Korean Barbecue-Style Meatballs
By Nadia Kovalenko
Posted September 30, 2026Share
Time
Calories
Servings
Difficulty
Description
Quick Tip Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.
20
1 pound ground beef
2 teaspoons gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger (heated to 150 F degrees (65 degrees C) to deactivate enzymes, or soaked in 1 tablespoon vinegar for 5 minutes)
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
0.333 cup thinly sliced green onions, plus more for garnish
0.5 cup finely crushed buttery round crackers (such as Ritz®)
toasted sesame seeds for garnish
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
0.75 cup beef broth or water
0.333 cup brown sugar
0.333 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
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1
Step 1 (Mix ground beef with gochujang, kosher salt, black pepper, and soy sauce in a bowl. Spread the mixture out and add ginger, garlic, green onions, and cracker crumbs. Mix quickly with a fork.)
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2
Step 2 (Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes.)
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3
Step 3 (Preheat the oven to 220 degrees C.)
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4
Step 4 (Form the mixture into 12 equal-sized balls using wet hands and put them in a cast iron skillet.)
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5
Step 5 (Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes.)
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6
Step 6 (Transfer the meatballs to a plate.)
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7
Step 7 (Drain most of the grease from the skillet, leaving 1 teaspoon. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then add rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and gochujang. Season with sesame oil and Sriracha. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce is reduced by a third.)
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8
Step 8 (Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the slurry, whisking constantly. Simmer until the sauce is reduced by half.)
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9
Step 9 (Add the meatballs back into the skillet and coat with the sauce. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.)
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
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Calories 558 kcal
% Daily Value *
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Total Fat 39g
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Saturated Fat 14g
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Cholesterol 97mg
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Sodium 2502mg
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Total Carbohydrate 27g
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Dietary Fiber 1g
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Protein 23g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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