These Mongolian Beef Meatballs are quick and tasty! Made with ground beef, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger, they pack a flavorful punch in just 30 minutes!
Cooking these meatballs is a breeze. I usually whip them up for dinner and serve them over rice. They disappear fast, and honestly, who can resist those tasty flavors? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease. You can swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Breadcrumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs work well, but you can use crushed crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. I sometimes use panko for an extra crunch!
Green Onions: Besides green onions, you can use shallots or chives for a milder flavor. They add a nice fresh touch to the meatballs.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is great if you’re watching your salt intake. Tamari is a good gluten-free option. Some people even use coconut aminos for a different flavor profile.
Brown Sugar: If you’re out of brown sugar, granulated sugar mixed with molasses can work. Honey or maple syrup can be healthy substitutes too!
How Can You Ensure Your Meatballs Are Flavorful and Juicy?
Mixing the ingredients carefully is key! Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. I suggest combining until just mixed. Form meatballs gently; they’ll hold together nicely during cooking.
- When frying, make sure the oil is hot before adding meatballs; this helps them brown well.
- Don’t crowd the pan; cook in batches for even cooking.
Letting your meatballs simmer in the sauce after browning allows them to soak up all that flavor!
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 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
For Serving:
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, making a total of approximately 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, minced ginger, egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
2. Form the Meatballs:
Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Repeat until all the mixture is formed into meatballs. You should have around 15 to 20 meatballs.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs in batches. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. When done, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet (reduce the heat to medium), add the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens a bit.
5. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet and gently toss them in the sauce, making sure they are well coated. Allow them to simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
6. Prepare the Broccoli:
While the meatballs are simmering, you can steam or sauté the broccoli florets until they are tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve! Place some cooked rice on each plate, then top with meatballs and sauce. Add the tender broccoli on the side and garnish everything with sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a leaner substitute for ground beef. Just keep in mind that these meats may have a milder flavor, so you may want to enhance the seasoning slightly with extra spices or herbs for a more robust taste.
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce substitute, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. Just note that these substitutes might alter the flavor slightly, so adjust to taste by adding a bit more salt if needed!
How Can I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet when you’re making the sauce. This way, they can cook down slightly and absorb all the delicious flavors!
