Description
These Korean BBQ meatballs are packed with flavor, featuring a sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler. Served alongside crispy brussels sprouts and tender sweet potatoes, this meal is an easy, all-in-one dinner that pairs well with other dishes like steamed rice or a fresh Asian slaw.
Ingredients
- 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 and 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
- 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 + 1 Tbsp water
- Toppings:
- Sesame seeds and green onion
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and arrange the oven rack to the top position. Gently grease a large baking sheet with olive oil or line with parchment paper.
2. Place the sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts on one half of the sheet pan. Drizzle with 1 Tablespoon of sesame oil and sprinkle with salt to taste. Toss to coat and arrange them in a single layer with the brussels sprouts cut side down. Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
3. While they’re roasting, make the meatballs. Add the breadcrumbs to a large bowl and pour the milk on top. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Chop the scallions and garlic. Separate the scallion whites from the green ends and mince the white bulb ends. Save the green ends to garnish.
4. To the breadcrumb mixture, add the beef, scallion whites, ginger, garlic, salt, and Gochujang. Use clean hands to mix until well combined. Use a medium cookie scoop to form the meatballs into 1 1/2-inch meatballs. You should have 20-22 meatballs.
5. Remove the veggies from the oven and place the meatballs in a single layer on the other side of the sheet pan. Drizzle with the remaining sesame oil.
6. Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the sweet potatoes are tender and the brussels sprouts are golden and crispy.
7. While they’re baking, make the Korean BBQ sauce. Combine all of the ingredients, except the cornstarch, in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
8. Combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until dissolved and whisk it into the BBQ sauce. Continue to stir and boil for 1-2 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat and separate 1/3 cup to a separate bowl for drizzling.
9. Carefully remove the baked meatballs from the pan and add them to the saucepan with the BBQ sauce and toss to coat. Place them back on the baking pan. Turn the oven to broil and broil the meatballs and veggies for 2-3 minutes, until the BBQ sauce bubbles and the potatoes get slightly crispy.
10. Serve with the remaining BBQ sauce and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Spice Level: These meatballs are mildly spiced. Adjust Gochujang to your preferred heat level or add red pepper flakes for more spice.
Appetizer Option: You can omit the vegetables and serve the glazed meatballs with white rice or as a platter appetizer.
Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Let the cooked meatballs cool completely, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw meatballs overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet with a splash of water, or bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
Gochujang: A Korean chili paste available at most grocery stores. Use more or less to adjust heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 413
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 1551mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 60mg