Mouthwatering Spicy Sweet Korean BBQ Meatloaf

Category: Where Culinary Traditions Collide

Our Korean BBQ Meatloaf combines the deep, striking tastes of gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil for a dish that's tangy, hot, and rich all at once. Loaded with ground beef, fragrant ginger and garlic, plus a splash of rice vinegar, this meatloaf wonderfully blends Korean and American cooking styles. It's cooked till just right, coated with a tasty glaze, and topped with sesame seeds and green onions as the final touch. Pair it with some steamed veggies or rice for a dinner that'll wow everyone!

Monica
By Monica Monica
Updated on Tue, 29 Apr 2025 15:40:15 GMT
A piece of meat with a green garnish. Pin
A piece of meat with a green garnish. | flavorsfuse.com

This robust Korean BBQ meatloaf puts a twist on the American staple, loading it with gochujang, sesame oil, and rich Asian flavors. You'll love the caramelized sweet-spicy glaze that forms on top – it'll have everyone at the table wanting more.

I came up with this dish after trying Korean food at a restaurant nearby. My family wasn't sure about "mixed-up meatloaf" at first, but now they ask for this version way more than my old-school recipe.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

A tasty dish garnished with sliced green onions. Pin
A tasty dish garnished with sliced green onions. | flavorsfuse.com

Gochujang is the magic ingredient here. This fermented chili paste brings a richness that regular hot sauce just can't match. I first stumbled upon it at a global food store and now it's always in my fridge for everything from meat rubs to dips.

Make Ahead Options

Perfect Pairings

A juicy slice of meat topped with fresh green garnish. Pin
A juicy slice of meat topped with fresh green garnish. | flavorsfuse.com

Adjusting the Heat Level

FAQs About the Recipe

→ What makes this meatloaf taste Korean?

The mix of sesame oil, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, and garlic gives this dish its distinctive Korean-inspired flavor.

→ Can I make it less spicy?

Sure, you can tone down the heat by using less gochujang or adding more honey to balance the spiciness.

→ What goes on top as garnish?

Sliced green onions and sesame seeds are sprinkled on top to add extra flavor and crunch.

→ Can I make this without meat?

Absolutely, you can swap in plant-based ground beef substitutes to create a vegetarian version that keeps all the great flavors.

→ Does the glaze have to be sweet?

The glaze mixes sweetness with heat but you can tweak it to your liking by changing how much honey and gochujang you use.

Spicy Sweet Korean BBQ

A meatloaf with Korean flair featuring tangy, hot, and rich tastes. Wonderful mix of familiar and fresh components.

Prep Time
10 min
Cooking Time
45 min
Total Time
55 min
By Monica: Monica

Category: Fusion Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Style: Korean

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Lactose-Free

What You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 ½ pounds ground beef
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 tablespoon sesame oil
04 ¼ cup soy sauce
05 2 tablespoons brown sugar
06 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
07 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
08 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
09 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
10 1 egg
11 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

→ Garnish

12 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped
13 Sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Get your oven going at 375°F (190°C) and coat your loaf pan with some oil.

Step 02

Put your beef, sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, Korean chili paste, minced garlic and ginger, rice vinegar, egg, and breadcrumbs in a big bowl.

Step 03

Stir all the stuff until it's totally mixed. Make it into a loaf shape and pop it in your greased pan.

Step 04

Let it bake for about 40-45 minutes until it's cooked all the way and turns nice and brown on top.

Step 05

During the last 10 minutes of cooking, spread some extra chili paste and honey on top for a tasty sweet-spicy coating.

Step 06

After taking it out, let your meatloaf sit for 5 minutes before cutting. Sprinkle the green onions and sesame seeds on top before you serve it.

Additional Notes

  1. You can cut back on the Korean chili paste if you don't want it too spicy.
  2. Adding a bit more honey to the top makes it extra sweet if that's what you like.
  3. This tastes great when you eat it with rice or some veggies on the side.

Essential Tools

  • Loaf pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Oven
  • Brush for the topping

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient for possible allergens and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Has soy in it from the soy sauce
  • Contains wheat because of the panko breadcrumbs
  • Made with egg

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

This info is for reference purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Proteins: 25 g