Sweet Spicy Korean Bbq Meatloaf

The glaze is sticky, sweet, and just a little spicy. The smell fills the air and makes me so hungry before it even comes out of the oven. Each slice is soft, juicy, and full of flavor.

I made this meatloaf on a rainy night, and it turned dinner into something special. My family kept asking for seconds, and the plate was empty fast. It felt warm and comforting, like a hug in food form.

I can’t wait for you to try it too. Let’s make this sweet spicy Korean BBQ meatloaf step by step together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: Home cooks rave about the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors
• Fusion Comfort Food: Classic American meatloaf meets bold Korean BBQ taste
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples plus a few Korean ingredients for big flavor
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the night before and bake when ready
• Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day in sandwiches or bowls

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings: This recipe serves 6-8 people as a main dish. Perfect for family dinners with plenty for leftovers.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for dinner parties.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Small mixing bowl for glaze
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Kitchen thermometer

Ingredients for Sweet Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf

This Korean-inspired meatloaf uses simple ingredients that pack a flavor punch. The combination of gochujang, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates the perfect sweet and spicy glaze, while sesame oil and fresh ginger add authentic Korean taste. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

For the Meatloaf:

• Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and moisture
• Egg: Helps bind the meatloaf together
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Keeps the texture light and tender
• Soy Sauce: Adds savory umami depth
• Sesame Oil: Brings nutty Korean flavor
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic works best
• Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger adds warmth and spice
• Green Onions: Chopped scallions for freshness and color

For the Korean BBQ Glaze:

• Gochujang: Korean chili paste that brings sweet heat
• Brown Sugar: Balances the spice with caramel sweetness
• Soy Sauce: More umami richness
• Rice Vinegar: Adds bright acidity
• Sesame Seeds: For garnish and crunch

Variations for Korean BBQ Meatloaf

• Add Vegetables: Mix in finely diced carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition
• Try Different Meat: Use ground turkey or a beef-pork blend
• Adjust Heat Level: Use less gochujang for milder flavor or add red pepper flakes for more heat
• Make Mini Loaves: Shape into individual portions and reduce cooking time
• Asian Slaw Topping: Serve with quick pickled cabbage slaw

How to Make Sweet Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.

2. Make the Korean BBQ Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside half for glazing and half for mixing into the meatloaf.

3. Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, beaten egg, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, and half of the Korean BBQ glaze. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.

4. Shape and Glaze

Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared loaf pan and shape into an even loaf. Brush the top with the remaining glaze, reserving a little for later.

5. Bake the Meatloaf

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Brush with remaining glaze and bake for 5 more minutes until glossy.

6. Rest and Slice

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Korean BBQ Meatloaf

This flavorful meatloaf pairs perfectly with many sides:

• With Rice: Serve over steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice
• Korean Sides: Pair with kimchi, pickled vegetables, or Korean cucumber salad
• Comfort Sides: Goes great with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables
• In Sandwiches: Slice cold for amazing next-day sandwiches
• Bowl Style: Serve over rice with steamed broccoli and extra glaze

Storing Korean BBQ Meatloaf

• Fresh Meatloaf: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months
• Reheating: Warm gently in the oven at 300°F or microwave individual slices

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the texture tender
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness
• Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to prevent crumbling
• Make extra glaze for serving on the side
• Grate ginger with a microplane for the best texture

Nutrition

Korean BBQ Meatloaf FAQs

Conclusion

This Sweet Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf brings exciting fusion flavors to your dinner table using simple ingredients like ground beef, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh ginger. The combination of sweet brown sugar and spicy gochujang creates a glaze that transforms ordinary meatloaf into something special.