Description
These Korean Bulgogi Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and coated in a rich, savory-sweet bulgogi sauce. Made with ground beef, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of spice, they bring the perfect balance of umami and sweetness. Serve them over warm rice for an easy, high-protein dinner. Ideal for meal prep, quick dinners, or a unique twist on classic meatballs.
Ingredients
Scale
-
Meatballs:
- 500 g ground beef
- ½ tsp paprika powder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp beef stock powder
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ tsp white pepper powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Bulgogi Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp chili sauce (optional)
- ½ pear, grated
- ½ cup water
- ½ tbsp cornstarch
Garnish:
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix all the meatball ingredients until well combined. Shape into small meatballs (about 1 tbsp each).
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the meatballs until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Make the Bulgogi Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix all sauce ingredients except the onion.
- In the same pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the prepared bulgogi sauce and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it slightly caramelizes.
- Add the meatballs back to the pan and toss until fully coated in the sauce. Let simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Serve over warm rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer less heat, skip the chili sauce in the bulgogi sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- These meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat in the sauce when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4-5 meatballs with rice)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg