Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf

If you’re looking for a twist on a classic comfort food, this Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf will blow you away! It’s juicy, flavorful, and smothered in a sticky Korean BBQ glaze that’s just the right balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. Plus, it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests. Whether you’re a longtime Korean cuisine lover or just looking to spice up your dinner routine, this meatloaf is about to become your new favorite recipe!

Why You’ll Love Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf

This Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf takes everything you love about classic meatloaf and gives it a bold, exciting upgrade! The meat stays tender and juicy, while the Korean BBQ glaze adds layers of rich, crave-worthy flavor. It’s simple to make with everyday ingredients but tastes like something truly special. Plus, you can easily customize the spice level to your liking. It’s perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or even as a fun twist on your next potluck contribution!

Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy to whip up this delicious Korean-inspired meatloaf! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend works great)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

For the Sweet & Spicy Glaze:

• ¼ cup Korean BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon gochujang (adjust to taste)

Instructions

This Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf comes together in just a few simple steps — perfect for busy nights!

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. Mix the meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko, egg, milk, green onions, garlic, ginger, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined — don’t overmix!
3. Shape the loaf: Transfer the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet or loaf pan. Form it into a loaf shape about 2 inches high.
4. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Make the glaze: While the meatloaf bakes, stir together the Korean BBQ sauce, ketchup, honey, and gochujang in a small bowl.
6. Glaze and finish baking: After 30 minutes, brush a generous layer of glaze over the meatloaf. Return it to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with extra glaze if desired!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 hearty servings, perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering.

Timing Breakdown:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
• Rest Time: 5–10 minutes

Tips and Variations

• Adjust the spice: If you prefer a milder meatloaf, cut back the gochujang by half. For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes!
• Switch up the protein: Feel free to swap the beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative.
• Add veggies: Finely shredded carrots or zucchini can be mixed into the meat for extra moisture and nutrition.
• Serving ideas: This meatloaf pairs beautifully with steamed rice, pickled veggies, or a crisp Asian slaw for a complete meal.
• Make it mini: Turn this into mini meatloaves by using a muffin tin — perfect for portion control and quicker baking!

Storage

Leftovers? No problem! This Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf stores beautifully.

• Refrigerator: Place slices in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then in foil, or use a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave or in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. Add a little extra glaze if you like it extra saucy!

FAQs

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Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf

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If you’re looking for a twist on a classic comfort food, this Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf will blow you away! It’s juicy, flavorful, and smothered in a sticky Korean BBQ glaze that’s just the right balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. Plus, it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests.

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend works great)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ¼ cup Korean BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon gochujang (adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko, egg, milk, green onions, garlic, ginger, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined — don’t overmix!
3. Transfer the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet or loaf pan. Form it into a loaf shape about 2 inches high.
4. Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
5. While the meatloaf bakes, stir together the Korean BBQ sauce, ketchup, honey, and gochujang in a small bowl.
6. After 30 minutes, brush a generous layer of glaze over the meatloaf. Return it to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with extra glaze if desired!

Notes

Adjust the spice by modifying the amount of gochujang. Serve with steamed rice, pickled veggies, or a crisp Asian slaw for a complete meal.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Korean-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Korean BBQ meatloaf, spicy meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, Korean comfort food