This Sweet and Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf is a fun twist on a classic! It’s packed with flavor, combining delicious Korean spices with a hint of sweetness to make your taste buds dance.
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up! I usually serve it with some rice and veggies for a tasty meal that’s great for any night of the week. Give it a try, and your family will be asking for seconds! 
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for a juicy meatloaf. However, you could easily swap ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option.
Ground Pork: This adds rich flavor and moisture. If you prefer not to use pork, ground turkey or beef will work well in this recipe too.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs give a lighter texture. If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers in a pinch, just adjust the liquid a bit.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste is key for spice and depth. If you can’t find it, you can use sriracha mixed with some miso paste; it won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll add a kick!
How Do I Keep My Meatloaf Moist and Tender?
Getting that perfect texture in meatloaf can be tricky. A big tip is to mix the ingredients just until combined—overmixing can make it tough. The panko helps absorb moisture, and the egg acts as a binder.
- Start with your ground meats and mix in the breadcrumbs gently.
- Add your wet ingredients: soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil, and egg.
- Finish with onion and garlic for flavor, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
Another key point is to let your meatloaf rest after baking. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping it moist.
Sweet and Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Glaze:
- Additional gochujang
- A touch of soy sauce
- Brown sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sweet and Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-55 minutes to bake. You’ll have a total time of around 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish, including resting time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Loaf Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the meatloaf from sticking.
2. Mixing the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, and the egg. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to your taste. Now, mix everything together gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix! This helps keep your meatloaf nice and tender.
3. Shaping the Meatloaf:
Transfer the combined meat mixture into your prepared loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf form, pressing it down slightly to make sure it holds together well.
4. Preparing the Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together a bit more gochujang, a small amount of soy sauce, and a little brown sugar to create a tasty glaze. Brush about half of this glaze over the top of your meatloaf to add extra flavor as it cooks.
5. Baking the Meatloaf:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) to ensure it’s cooked through and juicy!
6. Adding Extra Glaze:
Ten minutes before your meatloaf is done, brush the remaining glaze on top for an extra layer of flavor and that sticky finish we all love.
7. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, take the meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps it hold its shape when sliced. After resting, transfer it to a cutting board and slice it to serve.
8. Final Touches:
For a beautiful presentation, serve your meatloaf topped with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Now, dig in and enjoy your Sweet and Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef or Pork?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile might change slightly, so you might want to adjust the seasonings accordingly.
What If I Don’t Have Gochujang?
If you don’t have gochujang, you can substitute it with a mixture of red chili paste and a splash of soy sauce for a similar flavor. Alternatively, a mix of sriracha and miso paste can also work in a pinch!
How Should I Store Leftover Meatloaf?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave or oven, covered, to keep it moist.
Can I Freeze This Meatloaf?
Yes, you can freeze the meatloaf before or after baking! If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly and store for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. If it’s already cooked, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
