These Mongolian Beef Meatballs are a tasty treat that come together in just 30 minutes! Juicy beef is mixed with sweet and savory sauce, making each bite fantastic.
Don’t forget to serve them over rice for a complete meal! I love how quick it is—perfect for busy nights when I still want something delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for its balance of fat and flavor. If you’re aiming for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work great too.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs. If you don’t have any, crushed crackers or oats can be good substitutes. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are perfect for those avoiding gluten.
Green Onions: These add freshness and a mild onion flavor. If you can’t find them, chives or finely chopped onions can do the trick. Just remember, they have a stronger taste!
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds a salty depth. For a lower sodium option, you can use low-sodium soy sauce. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
Brown Sugar: This sweetens the sauce and balances the saltiness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut sugar or honey can be used instead.
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs Are Juicy and Flavorful?
Mixing the ingredients gently will help keep the meatballs tender. Use your hands to combine everything just until blended; over-mixing can toughen them. Be sure to shape them into even balls for uniform cooking.
- Preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
- Use a mix of breadcrumbs and the egg to help bind the meatballs.
- Check for doneness by cutting one open; it should be no longer pink inside.
How to Make 30-Minute Mongolian Beef Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to cook. In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to enjoy with family or friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier later.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, egg, minced garlic, ginger, black pepper, and salt. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together until well combined. This will be your delicious meatball mixture!
3. Form Your Meatballs:
Now, take a small handful of the mixture and roll it into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave a little space between each meatball for even cooking.
4. Bake Away:
Put the meatballs in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. They should be browned and cooked through when they’re ready. Keep an eye on them and enjoy the tasty smell wafting through your kitchen!
5. Make the Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, grab a small saucepan and place it over medium heat. Mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Once it’s thickened, take it off the heat.
6. Steam the Broccoli:
In the last 10 minutes of cooking, get your broccoli ready! Either steam the florets or toss them in a pan with a bit of water until they are tender but still crisp. They will add a nice touch to your meal.
7. Coat the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are cooked, take them out of the oven and toss them in the thickened sauce until they are well coated. Yum!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Time to serve! Place the meatballs over a bed of warm cooked rice, with the tender broccoli on the side. Garnish with extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a lovely finishing touch. Enjoy your meal!
### FAQ
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you’re looking for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit different, so you may want to adjust the seasoning slightly by adding more garlic or ginger for extra flavor.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture and form the meatballs in advance. Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just bake them straight from the fridge; there might be a slight increase in cooking time.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave them or warm them gently on the stove. If the sauce thickens too much, just add a splash of water or additional soy sauce to loosen it up!
What Can I Use Instead of Sesame Oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil on hand, you can substitute it with olive oil or another neutral oil like canola. While it won’t give the exact same nutty flavor, it will still work well in this recipe!
