Description
hese 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
Units
Scale
Meatballs:
- 500 g ground beef
- 1/2 tsp paprika powder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp beef stock powder
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 tsp white pepper powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Bulgogi Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp chili sauce (optional)
- 1/2 pear, grated
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 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
- Swap beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili sauce.
- Pairs well with steamed veggies or a fresh cucumber salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg