This sweet and spicy Korean BBQ meatloaf is a fun twist on a classic dish! It’s packed with flavor from the bold barbecue sauce mixed right into the meat.
I love how it’s super easy to make and always a hit at dinner. Serve it sliced with some rice and veggies, and you’ve got a perfect meal that everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually stick with a mix of ground beef and pork for flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken will work, too. Just be mindful that they might be a bit drier, so adding a bit more moisture may help.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a nice texture to meatloaf. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can substitute well. Using oats is another healthy alternative that holds everything together!
Gochujang: This chili paste brings that signature Korean flavor. If it’s hard to find, you can use sriracha for some heat, though it won’t have the same depth of sweetness. Just adjust the amount to your spice level preference!
Brown Sugar or Honey: Both add sweetness, but honey will give a lovely floral note. You could use maple syrup or agave syrup too if you want to switch things up or if you’re out of sugar.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Moist Meatloaf?
One common struggle is achieving that perfect moist texture. Here are my tips to keep it juicy and delicious:
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense meatloaf.
- Add Milk and Eggs: These ingredients help keep the meatloaf moist. Be sure to include them in your mixture.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, so every slice stays moist and flavorful.
- Glaze at the End: Coating the top with sauce during the last few minutes of baking helps lock in moisture while enhancing flavor.
Enjoy crafting this meatloaf! It’s a crowd-pleaser, and you can adjust the flavors to fit your taste. Happy cooking!
How to Make Easy Sweet and Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste) for spice and flavor
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey (for sweetness)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meatloaf takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 50-60 minutes to bake, so plan for a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It’s a straightforward process, and soon you’ll have a delicious meal ready to be enjoyed!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your meatloaf is ready to bake. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure your meatloaf comes out easily.
2. Make the Sauce Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, ketchup, gochujang, brown sugar (or honey), rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir everything together until well mixed. Now, set aside about 1/4 cup of this sauce for glazing the meatloaf later—it’s going to give it a tasty finish!
3. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, milk, black pepper, and the rest of the sauce from the previous step. Gently mix everything together until fully combined but don’t overdo it. You want a nice, tender meatloaf!
4. Shape the Meatloaf:
Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down evenly. You can shape it a bit more on top to create a nice loaf shape.
5. Bake the Meatloaf:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and let it bake for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll want to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) to ensure it’s cooked through.
6. Glaze and Finish Baking:
With about 10 minutes left on the timer, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spoon the reserved sauce over the top, spreading it evenly. Return it to the oven to finish baking and let that glaze caramelize beautifully!
7. Rest and Slice:
When the meatloaf is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps keep it juicy when you slice into it. Once rested, slice it into pieces, ready to serve!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for a lovely finish. Serve your sweet and spicy meatloaf warm alongside steamed rice and your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
Enjoy this flavorsome Korean BBQ meatloaf! It’s a delightful mix of sweet, spicy, and savory that’s sure to please.
FAQ for Easy Sweet and Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option! Just note that these meats can be drier, so consider adding a little extra moisture, such as a splash of broth or an additional egg, to keep the meatloaf juicy.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They’ll keep well for about 3 months!
How to Reheat Meatloaf?
The best way to reheat meatloaf is to place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking, or increase the baking time slightly if it goes in cold.
Enjoy making your meatloaf and feel free to get creative with flavors!
