This Sweet and Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf is a fun twist on a classic comfort food. It’s packed with flavors from savory beef, sweet sauces, and a little kick of spice!
Making this meatloaf is simple and super satisfying! I love serving it with rice and steamed veggies. It’s so tasty, you’ll want to eat it for every meal! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The recipe calls for ground beef, but I love mixing in ground pork for added flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken also works well.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives the meatloaf a light texture. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will do, but keep in mind they might make the meatloaf a bit denser.
Onion: Grated onion adds moisture and flavor. You can substitute it with shallots or even finely chopped scallions if you prefer a milder taste.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste provides heat and sweetness. If you don’t have it, try mixing some Sriracha with a touch of sugar for a similar sweet-spicy kick.
Sesame Oil: It adds a nutty flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter oil, consider using olive oil, but you’ll miss that distinct taste.
How Do I Get the Meatloaf to Be Juicy and Well-Formed?
Getting a juicy meatloaf can be tricky, but it’s about mixing ingredients properly and not overworking the meat. Here’s how you can do it:
- Mix the ingredients until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to a dense texture.
- Use a loaf pan to shape the meatloaf, which helps it cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the resting time after baking; it allows the juices to redistribute and makes slicing easier.
Also, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. You want it to reach 160°F for safe and perfectly cooked meatloaf!
How to Make Sweet And Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated onion (about 1 small onion)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the BBQ Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons gochujang
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meatloaf takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 45-55 minutes to bake, plus an additional 10 minutes to rest. All in all, you should expect to spend about 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gets it nice and hot for baking the meatloaf perfectly!
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or your meat mix), panko breadcrumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, milk, egg, soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together gently until it’s just combined—don’t overmix, or your meatloaf might get tough!
3. Shape the Meatloaf:
Transfer your meat mixture to a loaf pan. Press it down gently to shape it into a nice loaf form that fits the pan.
4. Make the BBQ Glaze:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar until smooth. This glaze will give your meatloaf a delicious spicy-sweet flavor!
5. Add the Glaze to the Meatloaf:
Brush half of the BBQ glaze generously over the top of your meatloaf. This will add a fantastic flavor and caramelization while it bakes.
6. Bake the Meatloaf:
Place the meatloaf in your preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until its internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
7. Finish with More Glaze:
About 10 minutes before the meatloaf is done, take it out of the oven and brush it with the remaining BBQ glaze. This adds extra flavor and a nice glossy finish.
8. Let It Rest:
When the meatloaf is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps all those tasty juices settle, making it easier to slice.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle the top of the meatloaf with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a lovely touch. Slice it up and enjoy your Sweet And Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic alternative, making the meatloaf a bit lighter. Keep in mind that turkey can be drier than beef, so consider adding a little extra milk or an additional egg to keep the meatloaf moist.
How Can I Make This Meatloaf Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Also, ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free, or you can use tamari as an alternative!
Can I Prepare the Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. If you want to freeze it, mold it into a loaf and wrap it well before freezing; thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
