your meal, enhancing the overall experience.
5. Pickled Radish: Sweet and tangy pickled radish provides an excellent palate cleanser between bites.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the savory flavors of the dish while adding a summer vibe to your table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Korean BBQ meatballs and vegetables to the next level.

• Skipping the Preheating: Always preheat your oven before roasting. This ensures even cooking and proper caramelization of the veggies.
• Overmixing the Meatball Mixture: Mixing too much can make meatballs tough. Combine ingredients just until they are blended for a tender texture.
• Not Using Enough Salt: Seasoning is key. Taste your mixture before cooking and adjust salt levels for optimal flavor.
• Ignoring Cooking Times: Keep an eye on cooking times. Overcooked meatballs can become dry, so use a thermometer to check for doneness.
• Forgetting to Broil: Broiling at the end adds a delicious finish. Don’t skip this step for that perfect crispy texture on top!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or sauce, cover, and heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Korean BBQ meatballs and vegetables.

What are Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables?

Korean BBQ meatballs and vegetables are flavorful meatballs made with ground beef, seasoned with gochujang, served alongside roasted sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts.

Can I customize the vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any seasonal vegetables you prefer. Carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini work great as alternatives!

How do I make Korean BBQ Meatballs gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Korean BBQ meatballs, simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Are Korean BBQ Meatballs kid-friendly?

Yes! The sweet glaze makes these meatballs appealing to kids. You can adjust spice levels by reducing gochujang if needed.

Can I prepare these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.

Final Thoughts

These Korean BBQ meatballs and vegetables offer a delightful combination of flavors that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. They are versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Feel free to customize the veggies or adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences!