Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs

Tender juicy, sweet and spicy Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs simmered in a rich sauce make for an irresistible dish! Perfect as a stress-free, make-ahead appetizer for gatherings like New Year’s Eve or Game Day, these meatballs also shine as a simple meal paired with rice and veggies. With their unique blend of flavors, they are sure to be a hit at any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these meatballs without any fuss.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of hoisin sauce, Gochujang, and blackberry preserves creates a delightful sweet and spicy profile that tantalizes the taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether served as an appetizer or as part of a main meal with rice and vegetables, these meatballs fit perfectly into any menu.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy your event!
• Feeds a Crowd: This recipe yields 60 meatballs, making it ideal for parties or gatherings where you need to please a large group.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in preparing delicious Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet (rimmed)
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Perfect for creating tender meatballs without constant supervision; just set it and forget it!
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly for even flavor distribution.
• Baking sheet (rimmed): Keeps all meatballs contained during baking and prevents messes in your oven.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending sauces smoothly without clumps; ensures all ingredients are well combined.

Ingredients

To create these flavorful Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Meatballs

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 eggs
• 22 saltine crackers, crushed (approx. 1 cup)
• 1/3 cup dry minced onion
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 tsp EACH salt, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger powder
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

For the Korean Sauce

• 1 10 oz. jar seedless blackberry preserves (1 cup)
• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
• 3 tablespoons Gochujang
• 1/4 cup red apple vinegar
• 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp EACH ginger powder, garlic powder, onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

How to Make Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil to prepare for baking the meatballs.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl:
1. Add the eggs and gently whisk them together.
2. Add all remaining meatball ingredients to this bowl.
3. Mix everything until well combined.
4. Roll the mixture into your desired size of meatballs.
5. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 8 minutes or until lightly browned.

Step 3: Make the Korean Sauce

While the meatballs are baking:
1. In a medium bowl, combine all Korean sauce ingredients.
2. Whisk thoroughly until everything is well mixed.

Step 4: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Once baked:
1. Line the bottom of your slow cooker with a thin layer of Korean sauce.
2. Add half of your meatballs in a single layer.
3. Drizzle some additional sauce over this layer.
4. Place remaining meatballs on top followed by more sauce.

Step 5: Cook

Cover your slow cooker and cook on low heat for about 2 hours:
– Stir gently after one hour cooking time if desired.
– Taste towards the end of cooking; add more Gochujang if you prefer additional sweet heat.

Keep warm until serving, then enjoy these delicious Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs

Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, these meatballs will impress your guests and family alike.

On Skewers

• Use wooden skewers to create fun appetizers. Thread the meatballs onto skewers for easy serving and dipping.

Over Rice

• Serve the meatballs over a bed of steamed rice. This classic pairing absorbs the rich sauce beautifully, making it a hearty meal.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a fresh twist, place meatballs in large lettuce leaves and add fresh veggies. Roll them up for a tasty, low-carb option.

With Noodles

• Toss cooked noodles in the Korean sauce before adding the meatballs. This creates a delicious fusion dish that’s sure to satisfy.

As Party Appetizers

• Place meatballs in a serving dish with toothpicks. The sweet and spicy flavors make them perfect for any gathering.

With Pickled Veggies

• Serve alongside pickled vegetables for an extra crunch. The acidity balances the sweetness of the meatballs and adds freshness.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs

To ensure your Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use lean ground beef: This helps keep the meatballs juicy without excess fat that could make them greasy.
• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer more heat, add extra Gochujang to the sauce according to your taste.
• Let them rest: Allowing the meatballs to rest after cooking enhances their flavor as they soak up more sauce.
• Experiment with herbs: Adding chopped green onions or cilantro can brighten up the dish and add freshness.
• Keep an eye on cook time: Cooking on low for 2 hours is ideal, but monitor them to avoid overcooking for best texture.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs enhances your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: This nutritious veggie adds color and crunch, complementing the sweet heat of the meatballs.
2. Coconut Rice: The creamy coconut flavor pairs beautifully with the savory sauce and adds richness to your plate.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast and adds texture to each bite of meatball.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the savory flavors of the meatballs while providing a filling side.
5. Sesame Green Beans: Tossed with sesame oil and seeds, green beans offer crunch and nutty flavor that works well with Asian-inspired dishes.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes offers a healthy option that balances out the richness of the meatballs.
7. Mashed Cauliflower: A low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, this dish is creamy and slightly buttery, fitting perfectly with Korean flavors.
8. Kimchi Fried Rice: For those who enjoy bold flavors, this fried rice makes an excellent companion that elevates your meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Overmixing the meat: Mixing the ground beef too much can lead to tough meatballs. Combine the ingredients just until mixed for tender results.
• Skipping the baking step: Baking meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker helps them hold their shape and develop a nice crust. Don’t skip this crucial step!
• Not adjusting seasoning: Tasting your sauce and meat mixture is essential. Always adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences for a more personalized flavor.
• Using low-quality sauces: Opt for high-quality hoisin sauce and Gochujang to enhance the overall flavor of your Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs. Cheap alternatives can compromise taste.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking on low heat for the correct amount of time is vital. Overcooking can dry out the meatballs, while undercooking may leave them raw.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Meatballs can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs

• Allow meatballs to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring to remove as much air as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs in a baking dish covered with foil and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in increments of 1 minute until hot, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet with a splash of broth or water, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a lean alternative in this recipe. Just be mindful that it may require slight adjustments in cooking time.

How spicy are Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs?

The spice level depends on how much Gochujang you add. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat and gradually increase it according to your preference.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs?

These meatballs pair wonderfully with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or even noodles for a complete meal.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge before cooking them in the slow cooker.

How do I customize my Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs?

Feel free to add vegetables like grated carrots or finely chopped bell peppers into the meatball mixture for added nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer during game day or enjoying them with rice for dinner, they’re sure to please. Customize them by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting spices to suit your palate. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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