Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf is the kind of recipe that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Tired of bland, dry meatloaf that never delivers on flavor? This dish is your solution. Juicy ground beef and chicken are seasoned with bold Korean-inspired spices, brushed with a sticky sweet-and-spicy glaze, and baked to perfection. The result? A comforting yet exciting dinner that’s both familiar and adventurous.
Hi, I’m Jack welcome to my kitchen at Cooks Foody. As a recipe developer and food enthusiast, I’ve spent years crafting globally inspired dishes that are approachable, flavorful, and perfect for home cooks. This Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf is one of my go-to meals when I want to surprise family and friends with something comforting yet unique.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Why this recipe works so well
- How to choose the right meat for the juiciest texture
- Step-by-step cooking instructions
- Pro tips and flavor variations
- FAQs to answer all your cooking questions
Why This Meat Recipe Works for Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
- Uses affordable, easy-to-find cuts of beef and chicken
- Bold Korean-inspired glaze transforms classic meatloaf
- Perfect for weeknights or weekend family dinners
- Juicy texture without drying out
Choosing the Right Meat for Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
Best Cuts for This Recipe
Ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best, providing enough moisture for tenderness. Blending with ground chicken lightens the texture while still keeping the dish hearty.
Buying Tips
Look for fresh ground beef that’s bright red and ground chicken with a firm, pinkish tone. Ask your butcher for freshly ground meat whenever possible.
Substitutions
If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey for chicken, or use all beef for a richer, heartier flavor.
Ingredients & Prep for Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf

Meat Prep Essentials
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 lb ground chicken (or turkey)
- Pat dry with a paper towel before mixing to avoid excess moisture.
Marinades/Rubs (Flavor Beams)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
Glaze:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Pantry Staples
- Olive oil for greasing
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf

Pre-Cooking Prep for Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a loaf pan with parchment or lightly oil it.
Cooking Method for Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
- In a large bowl, combine beef, chicken, breadcrumbs, eggs, soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions, garlic, and ginger.
- Mix gently until just combined (don’t overmix).
- Shape into a loaf and place in the prepared pan.
- Bake uncovered for 35 minutes.
Doneness Check for Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
- Brush with the glaze mixture.
- Bake for another 20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Resting for Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
Avoiding Tough/Dry Meat in Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture.
- Always let it rest before slicing.
Tool Recommendations for Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
- Use a digital meat thermometer.
- A ceramic loaf pan helps keep moisture in.
Storage & Reheating for Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F for best texture.
Flavor Variations for Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
Variation | Flavor Boost | How to Do It |
---|---|---|
Spicy Twist | Extra heat | Add 1 tsp chili flakes to the glaze |
Low-Carb/Keto | Grain-free | Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs |
Global Flavors | Italian style | Swap glaze for tomato-basil sauce |
Serving Suggestions for Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or steamed jasmine rice.
- Add roasted broccoli or sesame green beans for balance.
- Great for meal prep slice and pack for quick lunches.
FAQs for Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf
Can I use frozen meat?
Yes, just thaw completely before mixing to avoid uneven cooking.
How do I fix overcooked meatloaf?
Slice it and drizzle with extra glaze to restore moisture.
Is this recipe safe for pregnant women?
Yes, as long as the meatloaf reaches 165°F internal temperature.
Conclusion
Fire up your oven and try this Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf tonight! Join thousands of home cooks who’ve brought global flavors into their kitchens with this recipe. And if you loved this, try my Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak next for another unforgettable dinner.
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Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf 5 Bold Flavors You’ll Love
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf is a juicy, flavorful twist on classic comfort food with a bold glaze.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 lb ground chicken or turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 green onions, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp ginger, grated
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp gochujang
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp soy sauce
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a loaf pan.
2. Mix beef, chicken, breadcrumbs, eggs, soy sauce, sesame oil, onions, garlic, and ginger.
3. Shape into a loaf and place in pan.
4. Bake for 35 minutes.
5. Brush with glaze (ketchup, gochujang, honey, soy sauce).
6. Bake another 20 minutes until 165°F inside.
7. Rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
You can swap ground chicken with turkey for a leaner option.
Leftovers reheat well and make great sandwiches the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf, meatloaf recipe, Korean BBQ