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The flavors of classic Korean marinated beef are packed into these baked bulgogi meatballs for kids. They can be prepped ahead and frozen for easy lunch packing. Serve these meatballs with rice and veggies or fruit for a complete meal.
Bulgogi is a classic Korean barbecue staple. Traditionally, thinly sliced beef is marinated in a perfect balance of sauces and seasonings. The meat is cooked fast on high heat until charred and tender. Its sweet and savory notes please just about every palate from kids to adults. This kid-friendly meatball recipe takes a twist on the original by condensing all those flavorful ingredients into meatballs!
These meatballs are perfectly juicy when they come out of the oven thanks to the egg and the panko breadcrumbs. Soy sauce, maple syrup and sesame oil give these meatballs their Korean twist. The onions give them a flavorful bite and the carrots add a tiny bit of sweetness and color.
When you prepare them, make sure to throw some extra in the oven for all the adults as well. They are hard to resist!
Make extra to keep on hand in the freezer as well for extra busy days! Flash freeze them after shaping (this can be done either before or after cooking), then store them in a freezer-safe zipper bag for up to 3 months. Any overwhelmed parentknows, there is no feeling quite like having homemade frozen foods ready for you when you need them!
In Korea, Bulgogi is served with multiple banchan (small plates/side dishes) and rice. If you’d like to serve these bulgogi meatballs with traditional sides, try a winter melon salad for a sweet pairing to these sweet and savory meatballs.
Also try them with some kimchi (mild or hot) which is fermented cabbage with Korean seasonings, along with some plain white rice.
As a twist, you could serve them on bread for Korean inspired meatball sandwiches, as appetizers for some small bites, or with some fresh veggies like cucumbers, carrots or radishes. Try wrapping them in some romaine lettuce for a fresh handheld as well!
To make a complete meal for kids and toddlers, serve these with rice and veggies of choice. Kids may also enjoy eating these meatballs as appetizers or small bites to share. Make extra sauce and use it as a dipping sauce to drizzle over your rice and veggies.
These balls of deliciousness are perfect to pack in your kids’ lunchboxes. They even make a great after-school snack for your little ones to give them a boost of energy before dinner. They can be served at room temperature.
Packing your child’s lunchbox for daycare or school
When packing in a lunchbox, we recommend pairing about 7 of these kid-sized meatballs with cucumber, kiwi and a cup of brown rice. Since the meatballs are soft, crisp cucumber adds a nice crunch to the meal, while kiwi can work as a dessert and palate cleanser. Use a thermos to keep the brown rice and meatballs warm.
New flavors can be intimidating for selective kids. We recommend introducing new flavors gradually. If soy sauce or sesame oil is new to your little one, you can start by adding a small amount the first time you make these meatballs. Gradually increase the amount of sauce or oil you add over time.
Similarly, try serving new foods to kids as micro portions. Micro portions can be as small as a fingernail. These small positions make new foods less overwhelming and more approachable for picky kids.
1small carrot(about 1.5 oz. / 41 g), chopped into chunks (W)
½cuppanko bread crumbs
1.5Tbs.soy sauce
1Tbs.maple syrup
1Tbs.toasted sesame oil
1eggwhisked (W)
1tsp.garlic powder
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F / 205 degrees C and position the rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a food processor, combine chopped onion and carrots and pulse until finely chopped into 1/4″ pieces. (Alternatively, you can finely chop with a knife.)
In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, soy sauce, maple syrup, and toasted sesame oil.
Add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl and mix to combine.
Form mixture into balls with your hands using about 1.5 Tbs. of mixture for each meatball. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving space between them.
Bake for about 20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.
Notes
To freeze meatballs, arrange them on a single layer on a cutting board lined with parchment paper. Freeze for a couple of hours, then place them in a freezer-safe, airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Heat the meatballs in the microwave before packing them in a lunchbox.
Ingredients with a “W” next to them are WIC-eligible items. WIC is the supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children in the United States. It provides food to families with pregnant or postpartum women and young children. WIC-eligible items will vary based on location.
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About Kids Eat in Color
Created by experts, Kids Eat in Color is the leading resource for families seeking evidence-based information and strategies on child nutrition and feeding.
Hee Jee is the founder and blogger of White Blank Space. She grew up in South Korea and immigrated to the United States for graduate school. Currently, she lives in California with her husband, who is originally from Mexico, and their two daughters.
This free veggie exposure shopping list and menu planner will give you ideas for bringing more veggies into your home (AND help you get your little one closer to eating them!).
The flavors of classic Korean marinated beef are packed into these baked bulgogi meatballs for kids. They can be prepped ahead and frozen for easy lunch packing. Serve these meatballs with rice and veggies or fruit for a complete meal.
Bulgogi meatball recipe for kids & toddlers
Bulgogi is a classic Korean barbecue staple. Traditionally, thinly sliced beef is marinated in a perfect balance of sauces and seasonings. The meat is cooked fast on high heat until charred and tender. Its sweet and savory notes please just about every palate from kids to adults. This kid-friendly meatball recipe takes a twist on the original by condensing all those flavorful ingredients into meatballs!
These meatballs are perfectly juicy when they come out of the oven thanks to the egg and the panko breadcrumbs. Soy sauce, maple syrup and sesame oil give these meatballs their Korean twist. The onions give them a flavorful bite and the carrots add a tiny bit of sweetness and color.
Related: Does your child refuse to eat beef? Get tips on introducing beef to kids.
Parent prep tip
When you prepare them, make sure to throw some extra in the oven for all the adults as well. They are hard to resist!
Make extra to keep on hand in the freezer as well for extra busy days! Flash freeze them after shaping (this can be done either before or after cooking), then store them in a freezer-safe zipper bag for up to 3 months. Any overwhelmed parent knows, there is no feeling quite like having homemade frozen foods ready for you when you need them!
Related: Overwhelmed? Learn how to survive with this guide and meal plan.
What to serve with beef bulgogi meatballs
In Korea, Bulgogi is served with multiple banchan (small plates/side dishes) and rice. If you’d like to serve these bulgogi meatballs with traditional sides, try a winter melon salad for a sweet pairing to these sweet and savory meatballs.
Also try them with some kimchi (mild or hot) which is fermented cabbage with Korean seasonings, along with some plain white rice.
As a twist, you could serve them on bread for Korean inspired meatball sandwiches, as appetizers for some small bites, or with some fresh veggies like cucumbers, carrots or radishes. Try wrapping them in some romaine lettuce for a fresh handheld as well!
Related: The most important thing to remember when feeding toddlers.
How to serve bulgogi meatballs to kids
To make a complete meal for kids and toddlers, serve these with rice and veggies of choice. Kids may also enjoy eating these meatballs as appetizers or small bites to share. Make extra sauce and use it as a dipping sauce to drizzle over your rice and veggies.
These balls of deliciousness are perfect to pack in your kids’ lunchboxes. They even make a great after-school snack for your little ones to give them a boost of energy before dinner. They can be served at room temperature.
Related: Read the Ultimate Guide to Lunches for Toddlers.
Packing your child’s lunchbox for daycare or school
When packing in a lunchbox, we recommend pairing about 7 of these kid-sized meatballs with cucumber, kiwi and a cup of brown rice. Since the meatballs are soft, crisp cucumber adds a nice crunch to the meal, while kiwi can work as a dessert and palate cleanser. Use a thermos to keep the brown rice and meatballs warm.
Related: Read 5 hacks for making cute lunches fast!
A note for parents of picky eaters
New flavors can be intimidating for selective kids. We recommend introducing new flavors gradually. If soy sauce or sesame oil is new to your little one, you can start by adding a small amount the first time you make these meatballs. Gradually increase the amount of sauce or oil you add over time.
Similarly, try serving new foods to kids as micro portions. Micro portions can be as small as a fingernail. These small positions make new foods less overwhelming and more approachable for picky kids.
Related: For more info, check out 11 expert tips to help with picky eating.
Bulgogi Meatballs
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition