Wan-Jak-Juhn Korean Meatballs

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Korean

Korean meatballs with savory flavors, sesame, garlic, and soy sauce, perfect as an appetizer or main dish for those craving bold, flavorful bites.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 Tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 scallions, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 3 tsp sesame seed
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 c flour

Instructions

  1. Make meatballs from ground beef, sesame oil, soy sauce, salt, chopped scallions, minced garlic, sesame seeds, cornstarch, and beaten eggs.
  2. Dip the meatballs in oil, then coat with flour.
  3. Dry the meatballs slightly after coating.
  4. Keep warm at 350°F until ready to serve.
  5. Serve with Plum Brandy Sauce.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, consider adding ginger or a splash of rice vinegar to the meatball mixture. If you're out of sesame oil, olive oil works as a substitute, although it will change the flavor profile slightly. Ensure the meatballs are not overcrowded while frying to achieve a nice golden crust. If you prefer, you can also bake them at 400°F for a healthier option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these meatballs alongside steamed jasmine rice or a fresh cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch. They pair beautifully with Plum Brandy Sauce, which enhances their savory flavor. For a complete meal, consider serving them with Hot And Sweet Beef And Rice Bundles(Korean) for a delightful feast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. They can also be frozen; just ensure to separate them with parchment paper before sealing in a freezer bag.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Wan-Jak-Juhn Korean Meatballs contains roughly 1219 calories, with 29g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 95g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (59% of the Daily Value), iron (59% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2146mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).

1219 kcal 61% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 29.4g 59% DV
Total Fat 95.2g 100% DV
Carbs 73.7g 27% DV
Fiber 12.8g 46% DV
Sugar 1.3g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2146.2mg 93% DV
Potassium 661.3mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 6.9mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 11.1mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 1.5mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 184.1mg 14% DV
Iron 10.6mg 59% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Soy Sesame

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 use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef in this recipe. Just be aware that turkey may yield a slightly drier meatball, so adding a bit more sesame oil or an additional egg can help maintain moisture.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The meatballs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. You can also cut one open; it should no longer be pink inside and the juices should run clear.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture and form the meatballs a day in advance. Refrigerate them until you're ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for an easy meal prep.

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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