1. Homepage
  2. All Recipes
  3. Korean BBQ with Sweet Heat

Tantalizing Sweet Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf

As seen in Satisfying Entrées for Every Table.

This Korean BBQ Meatloaf combines the intense flavors of gochujang, brown sugar, and soy sauce with aromatic sesame oil for a dish that's sweet, spicy, and deeply satisfying. Mixed with juicy ground beef, fresh ginger, minced garlic, and tangy rice vinegar, this creation brings together the best of Korean and American traditions. The loaf bakes up beautifully, gets brushed with a tasty glaze, and comes topped with crunchy sesame seeds and fresh green onions. Pair it with a side of fluffy rice or some steamed veggies for a meal that'll wow everyone at your table!

Save to Pinterest Post Online Share with Friends Print Recipe Skip to Recipe
Barbara Chef
Created By Sasha
Last updated on Tue, 29 Apr 2025 15:16:24 GMT
A piece of meat with a green garnish. Save Pin
A piece of meat with a green garnish. | foodthingle.com

This robust Korean BBQ meatloaf turns an American favorite into a taste explosion packed with gochujang, sesame oil, and aromatic Asian ingredients. The tangy-hot glaze forms a mouthwatering outer layer that'll make everyone want more.

I came up with this dish after trying Korean food at a neighborhood eatery. My folks weren't sure about "mixed-up meatloaf" at first, but now they ask for this version more often than my old-school one.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Food on a plate topped with chopped green onions. Save Pin
Food on a plate topped with chopped green onions. | foodthingle.com

Gochujang works magic in this dish. This fermented chili mix brings richness that regular hot sauce just can't match. I stumbled upon it at a world foods store and now it's always in my fridge for everything from meat soaks to dips.

Make Ahead Options

Perfect Pairings

Closeup view of meat slice with green garnish on top. Save Pin
Closeup view of meat slice with green garnish on top. | foodthingle.com

Adjusting the Heat Level

Common Recipe Questions

→ What makes this meatloaf distinctly Korean?

The blend of gochujang paste, rich sesame oil, salty soy sauce, and fresh garlic gives this dish its authentic Korean-inspired taste.

→ Can I make it less spicy?

You can totally dial down the heat by using less gochujang or putting in more honey to soften the spice kick.

→ What goes on top as garnish?

We finish the meatloaf with a sprinkle of crunchy sesame seeds and freshly cut green onions for extra pop and flavor.

→ Can I go meatless with this recipe?

You can swap in plant-based ground products to make a veggie version that still carries all the wonderful flavors.

→ Must the glaze have sweetness?

The glaze needs both sweet and spicy notes, but you can play with the honey and gochujang amounts to get it just how you like it.

Korean BBQ with Sweet Heat

A mouthwatering meatloaf with Korean flair combining sweetness and heat. A tasty mix of familiar comfort and exotic taste.

Preparation Time
10 Minutes
Cooking Time
45 Minutes
Overall Time
55 Minutes
Created By: Sasha

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Regional Style: Korean

Output: 6 Number of Servings

Special Diets: Lacks Dairy

What You'll Need

→ 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

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Get your oven nice and hot at 375°F (190°C) and coat a loaf pan with some oil.

Step 02

Grab a big bowl and throw in your beef, sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, Korean chili paste, minced garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, egg, and breadcrumbs.

Step 03

Stir all the stuff until it's completely mixed up. Then mold it into a loaf shape and pop it in your greased pan.

Step 04

Let it bake for about 40-45 minutes until it's fully done and gets a nice brown top.

Step 05

When you've got about 10 minutes left, spread some extra chili paste mixed with honey on top for a tasty sweet-spicy coating.

Step 06

Take it out when it's done and let it sit for 5 minutes before cutting. Sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds on top before you serve it.

Additional Tips

  1. You can put less chili paste if you don't like things too spicy.
  2. Adding a bit of honey to the top layer makes it taste even better.
  3. This goes great with a side of rice or some steamed veggies for a complete dinner.

Essential Tools

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

Allergen Information

Always verify ingredient labels for allergens and consult with a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Has soy from the soy sauce
  • Contains gluten in the panko breadcrumbs
  • Includes egg

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are best used as an estimate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Fat Content: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Protein: 25 g