These Crockpot Korean Gochujang Meatballs are bold, saucy, and packed with umami flavor.
The gochujang gives them a smoky-sweet kick, and the slow cooker makes the whole thing ridiculously easy.
You just toss everything in, let it simmer, and end up with tender meatballs coated in a spicy, sticky glaze that’s honestly addictive. Perfect over rice or tucked into lettuce cups.
Why I Love This Recipe
I came up with this after craving Korean BBQ but not wanting to go full-out on a weeknight. I had meatballs in the freezer and gochujang in the fridge—so I gave it a shot. It worked even better than I hoped. Now it’s one of my go-to “lazy but tastes fancy” meals.
- Huge flavor with very little effort
- Gochujang makes everything taste like it came from a restaurant
- Hands-off cooking, just dump and go
- Amazing for leftovers or meal prep
Servings and Time
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2.5–3 hours on high or 4–6 hours on low
What You’ll Need
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen meatballs (beef or turkey work best)
- 1/3 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, sesame seeds
Macros (Per Serving)
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 32g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
Make Ahead Tips
Mix the sauce ingredients together the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just add meatballs and pour the sauce on top. Let the crockpot do the rest. The finished dish also holds up great in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How To Make Crockpot Korean Gochujang Meatballs
Step 1: Add frozen meatballs to crockpot
Pour 1 (32 oz) bag frozen meatballs into the bottom of your crockpot in an even layer.
Step 2: Add gochujang, soy sauce, and honey
Add 1/3 cup gochujang, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and 1/4 cup honey over the meatballs.
Step 3: Add rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger
Add 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 3 cloves minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger over the top.
Step 4: Cover and cook
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on high for 2.5–3 hours or low for 4–6 hours, until meatballs are hot and the sauce is thick and glossy.
Step 5: Stir and serve
Stir the meatballs so the sauce coats them evenly. Serve hot with rice, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Gochujang adds depth with its fermented chili base, bringing sweetness, heat, and umami. Honey balances the spice and helps thicken the glaze. Soy sauce brings saltiness and rounds out the flavor, while vinegar and sesame oil give it brightness and richness. Cooking low and slow lets the meatballs soak up all that flavor while staying juicy.
Common Mistakes
- Using too much gochujang: It’s flavorful and spicy—stick to the recipe the first time
- Not thawing meatballs slightly: If yours are rock solid, microwave for a minute before adding so they don’t clump
- Skipping garlic or ginger: They build the foundation of the flavor—don’t leave them out
What to Serve With
- Steamed jasmine or sticky rice
- Pickled cucumbers or kimchi
- Lettuce wraps
- Sautéed greens or stir-fried veggies
- Rice noodles or glass noodles
FAQ
Can I use homemade meatballs?
Yes! Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding to the crockpot.
Is gochujang very spicy?
It’s mildly spicy with a smoky sweetness. You can start with less and adjust to taste.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your gochujang is gluten-free.
Does it freeze well?
Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat.
Wrap-Up
These Crockpot Korean Gochujang Meatballs bring big, bold flavor without a big fuss. They’re saucy, satisfying, and super versatile. Perfect for when you want something easy that still feels exciting. Try them once and they might just end up in your regular rotation.