Korean BBQ Meatloaf: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe

Introduction

Korean BBQ Meatloaf is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food, blending rich flavors of Korean spices with the traditional meatloaf texture. Perfect for those looking to add a little excitement to a familiar dish, this recipe delivers bold taste and satisfying comfort.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup ketchup (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork for a richer flavor and better texture.
2. Step 2: Add breadcrumbs and milk to the meat mixture to help bind and keep it moist.
3. Step 3: Mix in soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, and sesame oil to infuse the Korean BBQ flavors throughout.
4. Step 4: Stir in minced garlic, chopped onion, and green onions to enhance the aromatics.
5. Step 5: Crack the egg into the bowl and sprinkle black pepper and salt for seasoning.
6. Step 6: Using your hands, mix everything until just combined, being careful not to overmix to avoid a tough meatloaf.
7. Step 7: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
8. Step 8: Shape the meat mixture into an 8-inch by 4-inch loaf on the prepared baking sheet, smoothing the top and sides for even cooking.
9. Step 9: Spread ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf and sprinkle with sesame seeds for flavor and presentation.
10. Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Check halfway through and cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
11. Step 11: Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a teaspoon of extra gochujang or some finely chopped fresh chili into the meat mixture.
• Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular for a lighter texture.
• Try topping with a mixture of ketchup and a little honey for a sweeter glaze.
• Serve with steamed rice and kimchi to complement the Korean flavors.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the cooked meatloaf for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this meatloaf without ground pork?

Yes, you can use all ground beef if preferred. The pork adds extra juiciness and flavor but isn’t essential.

What can I substitute for gochujang?

If you don’t have gochujang, you can use a mixture of chili paste or sauce with a little miso paste and sugar to mimic its spicy, sweet, and savory flavor.

Korean BBQ Meatloaf: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 140 reviews

This Korean BBQ Meatloaf offers a flavorful twist on the classic comfort food by combining ground beef and pork with savory Korean ingredients like gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil. It’s topped with tangy ketchup and sesame seeds, baked to perfection for a deliciously tender and juicy meal that brings the delicious flavors of Korean BBQ into a familiar format.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Korean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatloaf Mixture

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping

• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef and 1/2 pound ground pork to create a balanced and flavorful base. Add 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup milk to help bind and moisten the mixture. Stir in 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons gochujang, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil to infuse the meat mixture with authentic Korean BBQ flavors. Mix in 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 small finely chopped onion, and 1/4 cup chopped green onions to add aromatic depth. Crack in 1 egg to bind the ingredients together, then season with 1 teaspoon black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Use your hands or gloves to gently combine everything until just mixed, avoiding overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
2. Shape the Meatloaf: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Transfer the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping it into an 8-inch long by 4-inch wide loaf. Smooth the top and sides evenly for uniform cooking and a pleasing appearance.
3. Add the Topping: Spread 1/4 cup ketchup evenly over the surface of the meatloaf. This enhances flavor and moisture. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon sesame seeds on top of the ketchup to add a nutty crunch and decorative finish.
4. Bake the Meatloaf: Place the shaped and topped meatloaf in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) using a meat thermometer. Check halfway through baking; if the meatloaf begins to brown too quickly, lightly cover with foil to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
5. Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This step allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender meatloaf ready to enjoy.

Notes

• Wearing disposable gloves during mixing helps keep hands clean and avoids overmixing.
• Using a baking sheet instead of a loaf pan allows the meatloaf to develop a crisp crust on all sides.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe doneness.
• Resting the meatloaf before slicing helps retain juices and improve texture.
• You can adjust the spiciness by tweaking the amount of gochujang according to taste.

Keywords: Korean BBQ, meatloaf, comfort food, gochujang, ground beef, ground pork, baked meatloaf, Korean cuisine, easy dinner