Korean BBQ Meatloaf

The Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf is a delicious modern twist on a timeless comfort food favorite. This dish blends the bold flavors of Korea, gochujang, sesame oil, soy sauce, with the tender, juicy texture of classic meatloaf. Topped with a sticky-sweet glaze that caramelizes to perfection, every slice is packed with savory depth and a slight kick of heat that’s sure to impress.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting guests for a cozy weekend meal, this Korean-inspired meatloaf is a showstopper. Serve it with steamed white rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh Asian slaw to complete the meal. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce your loved ones to bold Korean flavors in a familiar and comforting form.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20)

• ½ lb ground pork

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• ½ cup milk

• 1 large egg

• ½ small onion, finely minced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ cup chopped green onions

For the glaze:

• ¼ cup gochujang

• 3 tablespoons ketchup

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. In a small bowl, mix panko and milk. Let it soak for 5 minutes.

3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, soaked panko mixture, egg, onion, garlic, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, ginger, salt, pepper, and green onions. Mix gently with hands until just combined.

4. Transfer meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape into a loaf.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk together all glaze ingredients.

6. Spoon half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.

7. Bake for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and spoon remaining glaze over top.

8. Return to oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

9. Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Korean BBQ Meatloaf: A Bold Twist on Classic Comfort Food

Korean BBQ Meatloaf is a creative and flavorful take on the traditional meatloaf recipe, elevated with sweet, spicy, and umami-packed Korean ingredients like gochujang, sesame oil, soy sauce, and garlic. The result is a mouthwatering dish that offers both familiarity and exciting new depth, making it ideal for families, adventurous eaters, and lovers of fusion cuisine.

This isn’t your grandmother’s meatloaf, though she’d definitely approve. The sweet and spicy glaze made with gochujang (Korean chili paste), honey, and soy sauce adds a sticky, caramelized coating that turns each slice into a flavor explosion. The use of both ground beef and ground pork ensures a juicy and rich texture, while green onions and aromatic ginger enhance the umami profile. It’s hearty, satisfying, and has just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting.

Why You’ll Love This Korean BBQ Meatloaf

One of the best things about this dish is how it seamlessly fuses Korean flavors with Western comfort food. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for weekend guests. Whether you’re serving it with steamed jasmine rice, kimchi, or a refreshing cucumber salad, this meatloaf is versatile and always crowd-pleasing.

Here are a few reasons this recipe should be part of your regular dinner rotation:

• Fusion of Cultures: Classic meatloaf is given a makeover with iconic Korean flavors.

• Easy to Make: Despite its complex flavor profile, this dish is incredibly simple to prepare.

• Family Friendly: It’s mild enough for kids but bold enough to satisfy spice lovers.

• Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day.

• Balanced Flavor: The sweet, spicy, salty, and savory flavors are perfectly harmonized.

Let’s Talk About Gochujang

At the heart of this recipe is gochujang, a thick, red chili paste made from fermented soybeans, glutinous rice, chili powder, and salt. It’s a staple in Korean cooking, known for its deep, savory heat and slightly sweet finish. Gochujang not only brings the spice, but it also enhances the meatloaf’s overall umami depth.

If you’re new to cooking with gochujang, this meatloaf is the perfect gateway. Its spice is mellowed by honey and brown sugar in the glaze, offering warmth without overwhelming your palate.

Texture and Taste: What to Expect

When done right, meatloaf should be moist, tender, and deeply flavorful and this version checks all those boxes and more. The beef and pork blend ensures richness and moisture, while the panko breadcrumbs and milk create a soft, light texture. Chopped green onions add bursts of freshness, and the glaze ties everything together with a glossy finish.

Expect each bite to start with a subtle sweetness, followed by a tangy warmth, finishing with a lingering umami-rich heat. It’s comfort food at its finest, but with a modern global twist.

What to Serve With Korean BBQ Meatloaf

Although it shines as a main course, this meatloaf becomes even better when paired with the right sides. Here are some serving suggestions to round out your meal:

• Steamed White Rice: A classic pairing to soak up all that spicy-sweet glaze.

• Kimchi or Pickled Veggies: The acidity cuts through the richness of the meatloaf.

• Sesame Cucumber Salad: A cool, crisp contrast to the warm meat.

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the glaze.

• Garlic Stir-Fried Green Beans: Add a fresh, garlicky crunch on the side.

For an ultra-modern take, consider slicing the meatloaf and serving it inside bao buns or sliders with some quick pickles and a drizzle of extra glaze.

Tips for Success

To make sure your Korean BBQ Meatloaf is the best it can be, here are a few expert tips:

• Don’t Overmix the Meat: Gently combine ingredients until just mixed. Overworking the meat can make your loaf dense.

• Let it Rest: Always rest the meatloaf for 10–15 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your slices tender.

• Use a Meat Thermometer: For safety and juiciness, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

• Adjust Heat to Taste: If you’re spice-sensitive, reduce the gochujang in the glaze. If you love it spicy, add a splash of sriracha or a pinch of red chili flakes.

• Double the Glaze: You’ll want extra for serving, trust us.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Korean BBQ Meatloaf is perfect for meal prep. You can make the meat mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake. The glaze can also be prepped in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Leftovers will last in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave. For longer storage, slice and freeze the meatloaf in individual portions—perfect for quick lunches or dinners.

Customization Ideas

• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko and tamari instead of soy sauce.

• Add Veggies: Finely chopped mushrooms or grated carrots can be added to the meat mixture for added moisture and nutrition.

• Try Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, substitute ground beef and pork with leaner meats.

• Mini Loaves or Muffin Tins: Make individual portions for easy meal prep or serving.

The Story Behind This Dish

This recipe was born from a desire to marry comfort food nostalgia with the vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine. Traditional meatloaf, while reliable and hearty, often lacks complexity. Korean BBQ, on the other hand, is known for its rich marinades and punchy flavors. By combining the two, we get the best of both worlds: a hearty, soul-satisfying main course that’s as exciting as it is comforting.

It’s also a great way to introduce Korean ingredients to hesitant eaters. Wrapped in a familiar format, the gochujang, soy, and sesame flavors become accessible and downright addictive. Once you’ve tried it, you may never go back to regular meatloaf again.

Conclusion

Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf is more than just a fusion recipe, it’s a bold reimagining of a classic dish that brings comfort, flavor, and creativity to the table. With its juicy texture, spicy-sweet glaze, and deep umami notes, it satisfies every craving while offering something fresh and unexpected.

Whether you’re exploring new global flavors, feeding your family a hearty dinner, or simply upgrading your weekly meal plan, this recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s approachable for beginners, exciting for food lovers, and guaranteed to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.

So, fire up that oven, grab your gochujang, and prepare to fall in love with meatloaf all over again, Korean BBQ style.