Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy weeknight meal, you’ve come to the right place! These Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables are not only bursting with flavor but also bring a fun twist to your dinner table. I love how they combine the sweetness of maple syrup with the spicy kick of gochujang, creating a delightful glaze that caramelizes beautifully. This recipe is perfect for busy evenings or family gatherings since it’s all made on one pan, making cleanup a breeze!

What truly makes this dish special is how it brings together tender meatballs and crispy vegetables for a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re serving it up for your family or impressing friends at a gathering, these Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables are sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time.
• One-pan wonder: Roasting everything on one sheet pan means less mess and more time to spend with loved ones.
• Kid-friendly flavors: The sweet and savory combination makes this dish appealing to both kids and adults alike.
• Flexible ingredients: You can easily swap out vegetables or protein based on what you have on hand.
• Meal prep friendly: Make extra meatballs for delicious leftovers throughout the week!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! This recipe uses fresh vegetables paired with flavorful seasonings, ensuring each bite is packed with goodness.

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 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 (+ 1 Tbsp water)

Toppings

• Sesame seeds
• Green onion

Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have available.

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Change up the veggies: Substitute your favorite seasonal vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for the brussels sprouts.
• Add some crunch: Throw in chopped nuts like cashews or peanuts after cooking for extra texture.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, double up on the gochujang or add some red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.

How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F. This high temperature ensures that everything cooks evenly while giving that beautiful caramelization we love!

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Take a large baking sheet and grease it lightly with olive oil or line it with parchment paper. Place your sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts on one half of the sheet pan. Drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and sprinkle salt over them. Toss well to coat them evenly before arranging them in a single layer with cut sides down. Roasting these veggies will bring out their natural sweetness!

Step 3: Make the Meatball Mixture

While your veggies are roasting, let’s prepare those delicious meatballs! In a large bowl, add panko breadcrumbs followed by milk. Let this sit for about five minutes; this helps keep the meatballs moist. Chop up those scallions—remember to separate the white ends from the green tops—and mince your garlic. Combine these chopped ingredients along with ground beef, ginger, salt, and gochujang into your breadcrumb mixture. Mixing with clean hands ensures everything is blended nicely!

Step 4: Shape Your Meatballs

Using a medium cookie scoop, form your mixture into 1½-inch meatballs. You should end up with around 20-22 meatballs. Once shaped, place them on the other side of the baking sheet alongside those beautiful roasted veggies.

Step 5: Bake Everything Together

Drizzle your remaining sesame oil over the meatballs before placing them back in the oven. Bake everything together for about 14-16 minutes until your meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and your veggies are golden brown.

Step 6: Prepare Your BBQ Sauce

While everything bakes, let’s whip up that scrumptious Korean BBQ sauce! In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat—it will smell amazing!

Step 7: Thicken Your Sauce

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until dissolved then whisk this into your boiling sauce. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes until thickened. Set aside about ⅓ cup of this sauce for drizzling later—trust me; you don’t want to miss out on that!

Step 8: Coat Your Meatballs

Once baked, carefully remove those meatballs from the pan and toss them gently in your saucepan filled with BBQ sauce until they’re fully coated.

Step 9: Broil It Up

Return those glazed meatballs back onto the baking pan alongside your veggies. Switch your oven setting to broil and let everything bubble together for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Step 10: Serve It Up!

Serve those succulent Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables hot from the oven drizzled with extra BBQ sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onions for garnish.

Enjoy every bite—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables

Creating delicious Korean BBQ meatballs and vegetables is a breeze with a few simple tips. Here are some helpful hints to ensure your meal turns out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and ground beef make a significant difference in taste. They enhance the flavors and textures, resulting in a more vibrant and satisfying dish.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: When roasting, give your sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts room to breathe. This allows them to caramelize properly, ensuring they come out crispy rather than steamed.

• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to modify the amount of gochujang or sriracha based on your family’s preferences. This flexibility lets you tailor the heat level, making it suitable for everyone.

• Make ahead for convenience: You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This saves time during busy weeknights and makes dinner even more convenient!

• Experiment with veggies: While sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts are fantastic, don’t hesitate to swap in other veggies like carrots or bell peppers. Changing things up keeps meals exciting and adds variety to your family’s diet!

How to Serve Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables

Presenting your Korean BBQ meatballs and vegetables beautifully can elevate your dining experience. Here are some creative ideas for serving this delightful dish!

Garnishes

• Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds not only adds a nice crunch but also enhances the Asian-inspired aesthetics of the dish.
• Chopped green onions: Fresh green onions add a burst of color and flavor, brightening up each bite.

Side Dishes

• Steamed rice: Fluffy steamed rice complements the bold flavors of the meatballs perfectly. It acts as a great base to soak up any extra sauce.

• Asian slaw: A refreshing slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing provides a crunchy contrast that balances the richness of the meatballs.

• Kimchi: For those who enjoy fermented foods, kimchi offers a spicy, tangy kick that pairs wonderfully with these savory meatballs.

• Cucumber salad: A light cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing offers a cool element that refreshes the palate between bites.

Enjoy whipping up this flavor-packed dish! It’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, enjoy delicious leftovers, or even freeze some for a quick weeknight dinner later on.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the meatballs and vegetables to cool completely before storing.
• Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To keep them fresh longer, separate the meatballs from the veggies if possible.

Freezing

• Arrange cooked meatballs and vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
• Store for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.

FAQs

Have questions about our delicious Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables? Here are some common queries!

Can I make Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables ahead of time?

Absolutely! The meatballs and veggies can be prepared in advance, making this dish perfect for meal prep. Just store them properly as mentioned above.

What can I serve with Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables?

These flavorful meatballs pair wonderfully with steamed rice or a fresh Asian slaw. You can also enjoy them on their own as an appetizer!

How do I adjust the spice level in Korean BBQ Meatballs?

Feel free to modify the amount of Gochujang or substitute it with sriracha sauce for less heat. Start with a smaller amount and add more according to your taste preference.

Are there any alternatives to ground beef for Korean BBQ Meatballs?

Yes! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives if you prefer. Just ensure that any substitutes you use complement the flavors well.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give these Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables a try! This recipe is not only bursting with flavor but also offers versatility for meal planning. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a delightful appetizer at your next gathering, it’s bound to impress. Enjoy making this dish as much as I did, and don’t forget to share your experience!