Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love, look no further than these Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables! This recipe has become a favorite in our home because it’s not only super flavorful, but it also brings everyone to the table. The sweet glaze on the meatballs caramelizes beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience. Plus, with sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts roasted to perfection alongside, it’s truly an all-in-one dinner that feels special without being complicated.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual family gathering, this dish fits right in. Your loved ones will be asking for seconds before they even finish their first plate!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and minimal cleanup, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Family-friendly appeal: The flavors are approachable enough for kids while still being exciting for adults.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prep the meatballs ahead of time and just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of gochujang and maple syrup creates a sweet and spicy glaze that’s irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Each one contributes to the delectable flavors of Korean BBQ meatballs and vegetables!

• 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; I like Aleia’s)
• 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

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to customize it based on what you have or your family’s preferences. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Swap the protein: If you’re not keen on ground beef, try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Change up the veggies: Feel free to use other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini if you prefer different flavors or textures.
• Add some heat: If you love spice, toss in some chopped chili peppers or increase the amount of gochujang for an extra kick.
• Try different grains: Serve these meatballs over quinoa or farro instead of rice for a nutritious twist.

How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Position your oven rack at the top. This ensures that your vegetables get nicely roasted while allowing the meatballs to caramelize under high heat later on.

Step 2: Roast the Vegetables

Place your sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts on one half of a large baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and sprinkle with salt. Toss them well so they’re evenly coated. Arranging them cut side down helps achieve that crispy texture we all love! Roast in the oven for about 15 minutes until they start softening.

Step 3: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

While those veggies are roasting, it’s time to make our tasty meatballs! In a large bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with milk and let it sit for about five minutes. This helps keep the meatballs moist. Meanwhile, chop your scallions and mince your garlic—this is where those aromatic flavors begin!

Step 4: Forming the Meatballs

To your breadcrumb mixture, add ground beef, scallion whites (save those greens!), ginger, minced garlic, kosher salt, and gochujang. Using clean hands, mix everything until well combined—it’s okay if it gets a little messy! Use a medium cookie scoop to portion out even meatballs; aim for about 20–22.

Step 5: Bake Everything Together

Once your veggies are roasted slightly, remove them from the oven. Place your formed meatballs on the other side of the sheet pan—don’t forget to drizzle them with the remaining sesame oil! Bake everything together for about 14–16 minutes until cooked through.

Step 6: Make That Glorious BBQ Sauce

While everything bakes away nicely, let’s whip up our incredible BBQ sauce! In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine all sauce ingredients except cornstarch. Bring it to a gentle boil—this helps meld those wonderful flavors together.

Step 7: Thicken It Up!

In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch with water until dissolved. Whisk this into your boiling BBQ sauce and continue stirring until it thickens up nicely—about 1–2 minutes should do it!

Step 8: Coat Those Meatballs

Carefully remove your baked meatballs from their pan and toss them in that luscious BBQ sauce right in your saucepan. Give them a good coating before placing them back on the baking sheet.

Step 9: Broil Everything Together

Now comes the fun part! Turn your oven settings to broil and pop everything back in there for just 2–3 minutes until those meatballs bubble gloriously and veggies get crispy edges. It’s such an exciting moment!

Finally, serve up those Korean BBQ meatballs alongside sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts with any leftover BBQ sauce drizzled on top—and don’t forget to sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions for that extra flair! Enjoy every savory bite with loved ones around your table!

Pro Tips for Making Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables

Creating the perfect Korean BBQ meatballs and vegetables is easier than you think! Here are some tips to help you achieve delicious results every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality ground beef make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture, ensuring your dish is vibrant and satisfying.

• Don’t skip the broiling step: Broiling at the end caramelizes the sauce on the meatballs and enhances the crispy texture of the brussels sprouts, adding depth to your dish.

• Adjust spice levels: If you’re serving kids or those who prefer milder flavors, feel free to reduce the amount of gochujang or sriracha. You can always serve extra on the side for those who like it spicy!

• Make ahead for convenience: Prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This saves time on busy weeknights and allows for quick assembly.

• Experiment with vegetables: While sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts are delicious, feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers or broccoli to add variety and nutrition to your meal!

How to Serve Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables

Serving your Korean BBQ meatballs and vegetables can be just as fun as making them! With a few simple presentation ideas, you can create a visually appealing meal that will impress everyone at your table.

Garnishes

• Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the meatballs perfectly.
• Chopped green onions: Fresh green onions not only provide a pop of color but also enhance the dish with their mild oniony taste, balancing out the sweetness of the glaze.

Side Dishes

• Steamed rice: A classic pairing, fluffy steamed rice is perfect for soaking up all that delicious Korean BBQ sauce. You can use jasmine, basmati, or even brown rice for added health benefits.

• Asian slaw: A refreshing Asian slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a light sesame dressing adds crunch and tanginess alongside your savory meatballs. It’s a perfect contrast that brightens up every bite!

• Cucumber salad: Lightly pickled cucumbers tossed with rice vinegar, chili flakes, and a dash of sesame oil make for a crunchy side that cuts through the richness of the meatballs beautifully.

• Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt provides a protein-packed side that’s easy to prepare. These little green gems are tasty snacks that everyone loves!

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to enjoy an unforgettable dinner featuring Korean BBQ meatballs and vegetables. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe for Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables is perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it in advance, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Here’s how to store and reheat your delicious leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover meatballs and vegetables in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the BBQ sauce separate if possible to maintain texture.

Freezing

• Allow the meatballs and veggies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring as much air is removed as possible.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes).
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals until heated evenly.
• If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

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

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will still yield deliciously flavorful meatballs. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as turkey may cook faster than beef.

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

Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables! Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas would all be fantastic additions or substitutes to suit your taste.

What should I serve with Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables?

These meatballs are fantastic on their own but pair beautifully with steamed rice or a fresh Asian slaw. You could also serve them with noodles for a heartier option!

Are Korean BBQ Meatballs kid-friendly?

Yes! The sweet glaze makes these meatballs appealing to children while providing a nutritious meal option packed with veggies.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables as much as I do! This recipe brings together delicious flavors and wholesome ingredients that are sure to please everyone at your table. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week or hosting friends, these meatballs will surely impress. Happy cooking!