Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf: A Flavorful Twist! 🍖🔥✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a comforting yet exciting dish, this Korean BBQ meatloaf offers a delightful fusion of classic American comfort food with the bold, savory flavors of Korean cuisine. Combining tender ground meat with a sweet and spicy marinade, this Korean meatloaf recipe will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a fan of meatloaf classics or adventurous eaters craving new flavors, this dish promises a perfect balance of sweet, heat, and umami.
2. Ingredients for Korean BBQ Meatloaf
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup Korean BBQ sauce (or substitute with a mix of soy sauce, honey, and gochujang)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, chopped green onions, pinches of red pepper flakes
3. How to Make the Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
Preparing the Meat Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, Korean BBQ sauce, minced garlic, chopped onion, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. For a more uniform mixture, you can use a stand mixer, like the KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer.
Shaping and Baking
Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatloaf for about 45-50 minutes or until fully cooked through. For a crispy top, consider broiling it for an extra 3-5 minutes at the end of baking.
Adding the Finishing Touch
Once cooked, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an authentic Korean touch. Serve with steamed rice or Korean-style vegetables for a complete meal.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Korean BBQ Meatloaf
Leftover Korean meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave slices for 1-2 minutes or bake at 350°F until heated through.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Best Flavor Experience
This sweet and spicy meatloaf pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes, stir-fried vegetables, or kimchi for a true Korean-inspired feast. For added flavor, drizzle extra Korean BBQ sauce over slices before serving for a more intense taste. For a unique presentation, serve slices on a bed of jasmine rice topped with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
6. FAQs about Korean BBQ Meatloaf
Can I substitute ground chicken or turkey?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey works perfectly in this Korean BBQ meatloaf. Keep in mind that poultry may cook slightly faster, so monitor the internal temperature.
What if I can’t find gochujang or Korean BBQ sauce?
You can make a simple sauce by mixing soy sauce, honey, a dash of sriracha, and a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Check out our spicy garlic sauce recipe for inspiration.
How long does it take to prepare?
The entire process from mixing to baking takes approximately 1 hour, making it perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer – Make mixing the meat and ingredients effortless and uniform for the best results.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Ensures even heat distribution for baking and cooking.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker – Great for preparing a Korean-style rice or side dishes to complement your meatloaf.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Perfect for preparing cold beverages to serve alongside your spicy meatloaf.
8. Tips to Make Your Korean Meatloaf Even Better
- Add chopped kimchi into the mixture for extra tang and spice.
- Glaze the top with additional Korean BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of baking for a sticky, flavorful crust.
- Serve with a side of pickled vegetables for a true Korean culinary experience.
9. Conclusion
This sweet & spicy Korean BBQ meatloaf is a bold twist on a timeless classic that brings exciting flavors into your home cooking. With a perfect balance of sweetness and heat, it’s suitable for family dinners or entertaining guests. Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings or sides to personalize your dish. Follow our simple steps and enjoy a mouthwatering, flavorful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Ready to elevate your dinner menu? Give this Korean meatloaf recipe a try today!
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Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf: A Flavorful Twist!
Discover the bold flavors of our Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf—an exciting fusion of classic comfort food and Korean-inspired spice and sweetness. Perfect for family dinners and entertaining, this flavorful twist on a traditional meatloaf blends tender ground meat with a savory, sweet, and spicy Korean BBQ glaze. Elevate your dinner with this easy-to-make, mouthwatering dish that combines umami-rich ingredients, aromatic spices, and delightful textures for a truly memorable meal.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup Korean BBQ sauce (or a mix of soy sauce, honey, and gochujang)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, chopped green onions, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, Korean BBQ sauce, minced garlic, chopped onion, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape or transfer into a loaf pan. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the meatloaf for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through. For a crispy crust, broil for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve slices with steamed rice or Korean-style vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Add chopped kimchi to the mixture for extra tang and spice.
- Glaze the top with additional Korean BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes for a sticky crust.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/6th of loaf)
- Calories: 380 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 125mg