This Sweet and Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf is a fun twist on the classic dish! It’s packed with ground meat, sweet-and-spicy sauce, and a hint of garlic for flavor. Yum!
Who knew meatloaf could be so exciting? I love serving it with rice and some veggies. My friends always ask for seconds—it’s that good! Plus, it’s really easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef and Ground Pork: This combo gives great flavor and texture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken can be used instead. Just be mindful that these options may create a slightly drier meatloaf.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs add a nice crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work too. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste brings a unique sweet and spicy flavor. You can substitute it with sriracha or another chili paste, but the flavor will differ a bit. Try adjusting the amount based on your spice tolerance!
Sesame Oil: It adds a rich, nutty flavor. If you need a substitute, you can use olive oil or canola oil, but you might miss out on that signature taste.
Brown Sugar: This enhances the sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, honey or coconut sugar can work well, but adjust the quantity to taste since they are sweeter.
How Do I Get the Meatloaf to Maintain Its Shape?
One of the keys to a sturdy meatloaf is the mixing process. You want to combine your ingredients well without overmixing. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by mixing the ground meats with the bread crumbs and vegetables gently.
- Add the wet ingredients last and mix just until combined. Aim for a homogenous blend without clumps.
- Shape the loaf firmly but not too tightly; this will keep it from being tough while baking.
Letting it rest after baking helps everything set up nicely too, making for easier slicing!
How to Make Sweet And Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meatloaf recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 60 minutes to bake. After baking, let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. So, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 25 minutes in total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your meatloaf from sticking. This will make cleanup easier later!
2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef and ground pork. Then, toss in the panko breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, and milk. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until it’s well combined. Make sure all the ingredients are nicely mixed together!
3. Create the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a dash of salt and pepper. Pour half of this flavorful mixture into the meat mixture and mix well. This will infuse your meatloaf with that sweet and spicy flavor!
4. Shape the Meatloaf:
Now, take your meat mixture and shape it into a loaf. Place it onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure it’s compact and even so it cooks nicely!
5. Add the Sauce Topping:
Take the remaining sauce mixture and brush it over the top of your meatloaf. Make sure to coat it evenly to get that delicious glaze!
6. Bake the Meatloaf:
Slide your meatloaf into the preheated oven. Bake it for about 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check if it’s done.
7. Let it Rest:
Once your meatloaf is cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps keep the juices in when you slice it.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle the top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a touch of flavor and color. Slice your meatloaf and enjoy the sweet and spicy goodness!
Enjoy your Sweet And Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf!
Can I Use Lean Ground Meat Instead?
Absolutely! You can use lean ground beef or turkey, but keep in mind that they may result in a drier meatloaf. If you’re using lean meat, consider adding a bit more milk or a tablespoon of olive oil to keep it moist.
How to Substitute Gochujang?
If you can’t find gochujang, you can substitute it with a mix of sriracha and a touch of sugar for sweetness. Start with 2 tablespoons of sriracha and mix in a teaspoon of sugar, adjusting to taste as needed!
Can I Make This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice individual portions and warm them in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to keep it moist.
