Sweet Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf

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This Korean BBQ Meatloaf brings together the rich, bold flavors of gochujang, brown sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil for a sweet, spicy, and savory dish that's both hearty and unique. Packed with ground beef, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a touch of rice vinegar, this meatloaf is a delightful fusion of Korean and American cooking. It's baked to perfection, brushed with a flavorful glaze, and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for the perfect finishing touch. Serve alongside steamed rice or veggies for a meal that's sure to impress!

Barbara Chef
Updated on Mon, 28 Apr 2025 15:20:29 GMT
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A piece of meat with a green garnish. | gracefulflavors.com

This hearty Korean BBQ meatloaf transforms the American classic into a flavor-packed adventure with gochujang, sesame oil, and savory Asian aromatics. The sweet and spicy glaze creates a caramelized crust that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I created this recipe after falling in love with Korean flavors at a local restaurant. My family was skeptical of "fusion meatloaf" at first, but now they request this version more than my traditional recipe.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

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A plate of food with green onions on it. | gracefulflavors.com

Gochujang is my secret weapon in this recipe. The fermented chili paste adds depth that simple hot sauce never could. I first discovered it at an international market and now keep it as a staple in my refrigerator for everything from marinades to dipping sauces.

Make Ahead Options

Perfect Pairings

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A close up of a piece of meat with a green garnish. | gracefulflavors.com

Adjusting the Heat Level

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What gives this meatloaf its Korean flavor?

The use of gochujang (Korean chili paste), sesame oil, soy sauce, and garlic create the bold Korean-inspired flavor in this dish.

→ Can I adjust the spiciness?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by reducing the amount of gochujang or adding honey to balance the heat.

→ What toppings are used for garnish?

The meatloaf is garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and texture.

→ Can I use a meat substitute for this recipe?

Yes, you can use plant-based ground beef alternatives to make this dish vegetarian while maintaining its flavor profile.

→ Does the glaze need to be sweet?

The glaze combines sweetness and spice but can be adjusted to taste by tweaking the gochujang and honey ratio.

Sweet and Spicy Korean BBQ

Korean-inspired meatloaf with bold, sweet, and spicy flavors. Great blend of classic and unique elements.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Korean

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 ½ pounds ground beef
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 tablespoon sesame oil
04 ¼ cup soy sauce
05 2 tablespoons brown sugar
06 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
07 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
08 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
09 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
10 1 egg
11 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

→ Garnish

12 1 tablespoon green onions, sliced
13 Sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a loaf pan.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, egg, and panko breadcrumbs.

Step 03

Mix everything together until well combined. Shape the mixture into a loaf and transfer it to the prepared loaf pan.

Step 04

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked through and browned on top.

Step 05

In the last 10 minutes of baking, brush a little extra gochujang and honey over the meatloaf for a sweet and spicy glaze.

Step 06

Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

  1. Adjust the amount of gochujang based on your spice preference. For a milder version, reduce the amount of gochujang.
  2. You can add a bit of honey to the glaze for extra sweetness.
  3. Serve this meatloaf with steamed rice or vegetables to complete the meal.

Tools You'll Need

  • Loaf pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Oven
  • Brush for glazing

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains soy (soy sauce)
  • Contains gluten (panko breadcrumbs)
  • Contains egg

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 14 g
  • Protein: 25 g