Korean Gochujang Meatballs - Sweet & Spicy Korean Meatball Recipe

Andrea Riddle
1 Sep, 2023
I remember the first time I made these Korean Gochujang Meatballs it was one of those busy weeknights when I needed something quick yet flavorful. I had a bag of frozen meatballs sitting in the freezer, and I thought, “Why not give them a Korean twist?” That’s when the idea hit me to use gochujang, the chili paste that always brings my favorite dishes to life.

Plate of Korean Gochujang Meatballs glazed with spicy gochujang sauce, served with a side of rice and garnished with sesame seeds.

As I started mixing up the sauce, the kitchen filled with the sweet, spicy, and savory aroma of gochujang, garlic, and soy sauce. I knew right then that this was going to be something special. The sauce came together beautifully, with maple syrup and honey balancing the heat of the gochujang, while a bit of Worcestershire sauce and garlic added depth. I tossed the cooked meatballs in that rich, sticky glaze, and as soon as I took the first bite, I knew I had a winner.

These meatballs have now become a go-to recipe in my home. They’re incredibly easy to make, but the flavor is so bold and exciting that you’d think it took hours! The best part? They’re versatile enough to be served as an appetizer, over rice, or even as part of a larger meal.

What are Korean Gochujang Meatballs?

Korean Gochujang Meatballs are a flavorful fusion dish that combines the convenience of meatballs with the bold, spicy-sweet flavors of Korean cuisine. At the heart of this recipe is gochujang, a fermented Korean chili paste made from red chili peppers, glutinous rice, soybeans, and salt. It brings a deep, complex heat with a slight sweetness that’s signature to many Korean dishes.

Plate of Korean Gochujang Meatballs glazed with spicy gochujang sauce, served with a side of rice and garnished with sesame seeds.

In this recipe, meatballs (whether homemade or store-bought) are coated in a rich sauce made with gochujang, maple syrup, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and other spices. The sauce perfectly balances sweet, savory, and spicy elements, making the meatballs irresistibly delicious.

These meatballs are perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors, and they’re incredibly versatile. You can serve them as a party appetizer, as part of a main dish over rice or noodles, or even enjoy them on their own as a snack. The best part? They’re easy to make and can be tailored to your preferred spice level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: With frozen meatballs, you save time without sacrificing flavor.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: These meatballs are great as appetizers for parties, or you can serve them over rice for a quick weeknight meal.
  • Bold Korean Flavors: The combination of gochujang, soy sauce, and garlic makes these meatballs irresistible.
  • Customizable Heat: Love it spicy? Just add more gochujang! Want it milder? Adjust to your taste—this recipe is incredibly flexible.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

The gochujang brings a deep, spicy heat, while maple syrup and honey add a natural sweetness that complements the bold flavors. Garlic, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce round it out with that savory umami punch. These aren’t just ordinary meatballs they’re an experience!

Plate of Korean Gochujang Meatballs glazed with spicy gochujang sauce, served with a side of rice and garnished with sesame seeds.


Plus, using frozen meatballs makes this recipe super convenient for busy days. You’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish ready in no time with very little effort.

Key Ingredients

  • Frozen Meatballs: I use Trader Joe’s frozen mini meatballs, but any brand will work. You can even make your own meatballs if you prefer!
  • Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds heat and depth. It’s a must-have in your pantry if you’re a fan of Korean cooking.
  • Maple Syrup & Honey: These natural sweeteners balance out the spice beautifully.
  • Soy Sauce (Jin Ganjang): A staple in Korean kitchens, soy sauce adds that savory umami flavor.
  • Garlic & Onion Powder: Enhances the overall depth of the dish, bringing that comforting, home-cooked flavor.

Optional Tips:

  • Serving Suggestions: These meatballs are delicious on their own, but I love serving them with steamed rice or noodles. They also pair perfectly with a crisp side salad or some Korean pickled veggies (Kimchi, anyone?).
  • Storage: These meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them and reheat when ready!

Korean Gochujang Meatballs

Korean Gochujang Meatballs – Sweet, Spicy, and Irresistibly Delicious. Quick and easy to make, these tender meatballs are coated in a rich, flavorful gochujang sauce, perfect for any occasion. A must-try for lovers of bold, Korean-inspired flavors!

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Servings3

INGREDIENT

  • 1 bag frozen meatballs (20 oz, Trader Joe's mini meatballs)
Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 Tbsp gochujang (adjust to taste)
  • 2 Tbsp ketchup
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce (Jin Ganjang)
  • 2 Tbsp chopped garlic
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder

INSTRUCTIONS
 

  • Cook the meatballs according to the package instructions. While they cook, prepare the sauce.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients: maple syrup, water, gochujang, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic, sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
  • Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
  • Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss them gently until they are fully coated with the sticky, spicy-sweet glaze.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if you’d like. Enjoy them on their own, with rice, or however you prefer! Enjoy
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!
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