This Sweet and Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf is a fun twist on a classic dish! It’s packed with flavors from soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of sweetness that makes every bite exciting.
Who knew meatloaf could be this tasty? I love serving it with rice and veggies for a hearty meal. Plus, the leftovers make awesome sandwiches—if there are any left! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like to use 80/20 ground beef for the right balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. Mixing in some ground pork gives a nice texture too!
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko adds a great crunch. If you don’t have it, regular breadcrumbs will work in a pinch, but they won’t give that same lightness. You can also use crushed crackers as a substitute.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds spice and depth. If you can’t find it, a mix of sriracha and miso can mimic its flavor. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance!
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works here. For a healthier option, you could use honey or maple syrup, but reduce the quantity slightly as they are sweeter.
Sesame Oil: This oil delivers a nutty flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute it with olive oil, but it won’t have the same distinct taste. Toasted sesame oil is best if you can find it!
How Do I Avoid Overmixing the Meatloaf?
Mixing the meatloaf too much can lead to a tough texture. To avoid this, I recommend using your hands gently to combine the ingredients. Stop as soon as everything is blended and no dry bits remain.
- Start with your ground meat in a large bowl.
- Add the rest of your ingredients gradually. Use your hands or a spoon to mix.
- Once everything is just combined, it’s time to shape it into a loaf.
Keeping it light and fluffy can lead to the best meatloaf texture, so don’t worry if some ingredients are slightly unevenly mixed! A few lumps are perfectly fine.
How Do I Make a Tasty Glaze for the Meatloaf?
The glaze brings a wonderful flavor boost! For a good glaze, mix the gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a bit of sesame oil together until smooth. Brush it generously over the meatloaf before baking for a sticky, flavorful finish.
- Combine all the glaze ingredients in a bowl.
- Use a brush or the back of a spoon to spread it over the formed meatloaf.
- Feel free to add more gochujang if you like it spicier!
Don’t skip this step—it’s what makes the meatloaf really pop with flavor!
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp black pepper
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup gochujang (extra)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (a bit extra)
For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- Remaining chopped green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful meatloaf takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. You’ll need an additional 10 minutes for it to rest after baking. So, you can have this delicious dish ready in roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for your meatloaf.
2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef and pork mix), panko breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, half of the chopped green onions, milk, eggs, minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, gochujang, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough!
3. Shape the Meatloaf:
Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan, or shape it into a loaf on a lined baking sheet. Make sure it’s nice and even.
4. Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together the extra gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a bit of sesame oil to create a tasty glaze. Brush this glaze generously over the top of your meatloaf.
5. Bake the Meatloaf:
Place your meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. You can check if it’s done by measuring the internal temperature, which should reach 160°F (70°C).
6. Let It Rest:
Once baked, take your meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps make slicing easier and keeps it juicy.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish the meatloaf with sesame seeds and the remaining chopped green onions. This adds a lovely crunch and flavor. Enjoy your Sweet and Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Other Meats?
Absolutely! You can use ground pork, turkey, or chicken as alternatives. If using leaner meats like turkey or chicken, consider adding a bit more fat, like olive oil, to keep the meatloaf moist.
How Can I Make This Meatloaf Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. You may also want to check that your soy sauce is gluten-free, or replace it with tamari sauce.
Can I Prepare This Meatloaf in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the meatloaf mixture a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven as instructed. If you’re freezing it, shape it into a loaf, wrap well, and freeze for up to 3 months.
How Do I Store Leftover Meatloaf?
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave or cover and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist while reheating.
