This Sweet Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf is a fun twist on a classic dish! It’s packed with ground meat and a flavorful sweet and spicy glaze that will make your taste buds dance.
I love how this meatloaf is so easy to whip up and great for family dinners. Serve it with some rice, and you’ll have a delicious meal that everyone will love! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This gives the meatloaf its heartiness, but you can mix it with ground pork for extra flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, lean turkey or ground chicken are great substitutes too!
Breadcrumbs: I prefer plain breadcrumbs for a neutral base. However, if you’re gluten-free, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed oats as a substitute.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds a rich heat and flavor. If you can’t find it, you could use Sriracha or another chili paste, but the flavor will be slightly different. Adding a bit of sugar can mimic that sweetness.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is an excellent choice if you’re watching your salt intake. You can also use tamari for a gluten-free alternative, or coconut aminos for a non-soy option.
Sesame Oil: This oil adds a nutty flavor to the meatloaf. If you don’t have it, consider using olive oil with a sprinkle of sesame seeds mixed in for a similar taste.
How Do I Keep the Meatloaf Tender?
Mixing the ingredients is key to achieving a tender meatloaf. Avoid overmixing; just blend until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the meat tough.
- Start with room temperature ingredients, especially the eggs, which will mix in better.
- Be gentle when combining the wet and dry mixes. Use your hands if you prefer, but stop mixing as soon as you don’t see raw meat.
- Let the meatloaf rest after baking. This helps it set, making it easier to slice without falling apart.
Sweet and Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
For the Garnish:
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meatloaf recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 45-60 minutes to bake. Allow a little extra time for it to rest before slicing. In total, expect to spend about 1 hour and 15-75 minutes getting this meal ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef (and pork if you’re using it), breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger if you want that extra zing. Use your hands or a spatula to combine everything well.
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs, soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper until everything is well blended and looks smooth.
4. Combine Everything:
Now, pour the egg mixture into the bowl with the meat mixture. Gently mix everything together until it’s combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a tender meatloaf!
5. Shape and Bake:
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 45-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
6. Glaze for Extra Flavor:
For an extra kick of flavor, during the last 10 minutes of baking, you can brush more gochujang or a mix of BBQ sauce and gochujang on top of the meatloaf. This gives it a tasty glaze!
7. Let it Rest and Garnish:
Once your meatloaf is cooked through, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps it set so it’s easier to slice. Before you serve, sprinkle the top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful finish!
8. Slice and Enjoy!
Cut your meatloaf into slices and serve. Enjoy the sweet and spicy flavors of your Korean BBQ Meatloaf!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or a combination of meats for a lighter version. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may result in a slightly drier meatloaf, so consider adding a little more moisture, like an extra egg or some diced vegetables.
How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you’re looking for a milder meatloaf, reduce the amount of gochujang or omit it entirely. You can substitute it with ketchup or a mild BBQ sauce. Conversely, if you want to spice things up, add extra gochujang or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for additional heat.
Can I Make This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This also gives the flavors more time to meld together!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave slices or warm them in the oven at a low temperature until heated through. You can also freeze cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap it well!
