Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs

Tender juicy, sweet and spicy Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs simmered in a tantalizing rich sweet heat sauce are a must-try! This dish is perfect for stress-free gatherings like New Year’s Eve or Game Day. Not only do these meatballs burst with flavor, but they also make for an easy meal when paired with rice and veggies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: With the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it! Simply mix your ingredients and let the appliance do the work.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of blackberry preserves, hoisin sauce, and Gochujang creates a deliciously unique sweet and spicy sauce that will wow your guests.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve these meatballs as an appetizer, or pair them with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Large Batch Size: This recipe yields about 60 meatballs, making it ideal for parties or meal prepping for the week.
• Family-Friendly Dish: Kids and adults alike enjoy the irresistible flavors found in these Korean-style meatballs.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the necessary tools before you start. Having everything ready will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Foil
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Perfect for making tender meatballs that cook evenly without constant attention.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to combine all ingredients thoroughly without mess.
• Baking sheet: Ideal for browning the meatballs before adding them to the sauce, enhancing their flavor.

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 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 catch any drippings.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Add eggs and gently whisk.
2. Incorporate all remaining Meatball Ingredients into the bowl.
3. Mix until well combined.
4. Roll the mixture into meatballs of your desired size.
5. Place the formed meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes or until lightly browned.

Step 4: Make the Korean Sauce

While meatballs are baking, combine all Korean Sauce Ingredients in a medium bowl:
1. Add each ingredient one by one.
2. Whisk until fully blended.

Step 5: Combine in Slow Cooker

Once baked:
1. Line the bottom of your slow cooker with a thin layer of Korean Sauce.
2. Add half of your baked meatballs on top.
3. Drizzle additional sauce over this layer.
4. Repeat with remaining meatballs and sauce.

Step 6: Cook

Cover your slow cooker and cook on low heat for about 2 hours:
1. Stir gently after an hour to ensure even flavor distribution.
2. Taste at the end of cooking; add more Gochujang if you prefer extra heat.

Enjoy these delightful Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs with friends and family as an appetizer or main dish!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs

Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick family dinner, these meatballs will satisfy everyone at the table.

As an Appetizer

• Serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties or game days.

Over Rice

• Place meatballs over a bed of steamed rice for a filling meal that soaks up the delicious sauce.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use crisp lettuce leaves to create fun wraps filled with meatballs, fresh veggies, and extra sauce for a light option.

With Noodles

• Toss the meatballs with noodles and some of the sauce for a delightful pasta dish that is packed with flavor.

On Sandwiches

• Make sliders by placing meatballs on small rolls with a drizzle of sauce and some crunchy coleslaw for texture.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs

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

• Use lean beef: Choosing lean ground beef helps keep your meatballs juicy without excess fat.
• Mix gently: Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
• Bake before slow cooking: Baking the meatballs initially gives them a nice brown crust and enhances flavor.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust Gochujang or spices according to your heat preference.
• Add veggies: For extra nutrition, include chopped bell peppers or carrots in the slow cooker along with the meatballs.
• Keep warm: If serving later, keep meatballs on warm setting in the slow cooker until ready to serve.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs

Pair your Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs with these delicious side dishes to create a balanced meal that everyone will love.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrients; simply steam until tender.
2. Fried Rice: A mix of rice, eggs, and vegetables stir-fried together complements the sweet and spicy flavors.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with sliced cucumbers dressed in vinegar provides a crunchy contrast.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized bring depth and sweetness to your meal.
5. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad mixed with herbs and lemon offers a hearty side option.
6. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up that rich sauce from the meatballs.
7. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds texture and balances out the flavors with its tangy dressing.
8. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn cooked simply makes for an easy side that pairs well with any dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes will help you achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using the wrong meat: Ensure you use lean ground beef as indicated. Other meats may not hold up as well in the slow cooker.
• Skipping the baking step: Baking the meatballs before adding them to the sauce helps achieve a better texture. Don’t skip this crucial step!
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Accurate measurements ensure balanced flavors. Use measuring cups and spoons for best results.
• Neglecting to taste the sauce: Always taste your sauce before serving. Adjust the sweetness or spice levels by adding more Gochujang if needed.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: Give meatballs enough space to cook evenly. Layer them properly and avoid crowding.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through, for about 3-5 minutes.
• Stovetop: Heat over low heat in a skillet, stirring gently until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs that may help clarify your cooking process.

Can I use turkey instead of ground beef for Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative! It will yield a slightly different flavor but still delicious.

How can I make these meatballs spicier?

To increase heat, add more Gochujang or include chopped fresh chilies into the mixture.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs?

They pair wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables. You can also serve them as appetizers at parties!

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs?

Cooking them on low takes about 2 hours. For best results, stir gently halfway through cooking.

Final Thoughts

These Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs are not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor! They make an excellent appetizer for gatherings or a satisfying meal served with rice and veggies. Feel free to customize the spice level and sauces used to suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs, a perfect blend of sweet and spicy that will elevate any gathering. These tender meatballs simmer in a rich sauce made from blackberry preserves, hoisin sauce, and Gochujang, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Ideal for stress-free entertaining or a quick weeknight meal, this dish pairs beautifully with rice and steamed vegetables. With an easy preparation method, you can set your slow cooker and let it do the work while you enjoy time with friends and family. Perfect for game days or holiday celebrations, these meatballs are certain to become a favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup crushed saltine crackers
• 1/3 cup dry minced onion
• 1/3 cup milk
• 10 oz. jar seedless blackberry preserves
• 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 tsp EACH salt, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger powder
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 tsp EACH ginger powder, garlic powder, onion powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and then add all remaining meatball ingredients. Mix until combined.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for about 8 minutes until lightly browned.
5. Meanwhile, mix all sauce ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth.
6. In your slow cooker, layer half of the sauce, then half of the baked meatballs, followed by more sauce. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
7. Cover and cook on low for about 2 hours, stirring gently after an hour.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 120 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 meatballs (130g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 100mg