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If you love our Korean Ground Beef, just wait until you try these One Pot Korean Meatballs! They use the same sweet and savory flavors but in juicy, tender meatball form, and they come together in one pan for the easiest weeknight dinner.
Serve these juicy meatballs over a bowl of fluffy rice and finish them with fresh green onions for a meal that tastes like takeout but is unbelievably simple to make at home.
On the same day I had been thinking about turning our famous sauce into a meatballs recipe, a sweet reader named Patty emailed me that I should make our Korean ground beef recipe into meatballs. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that the clear answer was to make meatballs. So that’s just what I did!
This recipe is one of those dinners that everyone devours. The sweet and savory Korean sauce is rich, slightly sweet, a little tangy, and perfectly glossy thanks to a quick cornstarch thickener. Best of all, using frozen meatballs means you can have dinner on the table in about 20 minutes with almost no prep.
Why You’ll Love These Korean Meatballs
- One Pot: Everything cooks in a single pan, which means less cleanup and a simple weeknight dinner you can throw together fast.
- Family Friendly: The sauce has just a mild hint of heat, making it perfect for kids and adults.
- Quick and Easy: Using frozen meatballs means most of the work is already done. Just brown them and simmer them in the sauce and dinner is ready in about 20 minutes.
- Korean-Inspired Flavor: Soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and sweet chili sauce create a bold sweet and savory glaze that tastes like your favorite takeout dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make these flavorful Korean glazed meatballs. Frozen meatballs make this dinner quick and easy.
- Canola or Vegetable Oil: Used to sauté the garlic and start building the flavorful base for the sauce.
- Frozen Meatballs: The ultimate shortcut! Frozen meatballs make this recipe incredibly quick while still soaking up all that delicious Korean-style sauce.
- Garlic: Adds bold savory flavor and gives the sauce that irresistible aroma.
- Soy Sauce: Brings salty, umami richness that forms the backbone of the Korean-inspired sauce.
- Orange Juice: Adds a bright citrus sweetness that balances the savory soy sauce beautifully.
- Brown Sugar: Provides deep sweetness and helps create that glossy, sticky sauce.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds gentle heat and a sweet tangy flavor that makes the sauce incredibly addictive.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Just a small drizzle adds rich, nutty depth and classic Asian flavor.
- Cornstarch: Whisked into the sauce to thicken it so it coats the meatballs perfectly.
- Green Onions: Sprinkled on top for fresh flavor, a pop of color, and a little bite.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkled on top for a little crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.
How to Make Korean Meatballs
- Brown the Meatballs: Add the meatballs to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown them until they are almost done. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, add the ingredients for the sauce and whisk together until combined.
- Simmer: Pour the sauce over the meatballs and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve: Serve over rice with steamed veggies and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
What Makes Korean Meatballs So Flavorful?
The soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and sweet chili sauce all combine to create a delicious Korean flavor profile. If you want to add some heat and even more classic Korean flavor, try adding a teaspoon of gochujang paste to the sauce.
Tips for Perfect Korean Meatballs
Let the Meatballs Heat Through First
Brown the meatballs first and allow them to simmer in the sauce long enough to heat completely through. This gives them time to soak up all that sweet and savory flavor.
Don’t Skip the Garlic
Fresh garlic adds a ton of flavor to the sauce and really helps build that classic Korean-inspired taste.
Whisk the Cornstarch Well
Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved before adding it to the pan so the sauce thickens smoothly without being lumpy.
Let the Sauce Simmer Until Glossy
Give the sauce a few minutes to bubble and thicken so it becomes rich and sticky enough to coat the meatballs perfectly.
Finish with Fresh Toppings
A sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds adds freshness, a little crunch, and the perfect finishing touch.
Can I Use Homemade Meatballs Instead of Frozen?
Yes, absolutely! Use your favorite homestyle meatball recipe and cook them in a skillet until mostly cooked through, and then simmer in the Korean-inspired sauce until thickened.
Can I Make Korean BBQ Meatballs in the Crockpot?
Yes, that’s a great idea! Add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the top. Let it cook on low for 5-6 hours adding a slurry of the cornstarch with water for the last hour of cooking.
What to Serve with Korean Meatballs
I have always served these meatballs over white rice, but I bet they would be equally good over mashed potatoes.
For side dishes, I like to do some steamed broccoli, sauteed snap peas, or grilled asparagus. If you want to stick with Asian flavors, our Asian cucumber salad is one of my favorites!
Make Ahead and Storage
Korean ground beef meatballs is a great make ahead recipe. They store and reheat very well. Make the recipe as written and then let them cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days before eating them.
Reheat them in a skillet on the stove top until heated through. If you need to thin the sauce a little when reheating, add a little beef broth.
Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 4-5 days. They can also be frozen
If you’re looking for a quick dinner that delivers big flavor, this One Pot Korean Meatballs Recipe is about to become a regular in your rotation. The sticky, sweet and savory sauce coats every meatball perfectly, making them absolutely irresistible over a bowl of rice.
More of Our Asian Inspired Meals…
Watch This Video Tutorial for Korean Meatballs…
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