Happy National Meatball Day – 3 Fun Facts About Korean Meatballs

That’s a spicy meatball—it was the ad heard ‘round the world for, no, not meatballs, but Alka Seltzer. Can you believe that? 

Regardless, March 9th is National Meatball Day! You can find recipes for meatballs within every cultural cuisine, from Chinese food to Arabic and Italian food. And every culture has its own take on it, too. Meatballs with fish? Done. Meatballs with pork or veal? Done and done. 

In honor of this extremely versatile, finger-friendly food, we’re celebrating national meatball day with three fun facts about our favorite type of meatball—the Korean meatball. 

1. A Pan-fried Korean Meatball is Called Wanja

Wanja (which means “a meatball fried in egg batter”) often goes by the nickname, dongeurangddeng (동그랑떙) (which actually means “a round thing”). While you can make a wanja out of 100% beef or pork, in classic Korean recipes the meatball is a mixture of beef and pork. 

There are a handful of different ways to cook it—such as by hot pot or pan-frying. But one of the most popular styles is pan-frying (called Wanja-jeon). 

Often, the meat is mixed with a blend of finely chopped onion, tofu, carrots, scallions, and garlic. It is then shaped into 2-3 centimeter disks; rounded around the edges and flattened on the top and bottom. Dredged in flour and egg, wanja is pan-fried in a lightly oiled skillet, giving it a crisp exterior and juicy interior

The result is a deliciously pan-fried meatball!

2. Traditionally, Korean Meatballs Were Royal

Back in the day, meat was considered a luxury. Because of this, many meat-based dishes were served in the Korean royal court (formerly known as the Joseon Dynasty until 1897). As such, the meatball became an essential part of luxury dining.

3. Today, Meatballs are a Staple 

Now that meat is more easily accessible, meatballs have become a commonly-served item in school lunch boxes and everyday meals. Plus, when braised, Korean meatballs make a popular holiday or special occasion dish.

Interested in trying Korean meatballs for yourself? At Snap Kitchen, we have our own take on the classic wanja recipe with our Korean BBQ Meatballs—it’s dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and paired with our house-made Korean BBQ sauce. Plus, it’s incredibly nutrient-dense, comforting, and makes for the perfect way to celebrate National Meatball Day!