Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf

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I’ve made a lot of meatloaves in my life, but this Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf is hands-down one of my most exciting creations. It takes the comfort food classic and flips it with bold flavors, sticky glaze, and just the right amount of heat. The result? A tender, juicy loaf that’s packed with umami and brushed with a caramelized Korean BBQ-style glaze that’s both sweet and spicy. Every slice is a flavor bomb.

I love serving this when I want something cozy but crave a little excitement on the plate. Whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or when friends drop by unexpectedly, it always delivers. The gochujang glaze alone has people licking their plates, and it’s the kind of dish that gets requested again and again. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never look at traditional meatloaf the same way.

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Why You’ll Love This Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf

This isn’t your grandma’s meatloaf — it’s a game-changer. The combination of ground beef and pork gives the loaf incredible texture and flavor. Gochujang brings a deep chili richness, while ginger and garlic infuse warmth and zing. The sticky-sweet glaze on top caramelizes in the oven, giving you those irresistible crispy edges. It’s sweet, spicy, savory, and just downright addicting.

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What Kind of Gochujang Should I Use?

You’ll want to use a traditional Korean gochujang paste — thick, rich, and just spicy enough to warm you up. Some brands are hotter than others, so taste as you go. You can find it at most Asian grocery stores or in the international aisle of your supermarket. Don’t substitute with chili sauce or sriracha — gochujang has its own unique depth that makes this dish sing.

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Options for Substitutions

• Ground meat: You can swap out the beef and pork for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko is best, but regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers will do in a pinch.
• Gochujang: If you need a milder version, try using a smaller amount and mixing in a bit of ketchup to balance the heat.
• Eggs: A flax egg works well if you’re avoiding eggs altogether.
• Soy sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.

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Ingredients for this Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf

• Ground beef (80/20): Adds rich, juicy flavor and classic meaty texture.
• Ground pork: Provides extra moisture and fat, balancing the beef.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture while keeping the loaf light and airy.
• Eggs: Act as a binder to hold the meatloaf together.
• Gochujang paste: The star ingredient, bringing bold Korean heat and umami.
• Garlic (minced): Adds aromatic depth and a punch of flavor.
• Fresh ginger (grated): Brightens the dish with a warm, zesty kick.
• Soy sauce: Deepens the savory notes and enhances umami.
• Sesame oil: Adds a nutty, toasty aroma that screams Korean flavor.
• Green onions (chopped): Brings freshness and color into the meat mix and garnish.
• Brown sugar: Balances out the spice with a touch of sweetness.
• Rice vinegar: Adds acidity to brighten the glaze.
• Ketchup: Helps form the sticky base of the glaze with sweetness and tang.
• Sesame seeds: For a final nutty, toasty crunch on top.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This helps with easy removal and cleanup later.

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Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork. Add the panko, eggs, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, soy sauce, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Mix with your hands until fully incorporated, but don’t overmix – you want it tender, not tough.

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Step 3: Shape and Bake

Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing gently to shape it evenly. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes while you make the glaze.

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Step 4: Prepare the Gochujang Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together gochujang, ketchup, brown sugar, a splash of soy sauce, and a dash of rice vinegar. Stir until smooth.

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Step 5: Glaze and Finish Baking

After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf and brush it generously with the glaze. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the glaze is bubbling and caramelized, and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

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Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it stay juicy. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

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How Long to Prepare the Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf

The overall preparation and cooking time is under an hour and a half, which makes this meatloaf ideal even for a weeknight if you’ve got a little extra time. Most of it is hands-off baking time, giving you a chance to prepare sides or relax while the magic happens in the oven.

• Prep Time: About 15-20 minutes. That includes chopping your aromatics, mixing your meatloaf base, and preparing the glaze.
• Cook Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes total. The first 30 minutes are to bake the loaf through, and the final 15-20 is to let that sweet and spicy glaze caramelize perfectly on top.

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Tips for Perfect Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf

• Don’t overmix the meat mixture or it can become dense. Mix until just combined.
• Let the meatloaf rest after baking — it allows the juices to redistribute.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to make sure the internal temp hits 160°F (71°C).
• For extra glaze flavor, brush on a second layer halfway through the final bake.
• Chop your green onions and garlic finely so they distribute evenly throughout the meat.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using lean meat only: You’ll end up with a dry meatloaf. Balance beef with pork or use fattier cuts.
• Skipping the glaze: The glaze isn’t optional — it’s what makes this recipe sing.
• Underseasoning: Don’t forget salt and soy sauce — the depth of flavor relies on good seasoning.
• Not draining excess fat: If your loaf pan doesn’t allow for fat drainage, carefully spoon it out halfway through baking.
• Slicing too early: Always give your loaf time to rest before cutting or it’ll fall apart.

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What to Serve With Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf?

1. Steamed White Rice

Simple and neutral, it soaks up the bold glaze beautifully.

2. Kimchi

Add some fermented tang and crunch to balance the richness of the meatloaf.

3. Sesame Roasted Broccoli

Nutty and slightly crispy, it complements the Korean flavors without overpowering.

4. Pickled Cucumbers

Cool and crisp, they refresh the palate between bites.

5. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A fusion twist — creamy potatoes work wonderfully with the spicy glaze.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerating:

Let the meatloaf cool completely before storing. Wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

You can freeze the whole loaf or individual slices. Wrap them well in plastic and then foil, or use freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

To reheat, thaw if frozen, then bake at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick meal, but the oven method preserves texture best.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving — based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~390 kcal
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugars: 8g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does gochujang taste like?

It’s a fermented Korean chili paste that’s spicy, savory, and slightly sweet with lots of depth.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the meatloaf mixture and even shape it in the pan up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use just beef or just pork?

Yes, but the combo gives the best texture. All beef will be slightly denser; all pork will be softer and richer.

Is this meatloaf spicy?

It has a gentle kick, but it’s not overwhelmingly hot. You can adjust the heat level by using less gochujang.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a larger baking dish and add about 10–15 more minutes to the baking time.

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Conclusion

Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Meatloaf is the bold, flavor-packed twist your dinner routine needs. It’s deeply comforting, loaded with savory goodness, and finished with an unforgettable glaze. Whether you’re cooking for the family or want something new for meal prep, this dish hits the sweet spot between cozy and adventurous. Give it a shot — you’ll never go back to plain old meatloaf again.

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