This Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf comes together in about 45 minutes and is made all in one pan for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will absolutely love! And let me tell you, the secret sauce really is the gochujang (Korean red chili paste) which adds that perfect kick.
Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering meatloaf:
Meat & Base
- 1 lb ground beef (You can use a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor!)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko is a great option for an extra crispy texture)
- 1/4 cup milk (Perfect for keeping that meatloaf nice and moist!)
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped (I like to use yellow onions for sweetness!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (Because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1 large egg (Acts as a binder for your meatloaf)
Flavoring
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (Brings in a savory depth)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (adds this wonderful nutty flavor)
- 1 tsp ground ginger (Can be substituted with fresh if you prefer!)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper (Add a couple pinches more if you like it spicier)
- 1/4 tsp salt (But you don’t want it too salty!)
Sweet and Spicy Glaze
- 1/4 cup gochujang (The star of the show!)
- 2 tbsp honey (Balancing out that spice perfectly)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (Needed for tanginess)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp brown sugar (Optional, for that extra hint of sweetness)
- 1 tbsp water (If needed, to thin out the glaze)
Toppings
- Chopped green onions (For freshness on top)
- Sesame seeds (A beautiful garnish)
How to Make Korean BBQ Meatloaf
Alright, let’s dive in! Here’s how to make this mouthwatering meatloaf that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
1. Preheat your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The secret to a great meatloaf is starting off hot!
2. Prep the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, black pepper, and salt. Use your hands (yes, it’s messy but so worth it) to mix everything together until well blended, about 1-2 minutes. The mixture should feel cool and a little tacky.
3. Form the Meatloaf
Transfer your meat mixture to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (or just a greased loaf pan if that’s what you have). Form it into a loaf shape, about 8-10 inches long and about 4 inches tall. Use a spatula to smooth the sides, so it’s nice and neat!
4. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and brown sugar (if using). You can adjust the sweetness depending on how spicy your gochujang is! If the glaze is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out.
5. Brush the Glaze
Generously brush half of the glaze over your meatloaf. This will elevate it to another level of taste, trust me!
6. Bake Away!
Pop the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until cooked through (an internal temperature of 160°F) and the glaze has caramelized beautifully. Brush with the remaining glaze about 10 minutes before finishing up in the oven. You’ll know when it’s ready, your kitchen will smell like heaven!
7. Let it Rest
Once your meatloaf is done, take it out of the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial; it allows the juices to redistribute and keeps it juicy when you slice into it.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Slice the meatloaf into thick, hearty pieces, sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, and serve it alongside some steamed rice and veggies!
If you loved this Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf, be sure to check out my Homemade Beef Cheeseburger Meatloaf for a more traditional take, my meatloaf muffins, or my brown sugar meatloaf for a fun twist!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf comes together in under 45 minutes, making it your perfect weeknight meal.
One-Pot Wonder
Come together all in one pan! You only need one baking sheet (or loaf pan), making cleanup a breeze. It’s ideal for busy families, like mine!
Budget-Friendly
Uses affordable, everyday ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. So, no need for pricey ingredients!
Customizable
Totally versatile; switch up the spices and ingredients based on what you’ve got. Have some leftover veggies? Toss them into the mix!
Comfort Food
It’s loaded with tons of flavor, sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory. A real hug for your taste buds!
Serving & Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
This meatloaf pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice and sautéed veggies, or maybe a fresh green salad on the side. It’s also divine sandwiched in a soft bun for a Korean BBQ meatloaf sandwich!
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or as per your microwave instructions. You can also slice it cold into a sandwich, it’s delicious, trust me!
Freezer-Friendly
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Sheet it out so it heats evenly when you’re ready to dig in.
Making this dish is like giving your family a little piece of Korea, without even needing a passport! Seriously, you’re going to love it, promise! It’s definitely going to sit as a cherished family favorite at your dinner table for years to come.
And hey, remember: food isn’t just about eating. It’s about gathering, about memories, sharing laughter, and enjoying good times with family and friends. And this meatloaf? It’s so worth it. Happy cooking! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
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Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Beef
Description
A quick and easy Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf made in one pan that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup gochujang
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp water
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, black pepper, and salt. Mix until well blended.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a baking sheet or greased loaf pan and form into a loaf shape.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and brown sugar. Adjust the thickness with water if needed.
- Brush half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
- Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes or until cooked through, brushing with the remaining glaze 10 minutes before it’s done.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve topped with green onions and sesame seeds alongside rice and veggies.
Notes
Versatile recipe; can substitute ingredients as needed. Great for meal prep and leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg