Korean Spicy Meatballs with Tangy Vinegar Dipping Sauce
These Korean spicy meatballs are bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion! Packed with juicy ground beef and enriched with scallions and garlic, they deliver a delightful umami experience. Complemented by a tangy vinegar dipping sauce that adds a zesty kick, these meatballs can be served warm right off the skillet or enjoyed cold as a tasty appetizer. Ideal for gatherings, you'll find yourself making these more often than anticipated—one guest at my dinner party polished off nearly two-thirds of the batch! Get ready to impress your friends and family with this sensational dish that's sure to become a staple in your home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
2 cups (raw)
soy sauce
3 tablespoons (for meatballs)
scallions
2 (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (toasted and crushed)
sesame oil
1/2 tablespoon (for the meatball mixture)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
all-purpose flour
for coating (for meatball coating)
eggs
2 (beaten)
vegetable oil
for frying (for cooking meatballs)
soy sauce
1 tablespoon (for dipping sauce)
rice vinegar
2 tablespoons (for dipping sauce)
ginger
1/2 inch (grated)
sesame seeds
2 teaspoons (toasted and crushed for sauce)
chili powder
1/2 teaspoon (preferably Korean variety)
sugar
1 pinch (for sauce)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the vinegar dipping sauce: 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, grated ginger, sesame seeds, chili powder, and a pinch of sugar. Mix well and set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, chopped scallions, minced garlic, crushed sesame seeds, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Allow the mixture to sit for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
3
Once the mixture has rested, preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with vegetable oil. While the oil heats, form the beef mixture into meatballs approximately 1-1/2 inches in diameter.
4
Coat each meatball lightly in all-purpose flour, then dip in beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
5
Carefully place the meatballs in the hot skillet, frying them until they are browned and crispy all around, about 5-7 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through to a safe internal temperature.
6
Remove the meatballs from the skillet and drain them on paper towels. Serve warm or chilled with the prepared vinegar dipping sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Korean Spicy Meatballs?
These are flavorful ground beef meatballs seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame, then fried until crispy and served with a tangy vinegar-based dipping sauce.
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein used in these meatballs is ground beef.
What ingredients are in the tangy vinegar dipping sauce?
The dipping sauce consists of soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, toasted and crushed sesame seeds, chili powder, and a pinch of sugar.
How do I prepare the meatball mixture?
Combine ground beef, soy sauce, chopped scallions, minced garlic, crushed sesame seeds, sesame oil, and black pepper in a large bowl.
How long should the meat mixture rest?
The mixture should rest for approximately 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What size should the meatballs be?
The meatballs should be formed into approximately 1-1/2 inches in diameter.
What is the coating process for the meatballs?
Each meatball should be lightly coated in all-purpose flour and then dipped in beaten eggs before frying.
How long do the meatballs need to fry?
Fry the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes until they are browned, crispy, and cooked through to a safe internal temperature.
Can these meatballs be served cold?
Yes, these meatballs can be served warm right off the skillet or enjoyed chilled as a cold appetizer.
What type of vinegar is recommended for the sauce?
Rice vinegar is recommended for the tangy dipping sauce.
What type of chili powder should I use?
A Korean variety of chili powder is preferred for an authentic spicy kick.
What aromatics are used in the meatball mixture?
Finely chopped scallions and minced garlic are the primary aromatics used.
Do I need to toast the sesame seeds?
Yes, the recipe calls for toasted and crushed sesame seeds for both the meatballs and the sauce.
What type of oil is used for frying?
Vegetable oil is used to fry the meatballs in a non-stick skillet.
How should the meatballs be drained after cooking?
After frying, remove the meatballs from the skillet and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
How much ginger is needed for the sauce?
You will need about 1/2 inch of ginger, grated, for the dipping sauce.
Are these meatballs good for parties?
Absolutely! They are described as an ideal appetizer for gatherings and dinner parties.
How much ground beef does the recipe require?
The recipe uses 2 cups of raw ground beef.
Is there sugar in the recipe?
Yes, a pinch of sugar is added to the vinegar dipping sauce to balance the tanginess.
What kind of flour is used for the coating?
All-purpose flour is used for the initial coating step.
How many eggs are needed for the egg wash?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs for dipping the meatballs.
Is sesame oil used in the sauce?
No, sesame oil is added to the meatball mixture, while the sauce uses sesame seeds.
Can I make the dipping sauce in advance?
Yes, the instructions suggest mixing the sauce and setting it aside while the meat rests.
What is the texture of the finished meatballs?
The meatballs are crispy on the outside due to the flour and egg coating, and juicy on the inside.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a savory umami experience from the beef and soy sauce, complemented by a zesty and tangy kick from the vinegar sauce.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
Are there any tips for frying?
Use a non-stick skillet over medium heat and ensure they are browned on all sides.
Is black pepper used?
Yes, freshly ground black pepper is added to the meatball mixture to taste.
How many scallions should I use?
You should use 2 finely chopped scallions.
How much soy sauce is in the meatballs vs the sauce?
The meatball mixture uses 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, while the dipping sauce uses 1 tablespoon.