Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip Recipe
Get ready for a party-perfect fusion that’s guaranteed to delight everyone at your next gathering: the Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip Recipe. This mouthwatering dish brings together juicy, flavorful meatballs tossed in bold Korean BBQ sauce and blanketed beneath gooey melted cheese—all designed for easy sharing and dipping. It’s an irresistible twist on classic comfort food, delivering sweet, savory, and spicy notes in every scoop. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging in a special snack at home, this dip instantly makes any occasion feel festive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip Recipe is just how simple, yet impactful, each ingredient is. Every addition plays a role, whether it’s for that perfectly tender meatball bite, a punch of vibrant flavor, or a golden cheesy crown you can’t resist tearing into.
- Ground beef: The juicy, savory base that forms the heart of the meatballs—choose an 80/20 blend for flavor and moisture.
- Breadcrumbs: Help keep the meatballs tender and soak up all the delicious seasonings.
- Green onions (finely chopped): Add a fresh pop of color and a gentle sharpness that balances the richness.
- Garlic cloves (minced): For an unmistakable, aromatic punch—don’t skimp here!
- Egg: Acts as the perfect binder, holding your meatballs together beautifully.
- Soy sauce: Packs the savory umami depth that gives each bite a little taste of Korea.
- Sesame oil: A little goes a long way, giving nutty warmth and authentic flavor.
- Ground ginger: Brings subtle heat and complexity without overpowering the rest.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every component just right.
- Black pepper: Adds the perfect savory finish and a gentle peppery bite.
- Korean BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade): The star ingredient—sweet, tangy, and just a smidge spicy. Choose your favorite brand or make your own for extra bragging rights.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and stretches just the way you want in every dip.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: For a creamy balance and even more meltiness.
- Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish): Lifts the whole dish and brightens its presentation.
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): A classic finishing touch that adds crunch and visual flair.
- Chips or toasted baguette slices (for serving): The perfect vehicles for scooping up all that cheesy, saucy goodness.
How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a big mixing bowl, bring together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, green onions, minced garlic, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly with your hands or a fork until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so stop when the ingredients are even and a little sticky.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meatballs
With clean hands, form the mixture into small, even-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. As you go, place them spaced apart on a lined baking sheet. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and just turning golden brown on the edges. The smell in your kitchen right now will be the first sign that something amazing is on the way!
Step 3: Warm the Korean BBQ Sauce
While those meatballs are working their magic in the oven, pour your Korean BBQ sauce into a small saucepan and gently warm it over low heat. This step brings out the sauce’s full flavors and means your meatballs will be coated with silky, glossy perfection.
Step 4: Toss Meatballs in Sauce
When the meatballs are ready, carefully transfer them into the saucepan or a bowl with the warm Korean BBQ sauce. Toss to coat each meatball evenly, ensuring that sweet, smoky, and spicy flavor sticks to every inch.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Dip
Spoon the sauced meatballs into a small baking dish or ovenproof skillet, then scatter both the mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top. Return the dish to the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes, just until the cheeses are completely melted and bubbling, creating that crave-worthy, golden crust everyone will fight over.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a shower of chopped cilantro or green onions, plus a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you love that little extra crunch. Serve the dip hot, surrounded by chips or toasted baguette slices. Stand back and watch your guests dive in!
How to Serve Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions gives the dip a beautiful burst of freshness and color, perfectly balancing the rich flavors beneath. If you have sesame seeds, add them for a little crunch and gorgeous visual flair—this tiny touch goes a long way.
Side Dishes
This Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip Recipe goes best with crisp, sturdy chips or slices of toasted baguette that can really stand up to all the cheesy, saucy goodness. For something lighter, try serving it alongside fresh veggie sticks or a simple cucumber salad—the cool crunch is a wonderful contrast to the warm, savory dip.
Creative Ways to Present
Have fun with the presentation by serving the dip in a cast iron skillet or keeping it warm in a small slow cooker for gatherings. For individual servings, pile a few saucy meatballs and plenty of cheese onto crostini. If you want to get really playful, offer little “build your own” sliders with Hawaiian rolls on the side!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, stash them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors of the Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip Recipe only deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s snack something to look forward to!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze the baked meatballs (without the cheese topping) for up to three months. Let them cool completely, portion into freezer bags, and when you’re ready, reheat, toss in sauce, and finish with the cheese and a quick bake for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover the dip with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until everything is hot and bubbly, about 15–20 minutes. For smaller portions, the microwave works well, just heat in short bursts and stir to keep the cheese nice and gooey.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare the meatballs and sauce a day or two ahead, then assemble with the cheeses when you’re ready to bake. The Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip Recipe is very forgiving and actually develops even more flavor after some time in the fridge.
What’s the best way to keep the dip warm during a get-together?
For parties, transfer everything to a small slow cooker set on “warm”—the cheese stays perfectly melty and guests can graze to their heart’s content.
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Yes! Swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for an equally fabulous (and sometimes lighter) version of the Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip Recipe.
Is there a way to make it spicier?
Absolutely—just stir a teaspoon (or more) of gochujang into the BBQ sauce before tossing with the meatballs. It’ll add a wonderful kick and deepen the overall flavor.
What are some fun dipping options besides chips or bread?
Try sturdy vegetable sticks (think carrots or bell peppers), rice crackers, mini naan, or even crispy wonton chips for an extra Asian-inspired twist!
Final Thoughts
Invite friends, gather your family, or treat yourself—this Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip Recipe is ready to steal the spotlight at your table. Whether you stick to the classic or experiment with your own twists, one bite and you’ll see just why it’s destined to become a new favorite. Give it a try, and watch it disappear faster than you can say “just one more bite”!
Print
Korean BBQ Meatballs Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Korean BBQ Meatballs make for a flavorful and satisfying appetizer or snack. Juicy meatballs are coated in a sweet and tangy Korean BBQ sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese, and garnished with fresh herbs for a delightful twist on a classic dish. Serve with crispy chips or toasted baguette slices for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup Korean BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Chips or toasted baguette slices (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, salt, and pepper. Shape into small meatballs and bake for 15–18 minutes.
- Coat the meatballs: Warm the Korean BBQ sauce and toss the cooked meatballs in the sauce. Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheeses, and bake until melted.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with cilantro or green onions, sesame seeds, and serve hot with chips or baguette slices.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of gochujang to the BBQ sauce.
- This dip can be kept warm in a slow cooker for party convenience.
- Turkey or plant-based meat can be used as substitutes for beef.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of dip
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
