These Mongolian Beef Meatballs are a tasty twist on a classic! Juicy beef meatballs are cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce, bringing great flavors to your plate in just 30 minutes.
Who knew meatballs could pack such a punch? I love how quick they are to whip up! Perfect for busy weeknights or when friends come over – just add some rice, and dinner is served! 🥢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef for this recipe. If you want a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can work well, just be aware that the flavor will be milder. For a vegetarian alternative, try using lentils or chickpeas mashed into a similar consistency.
Breadcrumbs: I prefer using plain breadcrumbs, but panko can add extra crunch to the meatballs. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are also available, so feel free to swap if you need a gluten-free version!
Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a nice pop of flavor. If you’re out, you can use finely chopped shallots or regular onions. Just be sure to adjust the quantity, as regular onions can be more potent.
Soy Sauce: If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, choose reduced-sodium soy sauce. Alternatively, tamari is a good gluten-free substitute. Coconut aminos can be a nice sweet and soy-free option, too.
Brown Sugar: You can replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. Just remember to adjust the quantity since they can be sweeter. If you want to cut sugar, consider using a sugar substitute.
How Can I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Meatballs?
Cooking meatballs can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll have them perfectly browned and cooked through. Start by forming them consistently to ensure even cooking, about 1-inch in size works great.
- Preheat the skillet before adding the meatballs, so they get a good sear. No crowding in the pan – this helps them brown evenly.
- After browning, let the meatballs rest. This helps retain moisture as they cook in the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce with the meatballs for just a few minutes to heat through—they’ll finish cooking in the sauce without drying out.
30-Minute Mongolian Beef Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- Sesame seeds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes to prep and then around 20 minutes to cook, bringing your total time to around 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup green onions, the egg, minced garlic, minced ginger, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything well until it forms a uniform mixture.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little vegetable oil. While the skillet heats up, shape the beef mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Once the skillet is hot, place the meatballs in the pan and brown them on all sides, which will take about 5-7 minutes. After they are nicely browned, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet where you cooked the meatballs, add the soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit. This will create a deliciously sticky coating for your meatballs!
4. Combine Meatballs with Sauce:
Now, return the browned meatballs to the skillet and gently toss them in the sauce to ensure they are nicely coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the meatballs are well covered in that tasty sauce.
5. Prepare the Broccoli:
While the meatballs are finishing up, steam or sauté the broccoli florets in a separate pot until they are tender, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, place some cooked white rice on each plate, add the Mongolian beef meatballs on top, and arrange the steamed broccoli on the side. Don’t forget to garnish with extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor. Enjoy your quick and easy meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that poultry might cook a bit faster, so check the meatballs for doneness a minute or two early.
What If I Don’t Have Breadcrumbs?
No problem! You can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers, oatmeal, or even cooked rice. Just ensure that the substitute is finely crushed or well mixed to maintain the right texture in your meatballs.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to prevent them from drying out.
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the skillet when making the sauce. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and sauté them before adding the meatballs back in for added color and nutrition!
