Try Our Tasty Sweet & Spicy Korean Bbq Meatloaf Recipe Tonight

Crafting a Korean bbq meatloaf that bursts with sweet and spicy flavors brings unexpected excitement to classic comfort food.

Inspiration strikes when traditional recipes get a bold international twist.

Familiar ingredients dance with vibrant Korean seasonings, creating a mouthwatering fusion.

Aromatic gochujang sauce infuses each tender bite with complex heat and depth.

Global culinary creativity shines through this innovative approach to home cooking.

Rich umami notes blend seamlessly with subtle sweetness, promising a memorable meal.

What Makes Korean BBQ Meatloaf So Different

• Spice Up Family Dinner: Korean fusion meatloaf transforms traditional comfort food with bold, exciting flavors that everyone will love.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: One-bowl mixing technique means minimal prep and cleanup, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious shortcuts.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by changing gochujang quantity, allowing flexibility for different taste preferences and heat tolerances.
• Impress Without Stress: Restaurant-quality dish that looks sophisticated but requires basic cooking skills, making it ideal for home entertainers wanting to surprise guests.

Ingredients for Korean BBQ Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein base that provides rich flavor and substantial texture for the meatloaf.

• Sesame Oil, Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami and authentic Asian-inspired depth to the meatloaf.
• Gochujang: A Korean chili paste that brings a bold, spicy, and slightly sweet kick to the dish.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a caramelized sweetness that balances the heat and adds complexity.
• Rice Vinegar: Introduces a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the meat.
• Garlic, Ginger: Classic Asian aromatics that create a robust and fragrant flavor profile.

• Egg: Helps bind the meatloaf ingredients together and ensures a cohesive texture.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds lightness and helps to hold the meatloaf mixture together.
• Honey, Extra Gochujang: Creates a sweet and spicy glaze that caramelizes and enhances the meatloaf's appearance and taste.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Provide a fresh, crisp finish and additional visual and textural appeal.

Steps to Make BBQ Meatloaf Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Grease a loaf pan thoroughly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Meat Mixture

• Sesame oil
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Gochujang
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Rice vinegar
• Egg
• Panko breadcrumbs

Mix all ingredients until completely blended and ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Shape and Position Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan.

Use your hands to shape it into a compact loaf, ensuring even distribution and smooth top surface.

Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven.

Bake for 40-45 minutes until the meatloaf is fully cooked and develops a rich brown color on top.

Step 5: Create Glazing Magic

During the final 10 minutes of baking, whisk together gochujang and honey.

Brush this sweet-spicy glaze generously over the meatloaf’s surface.

Step 6: Rest and Settle

Remove the meatloaf from the oven.

Allow it to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Slice the meatloaf into thick portions.

Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for a fresh, decorative finish. Serve hot and enjoy the bold Korean-inspired flavors.

Helpful Tips for Moist Meatloaf

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a lighter, healthier version of this Korean-inspired meatloaf.
• Drain excess fat after mixing ingredients to prevent a greasy texture and ensure a more compact meatloaf.
• Adjust gochujang quantity based on personal spice tolerance, starting with less and adding more gradually for perfect heat level.
• Cover the meatloaf with foil during initial baking to retain moisture and prevent excessive browning on top.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 160F (71C) for safe and perfectly cooked meatloaf.

Unique Takes on Korean Meatloaf

• Ground Turkey Lean Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter, lower-fat version of the Korean BBQ meatloaf that maintains similar flavor profiles.
• Vegetarian Korean Loaf: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, using additional binding ingredients like flax egg to create a meat-free alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour and use a sugar substitute like erythritol to transform the recipe into a keto-friendly meatloaf while preserving the Korean BBQ essence.

What to Serve with This Meatloaf

• Pair with Korean Soju: Crisp, clean Korean alcohol that perfectly complements the meatloaf's bold spicy-sweet flavors, cutting through the richness with its smooth finish.
• Serve with Kimchi Slaw: Tangy, crunchy fermented cabbage salad that balances the meatloaf's heat and adds a refreshing contrast to the dense protein.
• Match with Steamed White Rice: Neutral, fluffy grain that absorbs the meatloaf's delicious gochujang glaze and provides a comforting base for the intense Korean-inspired dish.
• Enhance with Cucumber Pickles: Bright, cool side that neutralizes the spiciness and offers a crisp texture against the soft, savory meatloaf.

How to Store BBQ Meatloaf Properly

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freezes well for up to 3 months without losing flavor quality.

Place slice on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature midway to prevent dryness.

Preheat oven to 350F, place meatloaf slice in baking dish. Add small splash of broth to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• What is gochujang and can I substitute it?

Gochujang is a Korean red chili paste with a sweet and spicy flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with sriracha or sambal oelek mixed with a bit of miso paste and brown sugar.

• How lean should the ground beef be?

Use ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content. This ensures the meatloaf remains moist and flavorful while preventing it from becoming too dry.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Also, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.

Sweet & Spicy Korean Bbq Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Korean BBQ Meatloaf brings sizzling Seoul flavors to classic comfort food, blending gochujang heat with tender ground beef. Glazed with rich, caramelized sauce, you’ll savor each bold, mouthwatering bite of this irresistible dinner centerpiece.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef

Oils and Liquid Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Flavor Enhancers and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to 375F (190C) and generously coat a loaf pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate ground beef with an ensemble of Korean-inspired seasonings: sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, whisked egg, and panko breadcrumbs.
3. Thoroughly incorporate all ingredients, ensuring even distribution of flavors throughout the meat mixture.
4. Sculpt the meat blend into a compact, uniform loaf shape, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets.
5. Nestle the formed loaf into the prepared pan, ensuring it sits centrally and evenly.
6. Transfer to the preheated oven and roast for 40-45 minutes, monitoring until the surface turns a rich golden-brown and internal temperature reaches 160F.
7. During the final 10 minutes, craft a glossy glaze by blending gochujang with honey, then lavishly brush over the meatloaf’s surface.
8. Withdraw from oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and stabilize.
9. Slice into generous portions and crown with a sprinkle of verdant green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Experiment with lean ground beef or turkey to reduce fat content while maintaining the recipe’s rich flavors.
• Replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Adjust gochujang quantity to control spice level, perfect for different heat tolerances in your family or friend group.
• Create mini meatloaves in muffin tins for faster cooking and individual portion control, ideal for meal prep and quick weeknight dinners.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 414 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg