Korean Meatballs

Prep: 15 min Cook: 4 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Korean

Juicy Korean-style meatballs packed with savory flavors, perfect for parties or casual dinners, served plain or with a dipping sauce for added taste.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 Tbsp milk
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/4 tsp m.s.g. (optional)
  • 1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
  • 1 large clove garlic, pureed
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients and mix well.
  2. Shape into bite-sized meatballs.
  3. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, turning until evenly cooked.
  4. Serve immediately or keep warm until ready to serve.
  5. Serve with picks.

Tips & Substitutions

For a gluten-free option, substitute the bread crumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers. If you don't have MSG, you can enhance the flavor with an additional teaspoon of soy sauce. Ensure the meat mixture is well combined for even cooking. Consider adding chopped green onions for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Korean meatballs can be served as appetizers with toothpicks or as a main dish alongside steamed rice and a side of sautéed vegetables. They pair beautifully with See-Kum-Chee Kook (Korean Spinach Soup) for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for added freshness.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for quicker results.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Korean Meatballs contains roughly 689 calories, with 15g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (30% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1238mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).

689 kcal 34% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.7g 29% DV
Total Fat 15.3g 20% DV
Carbs 126.3g 46% DV
Fiber 1.7g 6% DV
Sugar 8.7g 17% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1237.9mg 54% DV
Potassium 890.2mg 19% DV
Cholesterol 302.4mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 100.4mcg 11% DV
Vitamin C 15.3mg 17% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 389.9mg 30% DV
Iron 4.3mg 24% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Soy

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Shape and cook the meatballs just before serving for the best texture and flavor. Alternatively, you can also freeze the raw meatballs for up to 3 months and cook them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef. For a vegetarian option, try using a mix of cooked lentils and finely chopped mushrooms, which will provide a similar texture. Adjust seasonings as needed to enhance the flavor in these alternatives.

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?

The best way to check if meatballs are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Alternatively, cut one meatball in half to check that it is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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