If you are craving a meatloaf that brings bold flavor and an exciting twist to the classic comfort food staple, look no further than this Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf Recipe. Combining the rich, savory goodness of ground beef with the unmistakable heat and depth of Korean gochujang chili paste, this dish strikes a perfect balance with a mouthwatering glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and just spicy enough. It’s comfort food with a vibrant Korean-American fusion flair that will quickly become a household favorite, promising juicy slices packed with irresistible layers of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf Recipe are simple yet crucial in building the dish’s iconic taste and texture. You’ll notice how the fresh aromatics, tangy glaze components, and seasoning all come together for a perfect harmony.
- 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20): Provides the juicy, rich meat base essential for classic meatloaf texture and flavor.
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs: Adds lightness and helps bind the meatloaf without making it dense.
- 1 egg: Acts as a natural binder to keep everything together.
- ¼ cup milk: Moistens the meat mixture, ensuring tender, juicy results.
- 3 green onions (thinly sliced): Introduce freshness and a mild onion bite.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the meatloaf with aromatic depth and savory warmth.
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger: Gives a subtle zing and brightens the overall flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste): The star ingredient that delivers spicy, sweet, and umami notes.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds saltiness and a rich umami undertone.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Brings nutty aroma and enhances the Korean-inspired theme.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the spice with gentle sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Elevates all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
- For the glaze: A blend of 3 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons gochujang, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon rice vinegar creates a sticky, tangy, and sweet topping that seals in moisture and flavor.
How to Make Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine all the meatloaf ingredients except the glaze: ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, milk, green onions, garlic, ginger, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, and we want this one juicy and tender.
Step 2: Shape the Meatloaf
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan. Transfer your meat mixture and shape it into a compact loaf, about 8 inches long. This shape ensures even cooking and makes it easy to slice delicious, uniform pieces later.
Step 3: Prepare and Apply the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, gochujang, honey, and rice vinegar to create a sticky, flavorful glaze. This glaze is what takes the Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf Recipe to the next level with a shiny, caramelized finish that bursts with umami.
Step 4: Bake and Glaze Again
Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf before placing it in the oven. Bake for 40 minutes, then remove the meatloaf and brush on the remaining glaze. Return it to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This two-step glazing ensures a wonderfully sticky crust that fans will love.
Step 5: Rest Before Slicing
Once cooked, let your meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice juicy and tender. Then slice, serve, and prepare to be amazed!
How to Serve Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your meatloaf presentation by sprinkling extra sliced green onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds over the top. These bright touches add fresh crunch and enhance the Korean BBQ flair.
Side Dishes
This Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf Recipe pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up those delicious glaze drippings. For a vegetable side, try roasted broccoli or sautéed bok choy to keep the meal balanced and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the meatloaf and serve it open-faced on toasted bread with a smear of mayo or kimchi for an exciting Korean-inspired sandwich. Alternatively, cube the leftover meatloaf and stir it into fried rice for a quick weeknight dinner upgrade that keeps the flavors alive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Proper storage keeps it moist and flavorful, perfect for quick meals or snacks.
Freezing
Wrap the cooled, cooked meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the meatloaf slices with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices, but the oven method preserves the texture best.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative and works well in this recipe. Just keep in mind you might want to add a bit more moisture, like an extra splash of milk, to keep it tender.
How spicy is this meatloaf?
The spice level is moderate and comes mainly from the gochujang paste, which is known for a balanced heat and slight sweetness. You can adjust the amount of gochujang to suit your taste, adding less for milder heat or more for a bolder kick.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats, and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free or use tamari instead. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What can I substitute for gochujang if I can’t find it?
If gochujang is unavailable, you can substitute with a mix of miso paste and chili garlic sauce to mimic the sweet, salty, and spicy flavor profile, though it won’t be exactly the same.
Can I prepare the meatloaf ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf and store it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This can be a real time-saver for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf Recipe is an absolute game changer for anyone who loves classics with a flavorful twist. It’s easy to prepare, full of layers, and sure to impress family and friends alike. Don’t hesitate — dive in and savor the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory all in one satisfying dish!
Print
Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean-American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf is a fusion dish combining classic American comfort food with bold Korean flavors. Ground beef is mixed with traditional Korean ingredients like gochujang and sesame oil, then baked to perfection with a flavorful glaze for a spicy and savory meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the glaze
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons gochujang
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, milk, sliced green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix until just combined to avoid a dense texture.
- Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf form evenly for uniform cooking.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, gochujang, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth.
- Apply glaze and bake: Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Place it in the oven and bake for 40 minutes.
- Add remaining glaze: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze on top evenly for added flavor and caramelization.
- Continue baking: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), ensuring it’s fully cooked.
- Rest the meatloaf: Let the baked meatloaf rest for 10 minutes outside the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, making it moist and easier to slice.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm, pairing with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a mix of beef and turkey.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the spice level to your preference.
- Leftover meatloaf slices are perfect for sandwiches the next day.
