This Sweet Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf combines the perfect balance of spicy gochujang and sweet brown sugar, creating a bold and flavorful glaze over a tender meatloaf. The rich flavors of sesame oil and soy sauce give this dish a savory depth that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
It’s an easy-to-make recipe that’s great for busy nights when you crave something comforting yet exciting. The garnish of sesame seeds and green onions adds a pop of texture and freshness to this indulgent dish. Whether you serve it with a side of rice or veggies, this meatloaf is sure to become a family favorite.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup milk
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1 egg
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1/4 cup finely chopped onion
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
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2 tablespoons ketchup
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
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1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Mix until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, ketchup, sesame oil, rice vinegar, black pepper, and salt to make the BBQ sauce mixture.
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Pour half of the BBQ sauce mixture over the meat mixture and mix again until evenly distributed.
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Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
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Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and browned on top.
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Brush the remaining BBQ sauce mixture over the meatloaf during the last 10 minutes of baking.
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Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
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Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onion before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Sweet Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish
If you’re tired of the same old meatloaf recipes and looking to bring a new level of excitement to your dinner table, the Sweet Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf is a perfect solution. By infusing traditional meatloaf with bold Korean flavors, this dish creates a mouthwatering fusion that’s savory, sweet, and slightly spicy. With its rich glaze, tender interior, and irresistible aroma, this Korean-inspired meatloaf is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight family meal or for a weekend gathering, this dish is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
The Fusion of Korean Flavors with Classic Comfort Food
Korean cuisine is known for its dynamic and vibrant flavors, often featuring a combination of savory, sweet, spicy, and umami tastes. By incorporating Korean BBQ elements like gochujang (a fermented chili paste), sesame oil, and soy sauce into a traditional meatloaf, we get a unique twist on this beloved comfort food. The gochujang provides heat and depth, while the soy sauce adds a rich umami flavor that complements the meat perfectly. Brown sugar and ketchup balance the spice with a touch of sweetness, creating a glaze that caramelizes beautifully as the meatloaf bakes.
This recipe is ideal for those who love to experiment with different flavor profiles but want to stick to familiar and comforting ingredients. The key here is the combination of the familiar meatloaf texture with the bold Korean BBQ flavors, offering something new without feeling too out of place.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
There are a few key elements that make this Sweet Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf such a great dish. First, the combination of ground beef and breadcrumbs creates a moist and tender meatloaf, ensuring every bite is juicy. The milk and egg help to bind the ingredients together, while the rich and flavorful BBQ sauce mixture ensures that the meatloaf is never dry or bland.
Secondly, the glaze made from gochujang, brown sugar, and soy sauce gives the meatloaf a sticky, glossy finish that adds an irresistible texture and visual appeal. It’s not just a flavor enhancer, but a showstopper that gives this dish its signature look.
Lastly, the sesame oil and green onion garnishes offer extra flavor and a fresh, light finish to the richness of the meatloaf. These elements not only enhance the taste but also add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
How to Serve Sweet Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
This meatloaf pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that complement its bold flavors. For a complete meal, consider serving it with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple Asian-style salad with sesame dressing. The slight spiciness of the meatloaf can also be toned down with a cooling side, like a cucumber salad or a tangy kimchi to provide some balance.
Another option is to serve the meatloaf alongside mashed potatoes or creamy coleslaw for a more traditional take, but with an exciting twist. The great thing about this dish is that it’s versatile enough to be paired with nearly any side dish, making it perfect for different occasions and varying tastes.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
One of the best things about this Sweet Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf is that it makes excellent leftovers. Like many other meatloaf recipes, it keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days, allowing you to enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. The flavors often deepen and become even more delicious the next day, making it an ideal dish for meal prepping. Simply slice the leftovers and store them in an airtight container for a quick and easy meal.
If you’re looking to elevate your leftovers, try turning them into a sandwich. Place a few slices of the meatloaf on a toasted bun, add some pickled vegetables or extra greens, and you have a fantastic Korean BBQ-inspired sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Customizing the Sweet Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
One of the great things about this recipe is its adaptability. While the original version uses ground beef, feel free to swap in ground pork, chicken, or turkey for a lighter alternative. Each meat brings its own unique flavor and texture, so you can tailor the dish to your preferences or dietary needs.
If you want to amp up the heat, add a little more gochujang or incorporate some chili flakes into the glaze. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder version, simply reduce the amount of gochujang or add a bit more brown sugar for a sweeter flavor profile. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, allowing you to adjust the spice level and other ingredients to suit your tastes.
For those who enjoy experimenting with different flavors, you can also add extra ingredients like chopped bell peppers, grated carrots, or even finely chopped mushrooms to the meat mixture for added texture and nutrition.
Making This Dish a Family Favorite
Getting your family to enjoy a new twist on an old classic can be tricky, but this Sweet Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf is likely to become a family favorite. The combination of familiar comfort food with an exciting new flavor profile is sure to intrigue both kids and adults alike. Plus, the glossy BBQ glaze makes it visually appealing and irresistible.
If you have picky eaters at home, this recipe is a great way to introduce them to new flavors. The sweetness of the brown sugar and ketchup, combined with the savory depth of the soy sauce, will appeal to most palates. You can even serve the glaze on the side for those who prefer a milder flavor.
A Dish That’s Perfect for Entertaining
This Sweet Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf isn’t just for family dinners—it’s also a fantastic dish to serve at a gathering or casual dinner party. Its unique flavor combination will be a conversation starter, and the delicious aroma will fill your kitchen, drawing guests in.
It’s also an excellent dish for a potluck or BBQ party, as it’s easy to make in large quantities and will impress everyone with its bold flavors. Slice the meatloaf into bite-sized pieces for a simple and tasty appetizer or serve it as the main dish for a memorable meal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Sweet Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf is an innovative and flavorful twist on a traditional comfort food. By infusing Korean BBQ ingredients into the recipe, you create a meatloaf that is bursting with savory, sweet, and spicy flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re looking to impress your family with something new, or you’re seeking a dish that will wow guests at your next gathering, this meatloaf is the answer.
Its versatility, ease of preparation, and ability to be customized to your tastes make it a perfect recipe to add to your meal rotation. From family dinners to casual parties, this dish has all the elements needed to become a new favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the delicious magic of Korean BBQ in the form of a classic meatloaf.