elicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with dinner all over again with this Korean BBQ Meatloaf, a true elicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food. Imagine tender, juicy meatloaf infused with the bold, umami-packed flavors of gochujang, soy sauce, and ginger, all finished with a sticky, tangy glaze that will keep you coming back for seconds. It’s the perfect fusion of cozy Americana and the irresistible zing of Korean BBQ, making it a hit for family dinners and special gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is one of those recipes that proves you don’t need an overly long ingredient list to create something magical. Each item here lends a unique flavor, texture, or pop of color, and together, they transform an everyday meatloaf into an elicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food you’ll want to make again and again.
- Ground beef (1 1/2 pounds): Go for 80/20 to keep the meatloaf juicy and flavorful.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): These light Japanese breadcrumbs help bind everything together while keeping the loaf tender.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and helps soak the panko for a softer texture.
- Large egg (1): The essential binder that helps the loaf hold its shape.
- Green onions, finely chopped (3): They bring color and a gentle, oniony freshness to every bite.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): For that classic savory punch—don’t skimp!
- Fresh ginger, grated (1 tablespoon): Adds a touch of warmth and authentic Korean flair.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Delivers depth, saltiness, and umami.
- Gochujang, Korean chili paste (2 tablespoons): The signature spicy-sweet kick—adjust to taste if you love heat.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances the heat and adds a subtle caramel sweetness.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Just a drizzle gives a nutty aroma and unmistakable flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning; you can tweak to your preference.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a gentle bite and rounds out the flavor.
- Ketchup (1/4 cup): A classic glaze ingredient that merges beautifully with Korean BBQ sauce.
- Korean BBQ sauce (2 tablespoons): Sweet, tangy, and smoky—perfect for brushing on top.
- Sesame seeds (1 teaspoon): For a pretty crunch and that final restaurant-style touch.
- Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish): Adds a burst of freshness and color to the finished loaf.
How to Make elicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup later. This simple prep step sets the stage for a meatloaf that releases perfectly and looks picture-perfect every time.
Step 2: Soak the Breadcrumbs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and milk, letting them sit for about two minutes. This allows the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk and soften, which creates a moist and tender texture in your elicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food.
Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf
Add the ground beef, egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the soaked panko. Gently mix everything together—your hands are the best tools for this! Be careful not to overwork the meat, as that can make the loaf dense instead of tender.
Step 4: Shape and Glaze
Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup and Korean BBQ sauce, then spread this glaze evenly over the top. This step gives your meatloaf its mouthwatering, glossy finish and infuses the whole dish with even more flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Letting it roast undisturbed allows all the flavors to meld into that signature elicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food magic.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, let your meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and a generous handful of fresh cilantro or green onions to finish it off with color and crunch.
How to Serve elicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a shower of fresh cilantro or extra green onions turn your meatloaf into a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. These final touches add both crunch and a pop of vibrant green, making your elicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food truly special.
Side Dishes
This savory meatloaf pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed rice, tangy kimchi, or simply roasted veggies. The familiar sides create a lovely balance, letting the bold flavors of your elicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food really shine while rounding out the meal with comforting textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the meatloaf and serving it over rice bowls, tucked into sandwiches, or even wrapped in lettuce leaves for a fun, interactive meal. These creative presentations turn this elicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food into a customizable dinner everyone can make their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover meatloaf keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors seem to deepen overnight, making next-day slices of this elicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food even better for lunch or easy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re craving that elicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed!
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to keep them moist. You can also microwave leftovers in short bursts, but the oven keeps the texture closest to freshly-baked. Don’t forget to add a fresh sprinkle of garnishes to revive that just-made flair.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version of this meatloaf. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may need a touch more milk or a splash of oil to keep your elicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food nice and juicy.
Is there a substitute for gochujang?
If you can’t find gochujang, try mixing a little sriracha with a bit of miso paste and a pinch of sugar. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will deliver a similar spicy, savory-sweet flavor to your meatloaf.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s moderately spicy but totally customizable! If you love heat, add an extra tablespoon of gochujang. For a milder version, start with less and taste as you go. The glaze balances out the spice, making this elicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food approachable for most palates.
Can I prepare the meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s a great way to get a jumpstart on dinner and let the flavors meld even more before cooking.
What’s the best way to slice meatloaf cleanly?
Letting the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing is key. Use a sharp, serrated knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat, even slices every time.
Final Thoughts
Give this Korean BBQ Meatloaf a try and discover just how exciting a elicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food can be! It’s the kind of dish that delivers big flavor, total comfort, and a welcome dash of fun to your dinner table—perfect for sharing with the people you love most.
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elicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Korean BBQ Meatloaf offers a savory and spicy twist on the classic comfort food by infusing traditional meatloaf with authentic Korean flavors such as gochujang and Korean BBQ sauce. Juicy ground beef combined with aromatic green onions, garlic, and ginger is baked to perfection and topped with a tangy, slightly sweet glaze. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this fusion dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or kimchi.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Korean BBQ sauce
Garnish
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Soak Breadcrumbs: In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and milk. Allow them to sit for about 2 minutes so the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and soften.
- Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: Add ground beef, egg, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with soaked breadcrumbs. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined to avoid tough meatloaf.
- Shape and Place in Pan: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup and Korean BBQ sauce until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf to create a flavorful glaze.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) indicating it is fully cooked.
- Rest the Meatloaf: Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute making it moist and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and garnish with chopped cilantro or additional green onions. Slice and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For a spicier flavor, increase the gochujang by an additional tablespoon.
- This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, kimchi, or roasted vegetables for a full Korean-inspired meal.
- Leftover meatloaf slices make delicious sandwiches the next day, perfect for lunch.
- Ensure not to overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender and moist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
