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Simple Korean beef bites in spicy sauce

Kitchen Spotlight Tender beef cooked to perfection.

This easy Korean beef bites recipe brings together traditional Asian flavors in an approachable way. The fermented chili paste, gochujang, adds incredible depth to both the meat and sauce. Ground beef is mixed with seasonings, shaped into pieces, and oven-cooked for perfect doneness. While baking, whip up a well-balanced sweet-and-spicy sauce. The final dish is topped with sesame seeds and paired with rice for a complete, flavorful meal that everyone will love.
alicia in the kitchen
Recipe by Alicia
Fresh from the kitchen: Sun, 02 Mar 2025 18:15:21 GMT
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Korean-style beef bites | Tasteofsavor.com

These Korean-style meatballs blend savory and sweet flavors into perfect bite-sized morsels. The caramelized glaze coats each tender meatball, creating an irresistible combination of sweet, savory and gentle heat from the gochujang paste. This recipe brings authentic Asian flavors right to your dining table.

The magic happens when the sauce begins to caramelize in the pan, creating an irresistible glaze that coats each meatball perfectly. The key is taking your time during cooking and using quality ingredients.

Essential Ingredients

  • Ground beef (500g): Choose meat with 15-20% fat content for juicy meatballs. Fresh-ground beef works best
  • Panko breadcrumbs (60g): These light, airy breadcrumbs create the perfect texture
  • Gochujang (2 tsp + 1 tbsp): This fermented chili paste provides essential Korean flavor
  • Fresh ginger (1 tsp): Grate just before using for maximum flavor impact
  • Soy sauce (1 tbsp + 4 tbsp): Use naturally brewed soy sauce for depth of flavor
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Spicy Korean Glazed Meatballs | Tasteofsavor.com

Cooking Instructions

1.
Finely mince the onion and garlic until very fine - this ensures smooth, well-textured meatballs
2.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with panko breadcrumbs and minced aromatics. Mix gently but thoroughly by hand
3.
Add gochujang and soy sauce, distributing evenly throughout the mixture. Knead for 5 minutes to ensure the meatballs hold together during cooking
4.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and allow breadcrumbs to hydrate
5.
Form into 3-4cm meatballs using slightly damp hands. Place on a baking sheet with space between each
6.
For the glaze, sauté minced garlic in sesame oil until fragrant and translucent

Gochujang adds incredible depth to this dish with its complex fermented flavors. Once you start cooking with it, you'll find yourself using it in marinades, sauces, and many other dishes.

Presentation Tips

Arrange the glazed meatballs in a circular pattern on your serving plate. Garnish with finely sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for visual appeal and added texture.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs naturally bring people together, creating a communal dining experience perfect for sharing and enjoying good conversation.

Perfect Pairings

Serve over steamed white rice which perfectly complements the rich sauce and provides an ideal base for the bold flavors.

Final Thoughts:

This recipe demonstrates how simple ingredients can be transformed into an exceptional dish through proper technique and careful preparation. Each batch brings the satisfaction of creating something truly memorable.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

→ Can I substitute gochujang?
Sure! You can use red chili paste or sambal oelek, but the flavor will be different.
→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.
→ Can I cook these on the stovetop?
Yes, just cook them in a pan for about 15 minutes, flipping them to brown all sides.
→ Is this recipe very spicy?
Not too much! Adjust the gochujang amount if you want it milder or hotter.
→ What kind of rice works best?
Jasmine or basmati rice are great options for this dish.

Korean-style beef bites

Tender beef bites flavored with gochujang, drizzled in a sweet and savory Korean-inspired sauce, and served alongside rice.

Prep Time
20 mins
Time at the Stove
30 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Recipe by: Alicia

Type of Dish: Beef

Skill Level: Some Experience Needed

Style of Cooking: Korean

Makes: 4 Feeds (16 meatballs)

Good for: No Dairy

Shopping List

→ Meatballs

Item 01 1 onion
Item 02 500g ground beef
Item 03 60g panko breadcrumbs
Item 04 4 cloves of garlic
Item 05 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Item 06 2 teaspoons of gochujang paste
Item 07 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Item 08 1 teaspoon salt
Item 09 1 tablespoon soy sauce

→ Sauce

Item 10 4 garlic cloves
Item 11 50g brown sugar
Item 12 150ml beef stock
Item 13 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Item 14 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Item 15 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
Item 16 1 teaspoon gochujang paste
Item 17 4 tablespoons soy sauce

→ Topping

Item 18 Roasted sesame seeds
Item 19 Cooked white rice
Item 20 Sliced green onion

Let's Cook

Step 01

Chop the onion and garlic real small. In a big bowl, stir together the soy sauce and gochujang. Add the breadcrumbs, ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper. Combine everything well.

Step 02

Cover the mix with a lid or plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld.

Step 03

Turn the oven on to 200°C. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. Lay them out on a baking tray with parchment paper. Bake them for about 20 minutes until golden brown.

Step 04

Mince the garlic and sauté it in sesame oil. Pour in the vinegar, stock, sugar, soy sauce, and gochujang. Let it simmer until it thickens by about a third.

Step 05

Mix the cornstarch with a little cold water. Stir this into the sauce and let it cook for a moment until it thickens.

Step 06

Coat the meatballs in the sauce. Sprinkle the green onion and sesame seeds on top. Pair with some white rice and it’s ready to enjoy.

Cook's Tips

  1. Refrigerating the mixture helps the meatballs hold their shape while cooking.
  2. You can prepare the sauce earlier and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Kitchen Gear Needed

  • Oven
  • Baking tray
  • Large bowl
  • Skillet

Watch Out For

Your safety matters - check these important notes about ingredients
  • Gluten (panko breadcrumbs)
  • Soy (soy sauce)

Good to Know (Per Serving)

Numbers are approximate - your results may vary based on specific ingredients used
  • Calories per Serving: 385
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Carbs: 28 g
  • Protein: 32 g