Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables

If you’re looking for a dish that brings the family together while bursting with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! These Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables are not just delicious; they’re also super easy to whip up. With the perfect balance of sweet and savory, this meal is always a hit at our dinner table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special gathering, these meatballs paired with crispy brussels sprouts and tender sweet potatoes make for an all-in-one feast that everyone will love.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this recipe to impress guests or just enjoy a cozy night in with my family. The combination of the rich gochujang glaze on those flavorful meatballs truly takes it to another level. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a staple in your home too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love these meatballs! The sweet glaze and fun shapes make them irresistible.
• All-in-One Meal: With hearty vegetables included, there’s no need for sides—just serve and enjoy!
• Make Ahead: You can prep the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them for later use.
• Versatile Sauce: The Korean BBQ sauce is so tasty that you’ll want to use it on everything!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooking should be simple and enjoyable, right? That’s why I love using these wholesome ingredients for my Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables. They’re easy to find and promise big flavor without any fuss!

For the Meatballs

• 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)

For the Korean BBQ 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, plus 1 Tbsp water

Toppings

• Sesame seeds
• Green onion

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version of these meatballs.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini along with the brussels sprouts for extra color and nutrition.
• Switch up the sauce: If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or sweet chili!
• Make it spicy: Add extra gochujang or some red pepper flakes if your family enjoys a bit of heat.

How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F. Arranging your oven rack to the top position is key—it helps achieve that lovely caramelization on both the vegetables and meatballs!

Step 2: Roast Your Veggies

On half of a large baking sheet, place the cubed sweet potatoes and halved brussels sprouts. Drizzle with one tablespoon of sesame oil and sprinkle salt to taste. Toss everything well so they’re nicely coated. Arrange them in a single layer with cut sides down—this helps them roast evenly! Pop them into the oven for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

While your veggies are roasting, let’s get those meatballs ready! In a large bowl, add your panko breadcrumbs followed by the milk. Let that sit for about 5 minutes; this helps keep your meatballs moist! It’s also a great time to chop up those scallions. Remember to keep the white parts separate from the green tops for garnishing later.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

Now add in your ground beef, minced scallion whites, grated ginger, minced garlic, kosher salt, and gochujang into the breadcrumb mixture. Using clean hands, mix everything until well combined—don’t overmix though! Use a medium cookie scoop to form approximately 20-22 meatballs that are about 1½ inches each.

Step 5: Bake It All Together

Once your veggies have roasted for 15 minutes, pull out the pan from the oven. Place those delightful meatballs in a single layer on the empty side of the baking sheet. Drizzle them with the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil before returning everything back into the oven. Bake for another 14-16 minutes until cooked through!

Step 6: Make That Tasty Sauce

While everything is baking away beautifully, let’s whip up that sweet Korean BBQ sauce! In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine all sauce ingredients—except cornstarch—and bring everything to a boil.

Step 7: Thicken Your Sauce

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until dissolved then whisk it into your bubbling sauce. Keep stirring as it thickens up over about 1-2 minutes—this is where all that flavor comes together!

Step 8: Coat Those Meatballs

Carefully remove your baked meatballs from their pan and toss them gently into that delicious BBQ sauce until fully coated. Place them back onto your baking sheet.

Step 9: Broil It Just Right

Finally, turn on your oven’s broiler setting! Broil those meatballs along with veggies for just about 2-3 minutes until things start bubbling up nicely—this gives everything such an amazing finish! Serve hot with any remaining BBQ sauce drizzled over top and finish off with sesame seeds and green onions.

Enjoy every bite of these Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables—you’ll be going back for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables

Creating the perfect Korean BBQ meatballs and vegetables is all about those little details that make a big difference!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh veggies and quality ground beef will enhance the flavor of your dish, making every bite delicious and satisfying.
• Don’t skip the broiling step: Broiling the meatballs and vegetables at the end adds a delightful caramelization to the sauce and creates a crispy texture on the brussels sprouts, elevating your meal’s overall taste.
• Adjust spice levels to your liking: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Gochujang or sriracha in both the meatball mixture and BBQ sauce. This ensures everyone enjoys the dish without overwhelming spiciness.
• Meal prep for easy weeknights: Prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This allows for a quick assembly and cooking process on busy evenings.
• Experiment with different vegetables: Feel free to swap out or add veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots according to what you have on hand. This not only adds color but also boosts nutrition!

How to Serve Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables

When it comes to serving this flavorful dish, presentation can make it even more enticing! Here are some ideas to get creative with your plating.

Garnishes

• Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweet glaze.
• Chopped green onions: Freshly sliced green onions not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a burst of freshness with each bite.
• Sriracha drizzle: For those who love an extra kick, a drizzle of sriracha over the top creates a stunning visual effect while adding additional heat.

Side Dishes

• Steamed rice: A simple bowl of steamed rice serves as the perfect base for soaking up any extra BBQ sauce from your meatballs, complementing their rich flavors beautifully.
• Asian slaw: A refreshing mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and cilantro dressed in sesame oil provides a crunchy contrast to the tender meatballs and vegetables.
• Cucumber salad: Lightly pickled cucumbers add brightness and acidity that balance out the sweetness of the meatballs, making each bite more interesting.
• Quinoa: For a healthier grain option, serve fluffy quinoa alongside your dish. It’s nutty flavor pairs nicely with Korean cuisine while adding extra protein!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create an unforgettable experience with your Korean BBQ meatballs and vegetables! Enjoy every moment spent cooking and sharing this delightful meal with family or friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a delicious dinner throughout the week. With simple storage and reheating options, you can have this tasty dish ready whenever hunger strikes!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the meatballs and vegetables to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cool the meatballs and vegetables fully.
• Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in the microwave on medium power until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes.
• For frozen leftovers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

Can I use another type of meat for Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken would work well in place of beef. Just be mindful of cooking times as lighter meats may require less time in the oven.

How can I customize the veggies in Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables?

Feel free to swap out brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes with other favorites like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the vegetables used.

What should I serve with Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables?

These flavorful meatballs pair wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh Asian slaw. You could also serve them over noodles for a heartier meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables! This recipe not only brings an explosion of flavors but also offers a wholesome dining experience that’s both satisfying and fun. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, I’m sure it will be a hit. Enjoy every delightful bite!