This Sweet and Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf packs a flavor punch! It combines tender ground meat with delicious BBQ sauce, a hint of spice, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Who knew meatloaf could be exciting? I love serving it with rice and veggies for a complete meal. Plus, it’s a hit with the whole family—everyone wants seconds! 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A pound of ground beef gives great flavor, but mixing it with ground pork can add juiciness. If you want a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well too—just ensure it’s not too lean to keep it moist.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs help bind the meatloaf. For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Oats can also be a great alternative for added texture.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds spice and depth. If you don’t have any, try using sriracha or chili garlic sauce, but adjust the quantity to meet your heat preference!
Soy Sauce: This enhances the umami flavor in the meatloaf. Low-sodium soy sauce is an excellent substitute if you’re cutting back on salt.
Green Onions: These give a bright, fresh touch at the end. If the fresh ones aren’t available, chopped chives can also add a nice flavor when garnishing.
How Can I Ensure My Meatloaf is Moist and Flavorful?
Getting the perfect meatloaf involves some careful mixing. Combine the ingredients until just mixed—over mixing can lead to a dense loaf. Make sure to include moisture-rich ingredients like milk and egg, which really help keep the loaf tender.
- Start by mixing all ingredients in a large bowl with your hands or a spoon until blended. Be gentle!
- Shape the mixture into a loaf in a loaf pan, pressing it lightly—that gives it structure while baking.
- Don’t skip resting it after baking! This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is juicy.
Sweet And Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup green onion, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
For The BBQ Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sweet And Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 45-55 minutes to bake in the oven. Don’t forget to let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. In total, you should plan for about 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your meatloaf cooks evenly and becomes deliciously browned. Gather all your ingredients so you have everything ready to go!
2. Make the Meat Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, sesame oil, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything well until it’s nicely incorporated. It should be well combined but not overmixed!
3. Shape the Meatloaf:
Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan. Press it down gently to shape it into a loaf, making sure it’s even on all sides. This not only helps it cook properly but also looks great when you slice it!
4. Prepare the BBQ Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, gochujang, soy sauce, and rice vinegar until smooth. This glaze adds a sweet and spicy kick to your meatloaf!
5. Add the Glaze and Bake:
Pour half of the BBQ glaze over the meatloaf and spread it evenly across the top. Place your meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
6. Brush on More Glaze:
About 10 minutes before your meatloaf is done baking, brush the remaining BBQ glaze over the top. This gives it a lovely, sticky coating that’s irresistible!
7. Rest and Garnish:
Once the meatloaf is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting time helps the juices settle, making it easier to slice. Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for a beautiful and tasty garnish.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your Sweet And Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf! Serve it with your favorite sides, and savor the delicious flavors!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use a mix of ground beef and pork for a richer flavor, or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that leaner meats like turkey may produce a slightly drier meatloaf, so consider adding a bit more milk or an extra egg to retain moisture.
Can I Use a Different Kind of Sauce Instead of Gochujang?
If you don’t have gochujang, you can substitute it with sriracha or another hot sauce for a bit of heat. For a sweeter alternative, mix a bit of chili powder with honey, but adjust according to your spice preference!
How to Store Leftover Meatloaf?
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy again!
Can I Make This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it into a loaf, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If you want to freeze it, just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Bake it directly from frozen, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time!
