Bobby Flay’s Korean Meatloaf takes a classic comfort dish and elevates it with bold, savory, and slightly spicy Korean-inspired flavors. This recipe features a juicy meatloaf infused with garlic, ginger, and gochujang (Korean chili paste), then glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce. If you’re looking for a unique twist on traditional meatloaf, this dish is the perfect combination of smoky, spicy, and umami-rich flavors.

What is Bobby Flay Korean Meatloaf?

Korean Meatloaf is a fusion dish that blends the hearty texture of classic meatloaf with the bold flavors of Korean cuisine. It includes traditional ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and gochujang, which add depth and a slight heat to the dish. Bobby Flay’s version enhances these flavors with his signature balance of heat and sweetness, creating a meatloaf that’s incredibly juicy and packed with flavor.

Why You Love This Recipe

Bold, umami-rich flavors – A combination of gochujang, soy sauce, and garlic makes this meatloaf stand out.
Perfectly juicy texture – The right balance of moisture and binding ingredients ensures tenderness.
Sweet and spicy glaze – A sticky gochujang glaze caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.
Great for meal prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day and work well in sandwiches or rice bowls.
Easy to customize – Adjust the spice level or swap ingredients to fit your taste.

Other Popular Bobby Flay Recipes

Ingredients Needed to Make Bobby Flay Korean Meatloaf

For the Meatloaf

Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork) – 1 ½ pounds
Panko breadcrumbs – ½ cup
Milk – ¼ cup
Eggs (beaten) – 2
Garlic (minced) – 3 cloves
Ginger (grated) – 1 tablespoon
Green onions (chopped) – ¼ cup
Soy sauce – 2 tablespoons
Gochujang (Korean chili paste) – 2 tablespoons
Sesame oil – 1 teaspoon
Brown sugar – 1 tablespoon
Salt and black pepper – To taste

For the Korean Glaze

Gochujang (Korean chili paste) – 3 tablespoons
Soy sauce – 2 tablespoons
Honey (or brown sugar) – 2 tablespoons
Rice vinegar – 1 tablespoon
Sesame oil – 1 teaspoon
Garlic (minced) – 1 clove
Ginger (grated) – ½ teaspoon

For Garnish & Serving

Sesame seeds – 1 teaspoon
Green onions (sliced thin) – 2 tablespoons
Steamed rice or mashed potatoes – For serving

Instructions to Prepare Bobby Flay Korean Meatloaf

Preheat the oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the breadcrumb mixture – In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and milk, letting it soak for a few minutes.
Mix the meatloaf ingredients – In a large bowl, combine ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper.
Shape the meatloaf – Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatloaf – Bake for 30 minutes, uncovered.
Prepare the glaze – In a small saucepan, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Glaze the meatloaf – Brush half of the glaze over the meatloaf and return it to the oven for another 15 minutes.
Final glaze and rest – Brush the remaining glaze on top and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve with steamed rice or mashed potatoes.

What Goes Well With Bobby Flay Korean Meatloaf

Serve with steamed jasmine rice – A neutral base that complements the bold flavors.
Pair with roasted vegetables – Roasted Brussels sprouts or bok choy adds a great contrast.
Enjoy with kimchi – A spicy, tangy side that enhances the dish’s umami.
Top with a fried egg – A runny egg adds richness and texture.
Serve with mashed potatoes – A classic side with a twist when paired with Korean flavors.

Pro Tips to Make Perfect Bobby Flay Korean Meatloaf

Let the meatloaf rest before slicing – This prevents juices from running out and keeps it moist.
Use a mix of beef and pork – This combination adds extra richness and tenderness.
Adjust the spice level – Add more gochujang for heat or reduce it for a milder flavor.
Don’t overmix the meat – Overmixing makes the meatloaf dense; mix just until combined.
Use fresh ginger and garlic – Fresh ingredients provide better flavor than powdered alternatives.

Variations of Bobby Flay Korean Meatloaf

Spicy Korean Meatloaf – Add extra gochujang or red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
Turkey or Chicken Meatloaf – Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Gluten-Free Korean Meatloaf – Use gluten-free panko and tamari instead of soy sauce.
BBQ-Style Korean Meatloaf – Add a smoky BBQ sauce with Korean spices for a fusion twist.
Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf – Stuff with mozzarella or cheddar for a gooey surprise.

Storage Guidelines for Bobby Flay Korean Meatloaf

Refrigerate leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze for later – Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
Store with extra glaze – Keep some glaze on the side to brush on when reheating.

Reheating Tips for Bobby Flay Korean Meatloaf

Reheat in the oven – Cover with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 15 minutes.
Use a skillet for a crispier texture – Sear slices on a pan with a little oil for extra flavor.
Microwave in short bursts – Heat in 30-second intervals, adding extra glaze to keep it moist.

FAQs

What is the best ground meat for Korean meatloaf?

A mix of ground beef and pork provides the best balance of flavor and tenderness, but ground turkey or chicken can also work.

How spicy is Korean meatloaf?

The spice level depends on the amount of gochujang used. For a milder version, reduce the amount or replace it with ketchup mixed with a little chili powder.

Can I make Korean meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and shape the meatloaf ahead, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. The glaze can also be made in advance and stored separately.

How do I keep the meatloaf from drying out?

Adding breadcrumbs soaked in milk and avoiding overcooking helps retain moisture. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

Final Words

Bobby Flay’s Korean Meatloaf is a flavorful, juicy twist on a classic dish, packed with sweet, spicy, and umami-rich flavors. Whether served with rice, vegetables, or mashed potatoes, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy a delicious fusion of comfort food and bold Korean flavors!