Juicy Korean Meatballs with Apricot Glaze Recipe for Dinner Joy

Succulent and bursting with flavor, these Korean meatballs with apricot glaze dance between sweet and savory.

Each bite promises a delightful explosion of taste that tingles your senses.

The tender meat mingles perfectly with a luscious glaze that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.

Aromatic spices weave through the mixture, creating a complex profile that will surprise and delight.

Packed with authentic Korean ingredients, these meatballs bring restaurant-quality comfort to your dinner table.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this recipe transforms a simple protein into a gourmet experience.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in the Korean Meatballs?

The key ingredients include ground meat (likely beef or pork), breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, and Korean-inspired seasonings like gochujang or soy sauce.

• Are these meatballs spicy?

The meatballs can have a mild to moderate heat depending on the amount of Korean spices used, with the apricot glaze helping to balance any spiciness.

• Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

• Is the apricot glaze sweet or tangy?

The apricot glaze offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, combining the fruity apricot flavor with savory undertones.

Why Korean Meatballs With Apricot Glaze Shine

• Whip Up Quick Meal: These Korean meatballs come together super fast, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Flavor Punch: The apricot glaze offers a sweet-tangy twist that transforms ordinary meatballs into an exciting dish, appealing to both kids and adults who love bold taste combinations.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these meatballs over fluffy rice as a main course or serve them as crowd-pleasing appetizers during game day, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Simple Preparation Magic: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create restaurant-quality Korean meatballs that look and taste impressive without complicated techniques.

Korean Meatballs With Apricot Glaze Ingredients

• Ground Beef: A juicy and flavorful protein that forms the core of the meatballs.
• Ground Pork: Adds richness and helps create a tender meatball texture.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg: Help hold the meatballs together and provide structure.
• Garlic, Ginger: Introduce classic Korean-inspired aromatic flavors.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall seasoning of the meatballs.

• Apricot Preserves, Soy Sauce: Create a sweet and savory glaze with a perfect balance of flavors.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness to the glaze.
• Sesame Oil: Provides a nutty, authentic Korean flavor accent.

• Chives: Offer a fresh, mild onion-like flavor and visual appeal to the dish.

Steps For Korean Meatballs With Apricot Glaze

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

This prepares the perfect cooking surface for your delicious meatballs.

Step 2: Mix Meatball Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine all meatball ingredients.

Use your hands to blend everything together thoroughly.

Gently roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Place the formed meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet.

Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re perfectly cooked through.

Step 4: Create the Apricot Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together all glaze ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Once the meatballs are baked, transfer them into the bowl with the glaze.

Carefully toss the meatballs to ensure they’re completely and evenly coated.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle chopped chives over the glazed meatballs for an extra pop of flavor.

Serve the meatballs hot over steamed rice or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Enjoy your Korean-inspired culinary creation!

Pro Tips For Korean Meatballs Apricot Glaze

• Use gentle hands when combining meatball ingredients to prevent tough, dense meatballs that lose their tender texture.
• Roll meatballs consistently to 1-inch size for even cooking and attractive presentation, ensuring all pieces cook at the same rate.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm meatballs reach 160°F internally for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Toss meatballs in apricot glaze immediately after baking to help sauce adhere better and maximize flavor absorption.
• Serve over rice for a complete meal or as bite-sized appetizers with toothpicks for easy party sharing.

Korean Meatballs Creative Flavor Variations

• Vegetarian Korean Balls: Replace ground meat with crumbled extra-firm tofu or plant-based ground meat, keeping all other ingredients the same for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari sauce instead of soy sauce to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Korean Meatballs: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour and serve over cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining authentic Korean flavors.
• Spicy Apricot Meatballs: Add sriracha or gochujang to the glaze for an extra kick of heat and more intense Korean-inspired taste.

Serving Suggestions For Korean Meatballs Dish

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange meatballs on a decorative wooden board with toothpicks for easy grabbing during game nights or cocktail parties.
• Rice Bowl Delight: Serve these glazed meatballs over steamed jasmine rice, sprinkled with extra green onions for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Appetizer Elegance: Present meatballs on a sleek white platter with small dipping bowls of additional apricot glaze for guests to enjoy as a sophisticated starter.
• Lunch Box Star: Pack cooled meatballs in meal prep containers with rice and extra glaze for a delicious work or school lunch option.

Storing Korean Meatballs With Apricot Glaze

• Store leftover Korean meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep glaze separate to prevent soggy texture.
• Pack cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date.
• Place meatballs on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Arrange meatballs on baking sheet. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm at 325°F for 10-15 minutes, brushing with reserved glaze halfway through reheating.

Korean Meatballs with Apricot Glaze Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling Korean Meatballs with Apricot Glaze bring a perfect fusion of spicy and sweet flavors to your dinner table. Succulent beef mingles with zesty seasonings, crowned by a glossy apricot sauce that promises a memorable culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) lean ground beef
• 1 egg

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 4 green onions (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons gochujang paste (or sriracha)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper

Binding and Coating:

• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) breadcrumbs (such as panko)

Glaze:

• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) apricot jam
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons gochujang paste (or sriracha)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and heat the oven to 400°F for optimal cooking conditions.
2. Combine all meatball ingredients in a large mixing bowl, using hands to thoroughly blend the mixture without overworking the meat.
3. Gently shape the meat mixture into uniform 1-inch spherical meatballs, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
4. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each piece to allow proper heat circulation.
5. Roast the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the tray midway to ensure uniform browning and complete internal cooking.
6. While meatballs are baking, whisk the glaze ingredients in a separate bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
7. Once meatballs are fully cooked, transfer them directly into the glaze mixture, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly with the apricot sauce.
8. Optional: Sprinkle finely chopped chives over the glazed meatballs for a fresh, aromatic garnish.
9. Serve immediately over steamed rice or as a standalone appetizer, ensuring the meatballs remain warm and glistening with sauce.

Notes

• Swap ground meats to customize the texture and flavor profile, trying combinations like beef and pork or chicken and turkey for lighter options.
• Keep meatball sizes consistent to ensure even cooking, using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon measure for uniform results.
• Prevent dry meatballs by adding moisture-rich ingredients like grated onion, breadcrumbs soaked in milk, or an extra egg yolk.
• Enhance glaze depth by adding a splash of rice vinegar or mirin for subtle tangy complexity that complements the sweet apricot base.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 305 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg