This Sweet and Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf is a fun twist on a classic dish! Packed with ground meat, it’s sweetened with a bit of brown sugar and given a kick with spicy sauce.
You’ll love how this meatloaf is a little sticky and full of flavor. Serve it sliced with a side of rice and some veggies, and you’ve got a tasty meal that feels special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 ground beef for the right balance of flavor and moisture. However, if you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. Just note, they might need a bit more seasoning since they are milder in taste.
Breadcrumbs: These add texture and help bind the meatloaf. You can use panko for a lighter crunch or crushed crackers as a substitute if you’re out of breadcrumbs. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are also available if you have dietary restrictions.
Gochujang: This brings the sweet and spicy kick to your meatloaf. If you can’t find it, you could use a mix of sriracha and a bit of miso for a similar flavor, but start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and depth. If you’re low sodium, look for low-sodium soy sauce. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative, and coconut aminos works as a milder, soy-free choice.
Brown Sugar: This balances out the spiciness of gochujang. You can substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a different sweet note, but remember that they may add a bit more moisture.
What’s the Best Way to Mix Meatloaf Without Overmixing?
The key to a juicy, tender meatloaf is to mix ingredients just enough to be combined—overmixing can make it tough. Start with your dry ingredients and mix them in the bowl. Once combined, create a well in the center for the wet ingredients.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated carrot, onion, garlic, green onions, and egg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, pepper, and salt.
- Pour the wet mixture into the meat mixture. Use your hands (or a spoon) to gently combine until just mixed together.
- A quick mix is all you need—stop when everything is evenly distributed for the best texture.
Allowing the meatloaf to rest after baking is also crucial. This lets the juices redistribute throughout, making for a perfect slice.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated carrot
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meatloaf takes about 15 minutes to prepare and will need 60-75 minutes in the oven. Plus, it’s good to let it rest for about 10 minutes after baking. So, in total, plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, get your loaf pan ready by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light coat of cooking spray. This will make it easier to remove the meatloaf later.
2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated carrot, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped green onions, and egg. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. Try not to overmix, as it can make the meatloaf tough!
3. Make the Flavorful Sauce:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt until smooth. Pour this delicious mixture into the meat mixture and gently combine until just mixed. You want the flavors to come together without making the meatloaf too dense.
4. Shape the Meatloaf:
Transfer the meat mixture into your prepared loaf pan. Use your hands to shape it into a nice loaf, making sure it’s evenly packed down. This will help it cook evenly.
5. Prepare the Glaze:
In another small bowl, mix together the ketchup and honey until well combined. Brush this sweet glaze generously over the top and sides of the meatloaf. It adds a beautiful shine and a burst of flavor!
6. Bake the Meatloaf:
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 160°F (70°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. The outside should look nice and caramelized!
7. Let It Rest:
Once your meatloaf is done baking, carefully remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes in the pan. This helps it hold its shape better when you slice it!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your sliced meatloaf with additional chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful finishing touch. Serve with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes to enjoy the sweet and spicy flavors of Korean BBQ right at home. Yum!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be milder, so you might want to adjust the seasoning slightly by adding more soy sauce or gochujang to ensure it remains flavorful.
What Can I Use Instead of Gochujang?
If you can’t find gochujang, you can use Sriracha or another chili paste as a substitute. Mix in a bit of miso paste or a touch of sugar to mimic gochujang’s unique sweet and spicy flavor profile. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste!
How Do I Store Leftover Meatloaf?
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can also freeze slices for longer storage—just wrap them well in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
Can I Make This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance! Simply cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
