Kinzie Spicy Korean Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients for the Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste)
• 1 tablespoon Kinzie Fiery BBQ Sauce
• 2 tablespoons onion of choice, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 cup finely crushed breadcrumbs or crackers

How to Make the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, egg, gochujang, Kinzie Fiery BBQ Sauce, onion, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, green onions, and breadcrumbs.
2. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Form the mixture into equal-sized meatballs using wet hands to prevent sticking.
5. Place the meatballs in a cast iron skillet, ensuring they are spaced evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until nicely browned.

Preparing the Kinzie Fiery BBQ Sauce

1. Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
2. Drain most of the grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 teaspoon.
3. Set the skillet over medium-high heat and add minced garlic. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Deglaze the skillet with rice vinegar and soy sauce, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
5. Add brown sugar, beef broth, Kinzie Fiery BBQ Sauce, and sesame oil. Stir to combine.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
7. Reduce heat to medium-low and whisk the slurry into the sauce. Simmer, whisking constantly, until the sauce reduces to about half its original volume.

Finishing the Meatballs

1. Add the meatballs back into the skillet and baste them generously with the sauce.
2. Let the meatballs simmer for 3-5 minutes, ensuring they are heated through and well coated in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve the meatballs on a bed of prepared rice.
2. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and additional green onions for a vibrant presentation.

Tips for Perfect Meatballs

• Wet your hands when shaping the meatballs to prevent sticking.
• For extra flavor, use freshly grated ginger and garlic.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochujang.