Korean BBQ Meatballs from Noodles & Company feature tender, savory beef meatballs glazed with a sweet and spicy Korean barbecue sauce, garnished with fresh scallions and sesame seeds, delivering a flavorful and visually appealing bite-sized dish.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup Korean gochujang (chili paste)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sliced scallions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Ground beef forms the base of your Korean BBQ Meatballs, so choosing a lean but flavorful blend is important to maintain juiciness. Panko breadcrumbs combined with milk ensure a tender texture, helping the meatballs stay soft and moist. The gochujang chili paste is a key ingredient for authentic Korean barbecue flavor, adding both sweetness and heat to the glaze. Fresh scallions and toasted sesame seeds not only enhance the dish visually but also provide distinct aromatic notes. Your Korean BBQ Meatballs copycat from Noodles & Company delivers a sweet-spicy glaze perfectly balanced with tender, savory meatballs for a satisfying appetizer or main dish.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In mixing bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, milk, egg, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped scallions, salt, black pepper, and sesame oil.
- Mix until just combined.
- Use hands or scoop to form meat mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Arrange meatballs on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs 15-18 minutes until cooked through.
- While meatballs bake, prepare sauce:
- In saucepan, combine gochujang, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil over medium heat.
- Whisk to combine until smooth and simmering.
- In small bowl, mix water and cornstarch to make slurry.
- Stir slurry into sauce, whisking until thickened (about 1 minute).
- Remove meatballs from oven.
- Use tongs to transfer meatballs to saucepan with sauce.
- Toss meatballs gently to coat evenly with sauce.
- Transfer glazed meatballs to serving platter.
- Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Korean BBQ Meatballs from Noodles & Company copycat menu offer a tender blend of savory beef meatballs coated in a sweet and spicy barbecue sauce. If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, you can substitute with crushed saltine crackers or regular breadcrumbs to maintain the meatballs' texture. Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. When mixing the sauce, be cautious to whisk the cornstarch slurry thoroughly to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth glaze. Your fresh scallions and sesame seeds can also be swapped with green onion tops and toasted nuts for added crunch and aroma.
Tips
Ensure you don't overmix the meatball mixture, as this can make them tough instead of tender. Use panko breadcrumbs soaked in milk to keep the meatballs moist and help bind the ingredients without drying out. Coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce by tossing gently to prevent them from breaking apart. Your garnishes like scallions and sesame seeds should be added just before serving to maintain their freshness and crunch.
Nutritions
Korean BBQ Meatballs provide a rich source of protein from the 1 lb of ground beef, supporting muscle repair and growth. The inclusion of panko breadcrumbs and milk adds some carbohydrates and calcium, while the egg offers essential vitamins such as B12 and D. The Korean BBQ sauce, made from gochujang, brown sugar, and honey, contributes antioxidants and a moderate amount of sugars that add flavor without overwhelming your daily intake. Your meal also delivers healthy fats from sesame oil and sesame seeds, enhancing heart health and adding a nutty flavor.
Storage
Store leftover Korean BBQ Meatballs in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from absorbing other odors in your refrigerator. For best quality, refrigerate the meatballs within two hours of cooking and consume within 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, ensuring the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
For a leaner variation, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, adjusting cooking time to maintain moistness. Swap panko breadcrumbs with crushed rice crackers for added crunch and gluten-free texture. If gochujang is unavailable, blend sriracha with miso paste to mimic the sweet-spicy umami flavor of Korean BBQ sauce. You can also broil the meatballs for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to achieve a caramelized glaze on the exterior.
Allergies
Korean BBQ Meatballs contain common allergens such as soy from soy sauce, gluten from panko breadcrumbs, and dairy from milk. Sesame seeds and sesame oil are also potential allergens that should be noted for those with sesame sensitivity. If you have any food allergies, be sure to check the ingredient list carefully to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
The Korean BBQ Meatballs at Noodles & Company are beloved for their perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, combining tender beef meatballs with a rich Korean BBQ sauce that satisfies a range of taste preferences. These meatballs are paired with perfectly cooked noodles or rice, creating a hearty and comforting meal that appeals to fans of both Korean and American cuisines. Your copycat version can capture this unique fusion by replicating the authentic sauce and meatball texture, offering a delicious home-cooked alternative that stays true to the restaurant's popular dish. Making these Korean BBQ Meatballs at home allows you to customize spice levels and ingredients, enhancing the experience while saving money.