These tasty Mongolian beef meatballs are quick to whip up and bursting with flavor! With beef, ginger, and soy sauce, they make a fast and hearty meal that everyone will love.
Who doesn’t love meatballs? I mean, they’re like little flavor bombs just waiting to be enjoyed! I often serve them over rice or noodles for a complete feast—so easy and delicious! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef keeps the meatballs moist. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works really well. Just keep in mind that leaner meats might need a touch more seasoning.
Bread Crumbs: I used plain breadcrumbs to bind the meatballs. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.
Green Onions: These add a great fresh flavor and vibrant color. If you don’t have green onions, chives or finely diced shallots can be nice substitutes.
Soy Sauce: This is key for flavor! If you’re aiming for a lower-sodium version, try low-sodium soy sauce or even tamari for a gluten-free option.
Brown Sugar: For sweetness, brown sugar is perfect. Feel free to swap it with honey or maple syrup if you need a more natural sweetener.
How Do You Cook Meatballs Perfectly?
Cooking meatballs might seem simple, but getting them just right is essential for great flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix the ingredients just enough to blend, but don’t overdo it as this can make them tough.
- Shape them evenly – about 1 inch in diameter is a great size for even cooking.
- When cooking, place them gently in the skillet. Let them sit before turning to ensure a nice brown crust forms.
- Turn them occasionally to brown all sides, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
This method helps to lock in moisture and flavor. Remember to simmer them in the sauce for extra taste! Enjoy your cooking!
30-Minute Mongolian Beef Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Steamed broccoli (or other vegetables)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time. You’ll have juicy meatballs coated in a sweet and savory sauce, all ready to serve over rice with some delicious veggies. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, egg, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together well with your hands or a spoon until it’s fully combined. You want to make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Shaping the Meatballs:
With your hands, shape the meat mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate or a tray, ready to cook.
3. Cooking the Meatballs:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are browned on all sides. Make sure they are cooked through!
4. Preparing the Sauce:
While the meatballs are cooking, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and grated ginger in a small bowl until smooth. This will be your tasty sauce.
5. Adding the Sauce:
Once the meatballs are nicely browned, pour the sauce over them in the skillet. Gently stir to coat the meatballs with the sauce, so they are all covered in that delicious flavor.
6. Simmering the Meatballs:
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the meatballs simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. This helps them cook all the way through and thickens the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
7. Steaming the Vegetables:
While the meatballs are simmering, steam the broccoli (or your choice of veggies) until tender. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes. You can use a steamer basket or a microwave safe bowl covered with plastic wrap.
8. Serving Your Dish:
To serve, place a generous scoop of cooked rice on a plate. Top it with the Mongolian beef meatballs and some of that sticky sauce. Add the steamed broccoli on the side and sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just keep in mind that turkey can be a bit drier, so you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil or an extra egg to keep the meatballs moist.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
If you’d like to spice things up, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. You can also incorporate finely chopped fresh chilies into the meatball mixture for an extra kick.
What Vegetables Can I Use Instead of Broccoli?
Feel free to substitute any of your favorite vegetables! Snap peas, bell peppers, and carrots all work well. Just steam them alongside the broccoli or stir-fry them briefly before serving to keep their crunch and flavor.
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance! Form them and place them on a baking sheet, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to a month. Just cook them from frozen for a few extra minutes. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge until you need it.
