Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love, these Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables are a perfect choice! This recipe brings together the savory flavors of tender meatballs glazed in a sweet and spicy sauce, paired with crispy brussels sprouts and creamy sweet potatoes. It’s like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress.

What I adore about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together on one sheet pan. You’ll find the prep easy and the cleanup minimal—just what you need after a long day! Plus, the vibrant colors and enticing aromas will make your kitchen feel like an inviting haven. Trust me; once you try these Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables, they will become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-friendly: Kids will love these flavorful meatballs, making it an ideal dish for family dinners.
• Flexible ingredients: You can swap out vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prep the meatballs earlier in the day, so dinner can be ready in just 15 minutes when you’re ready to eat!
• Deliciously satisfying: The combination of sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, and savory meatballs makes for a filling meal that everyone will appreciate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables. These items are easy to find at your local grocery store, ensuring you can whip up this dish anytime!

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 with 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 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 wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize your Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
• Change up the sauce: Try adding pineapple juice for a tropical twist or switch the gochujang for another hot sauce if you prefer.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with lentils or chickpeas mashed together for a hearty plant-based version.

How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 425°F. This ensures everything will cook evenly. Also, arrange your oven rack to the top position so that we can get that beautiful caramelization on our veggies later!

Step 2: Roast Those Veggies

Place the sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts on one half of your sheet pan. Drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and sprinkle with salt. Toss them well so they’re coated evenly. Arranging them cut side down will help achieve that lovely crispiness! Roast them in the oven for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Your Meatball Mixture

While your veggies roast away, let’s focus on those scrumptious meatballs! In a large bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with milk and let it sit for about five minutes. This step helps keep your meatballs moist. Chop your scallions while waiting—saving those green ends for garnishing later!

Step 4: Mix & Shape Your Meatballs

To that breadcrumb mixture, add ground beef, minced scallion whites, ginger, garlic, salt, and gochujang. Use clean hands to mix everything until combined; it’s important not to overmix as it can make them tough. Then scoop out about 20-22 meatballs using a medium cookie scoop.

Step 5: Combine & Bake

Once your veggies have roasted halfway through their time, remove them from the oven. Place your formed meatballs on the other side of the sheet pan in a single layer and drizzle with remaining sesame oil.

Step 6: Bake Until Perfectly Cooked

Bake everything together for about 14-16 minutes until those meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Your sweet potatoes should be tender while brussels sprouts turn golden brown.

Step 7: Create That Delicious Sauce

While everything bakes away beautifully in your oven, let’s make that tasty Korean BBQ sauce! Combine all ingredients except cornstarch into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until it boils.

Step 8: Thicken Your Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water until dissolved before adding it into the boiling BBQ sauce mixture. Stir continuously as it thickens—this adds great texture! When done thickening up nicely, set aside one-third cup of sauce separately for drizzling later.

Step 9: Coat & Broil

Carefully remove baked meatballs from their pan—it’s crucial not to lose any juices! Add them into that wonderful BBQ sauce in your saucepan and toss gently until they’re coated perfectly before returning back onto baking pan again. Switch your oven setting to broil—this step gives everything an irresistible bubbly finish! Broil for just about two to three minutes until everything looks crispy!

And there you have it—a delightful dish of Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables

Creating the perfect dish can be a delightful journey, and with these handy tips, you’ll ensure your Korean BBQ meatballs come out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh vegetables and aromatics enhance the flavor of your dish, making it more vibrant and delicious.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – Giving the meatballs and veggies space while roasting allows them to caramelize nicely instead of steaming, resulting in a much better texture.
• Adjust spice levels – Feel free to modify the amount of Gochujang or sriracha to suit your family’s taste preferences; a little extra heat can add a fun twist!
• Experiment with veggies – If you want to switch things up, try using other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutrition.
• Make ahead – Prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge. This makes for an easy weeknight dinner when you’re short on time!

How to Serve Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables

Presenting your meal beautifully can elevate a simple dish into something extraordinary! Here are some ideas for serving your Korean BBQ meatballs and vegetables that will impress everyone at the table.

Garnishes

• Sesame seeds – A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and a lovely crunch that complements the meatballs perfectly.
• Chopped scallions – Freshly chopped green parts of scallions not only add color but also provide a fresh bite that brightens up the dish.
• Cilantro leaves – A few sprigs of cilantro can introduce a burst of freshness that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Rice – Fluffy steamed rice serves as a perfect base for soaking up those delicious BBQ flavors, making every bite satisfying.
• Asian Slaw – A crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the warm meatballs and sweet potatoes.
• Kimchi – This fermented Korean side dish is packed with flavor and probiotics, providing an excellent balance to the meal’s richness.
• Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup brings comforting umami notes that pair perfectly with the bold flavors of the meatballs.

With these serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy your Korean BBQ meatballs and vegetables in style! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or lunches throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover meatballs and vegetables in an airtight container.
• Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If you prefer, separate the meatballs from the vegetables to maintain their texture.

Freezing

• Allow the cooked meatballs and vegetables to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months; label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes).
• Alternatively, microwave on medium power until hot, stirring occasionally.
• Add a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture when reheating in the microwave.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that you might have!

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

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that works well in this recipe. Just ensure to adjust cooking times as needed, since turkey may cook faster than beef.

How do I make Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free panko bread crumbs and opt for coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. This will keep all the delicious flavors while meeting your dietary needs!

What are some side dishes that pair well with Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables?

These meatballs pair beautifully with steamed rice or a fresh Asian slaw. You could also serve them with quinoa or noodles for a more filling meal.

How can I adjust the spice level in Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables?

If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of gochujang or sriracha used in the meatball mixture and sauce. You can always add more later if you want extra heat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Korean BBQ Meatballs and Vegetables as much as I do! This recipe is special because it brings together vibrant flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser whether you’re enjoying it at home or sharing with friends. Don’t hesitate to try variations that suit your taste; cooking should be fun! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to dive into this delicious dish!