Name: Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli (Easy!!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef; 4 units green onions (finely chopped, plus more for serving); 2 inches fresh ginger (grated (or 2 Tbsp. ginger paste)); 6 cloves garlic (minced or grated); 1 head broccoli (cut into florets); 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1 cup brown sugar; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 Tablespoons ginger (minced); ⅔ cup water; 1 Tablespoon rice wine vinegar; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (whisked with 1/2 cup water); Kosher salt and pepper (to taste); 3 units green onions (thinly sliced); Sesame seeds

Introduction to Sticky Mongolian Meatballs

Why Homemade Sticky Mongolian Meatballs Are a Game-Changer

If you’re seeking a quick and flavorful dinner option that doesn’t skimp on satisfaction, look no further than these sticky Mongolian meatballs. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal that combines tender meatballs and vibrant broccoli, all drenched in a thick and sweet sauce that will make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Homemade means you can control the ingredients, ensuring your meal is as healthy as possible without sacrificing flavor. For example, using fresh garlic and ginger boosts the flavor profile and comes with numerous health benefits, such as aiding digestion and reducing inflammation. Furthermore, making these meatballs from scratch allows for easy customization. Want it spicier? Just add more red pepper flakes. Prefer a gluten-free option? You can easily swap in tamari for soy sauce.

And let’s talk about cleanup! This recipe uses just one baking sheet, so you can enjoy your meal without dreading the post-dinner clean-up. Serve your sticky Mongolian meatballs over rice or noodles for a cozy, comforting experience that will delight the whole family. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for Sticky Mongolian Meatballs

When you’re ready to whip up these delicious Sticky Mongolian Meatballs, it's essential to gather all the right ingredients for an easy and enjoyable cooking experience. Here’s a handy breakdown.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

To create those mouthwatering meatballs, you’ll need:

2 pounds ground beef – Ground beef provides a rich flavor and texture.
4 green onions – Chopped for a fresh crunch.
2 inches of fresh ginger – Grated for that zesty kick.
6 cloves of garlic – Minced or grated to elevate the flavors.
1 head of broccoli – Cut into florets for a nutritious side.
1 tablespoon olive oil – Used for roasting the broccoli.

For the sauce, these components are crucial for that sticky glaze:

1 cup low-sodium soy sauce – The base of the sauce.
1 cup brown sugar – Adds sweetness and depth.
4 cloves of garlic – More garlic never hurts!
2 tablespoons rice vinegar – For brightness.
⅔ cup water – Balances the sauce.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

Want to jazz it up?

Sesame seeds – A sprinkle before serving adds a nutty hint.
Red pepper flakes – For a touch of heat, customize the spice level to your preference.
Additional green onions – Thinly sliced for garnish.

These optional extras make your Sticky Mongolian Meatballs pop with flavor! So, what are you waiting for? Let’s start cooking!

Step-by-Step Preparation of Sticky Mongolian Meatballs

Creating sticky Mongolian meatballs is an easy and delightful journey, promising a flavorful meal that’s ready in just half an hour. Let’s walk through each step together!

Gather Your Ingredients

Before we dive into cooking, ensure you have all the essentials within arm's reach. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Meatballs:
2 pounds of ground beef
4 finely chopped green onions
2 inches of grated fresh ginger (or 2 Tbsp. ginger paste)
6 cloves of minced garlic
1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
1 Tbsp. olive oil
For the Sauce:
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 cup of low-sodium soy sauce
1 cup of brown sugar
4 cloves of minced garlic
2 Tbsp. minced ginger
⅔ cup of water
1 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
½ tsp. red pepper flakes
2 Tbsp. cornstarch whisked with ½ cup water
Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Having everything prepped and ready to go makes cooking both smoother and more enjoyable!

Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, green onions, ginger, and garlic. Don’t hesitate to season generously with salt and pepper; it’s key to building flavor. Mix the ingredients until they are just combined—overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Once mixed, roll the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on one side of a lined baking sheet.

Form and Bake the Meatballs

Once your meatballs are formed, it's time to incorporate the broccoli! Toss the florets with a tablespoon of olive oil as well as some salt and pepper. Place them on the other side of the baking sheet. Bake everything in a preheated oven at 450°F for about 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through. The aromas wafting through your kitchen will make it hard to resist!

Cook the Sticky Sauce

While the meatballs and broccoli are baking, let’s whip up that irresistible sticky sauce! In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add in the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, water, rice wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir it well and cook for about 10 minutes. As the sauce is warming, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth, then add it to the pan, allowing it to thicken.

Combine and Serve

Once your meatballs are out of the oven, toss them in the sticky sauce until they are well coated. Serve them over a bed of rice or noodles, garnished with fresh green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The combination of flavors and textures in your sticky Mongolian meatballs will surely impress anyone at your dinner table!

Enjoy your cooking adventure! Making this dish not only fills your stomach but also fills your home with an inviting scent that makes it all worthwhile.

Variations on Sticky Mongolian Meatballs

Spicy Sticky Mongolian Meatballs

If you're craving a little kick with your sticky Mongolian meatballs, try adding some heat! Incorporate extra red pepper flakes in the sauce or mix chopped jalapeños into the meatball mixture. For a deeper spice profile, consider adding Sriracha or a chili garlic sauce. This variation can elevate the flavor and satisfy those who love a bit of heat.

Vegetarian Sticky Meatballs

For a plant-based twist, swap in a combination of black beans, lentils, or even chickpeas to create vegetarian sticky meatballs. Add breadcrumbs and flaxseed for binding, plus spices like smoked paprika and cumin to enhance the flavor. This option allows you to enjoy the same delicious sauce and meatball experience while keeping it meat-free! Check out this resource for more vegetarian cooking tips and recipes.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Sticky Mongolian Meatballs

Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Meatballs

For sticky Mongolian meatballs that are juicy and tender, start by mixing the meat and seasonings until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Aim for uniform sizes when shaping them—use a tablespoon to keep consistent portions. Baking them on a lined sheet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking. If you're unsure they're done, a meat thermometer should read 160°F for ground beef.

Tips for Flavoring the Sauce

The sauce is where the magic happens! A great tip is to use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness while still achieving that rich umami flavor. Fresh ginger and garlic add a fragrant kick, so don’t skip them. For an extra twist, consider adding a splash of orange juice or sesame oil. These elements not only enhance flavor but also balance the sweetness from the brown sugar. Try customizing your sauce for a unique touch!

Serving Suggestions for Sticky Mongolian Meatballs

Ideal Pairings with Rice or Noodles

For a satisfying meal, serve your sticky Mongolian meatballs over fluffy rice or soft noodles. The sweet and savory sauce beautifully coats both, elevating the flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using jasmine rice for an aromatic touch, or indulge in some egg noodles for that delightful chewy texture. You could even swap in quinoa for a nutritious twist!

Garnishing for Visual Appeal

Presentation matters! To create a visually stunning dish, toss some thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top of your sticky Mongolian meatballs. Not only do these add a pop of color, but they also provide crunch and freshness. Plus, they’ll make your meal look Instagram-worthy! Enhance the experience with bright-colored veggies for a vibrant plate.

Feel free to explore more garnishing ideas, such as fresh cilantro or chili flakes for those who enjoy a spicy kick!

Time Breakdown for Sticky Mongolian Meatballs

Preparation Time

The preparation time for these delightful sticky Mongolian meatballs is just 10 minutes. It’s quick and easy, allowing you to dive right into creating these flavorful meatballs and their accompanying sauce!

Cooking Time

Next up, the cooking time is approximately 20 minutes. While the meatballs and broccoli bake together, you can whip up the sauce in a skillet, making this a seamless and efficient process.

Total Time

In total, you'll spend around 30 minutes to craft your sticky Mongolian meatballs from start to finish! Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you're pressed for time but still want a delicious home-cooked meal.

If you're interested in exploring the health benefits of broccoli or the different varieties of meat you could experiment with, I recommend checking out resources from Healthline and The Spruce Eats.

Nutritional Facts for Sticky Mongolian Meatballs

When indulging in these sticky Mongolian meatballs, understanding the nutritional content can help you make informed choices. Here's a quick glimpse:

Calories

Each serving packs around 691 calories, providing ample energy for your day.

Protein

Savor a solid 28 grams of protein, thanks to the beef and additional ingredients, perfect for muscle repair and satiety.

Sodium

Be mindful of the 2,276 mg of sodium in this dish, largely coming from soy sauce. Consider adjusting the recipe for a heart-healthier option if needed.

Enjoying these meatballs with broccoli balances out your meal while adding fiber and vitamins! For more information on managing sodium intake, check out the American Heart Association for great tips and resources.

FAQs about Sticky Mongolian Meatballs

How Can I Make Sticky Mongolian Meatballs Healthier?
If you're looking to lighten up your sticky Mongolian meatballs, consider swapping out some of the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can also use whole grain breadcrumbs instead of white bread to boost fiber. For the sauce, try reducing the amount of brown sugar or using a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup. Adding more broccoli not only enhances the health factor but also brings in additional vitamins!

Can I Freeze Leftover Meatballs?
Absolutely! These meatballs freeze wonderfully. Just let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop, and don't forget to warm up some of that delicious sauce!

What Should I Serve with Sticky Mongolian Meatballs?
These sticky Mongolian meatballs shine when served over fluffy rice or noodles. For a more nutritious option, consider pairing them with quinoa or cauliflower rice. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad can also balance the meal while adding a colorful touch. Want to keep it exciting? Try adding some roasted sesame seeds on top for added texture!

Conclusion on Sticky Mongolian Meatballs

Sticky Mongolian meatballs offer a delightful blend of flavors and convenience, making them an ideal meal for busy weeknights. With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, they’re perfect served over rice or noodles. Give this easy recipe a try, and elevate your dinner game today!

For more exciting recipes, check out Platings and Pairings.