Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli

This Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli recipe is a delicious and savory dish that combines tender meatballs in a sweet and salty Mongolian sauce, paired with crisp-tender broccoli. It’s a one-pan meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you’re craving some homemade Asian-inspired flavors!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet & Savory – The sauce has a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness.
One-Pan Meal – Easy to make with minimal cleanup.
Healthy & Flavorful – Tender meatballs with nutritious broccoli.
Quick to Prepare – Ready in less than 30 minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp green onions, chopped
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken the sauce)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

For the Broccoli:

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Skillet or wok
• Spoon or spatula
• Small bowl for sauce

How to Make Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, green onions, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper.
3. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1-inch in diameter) and place them on a lined baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

1. While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the broccoli florets and season with salt and pepper.
3. Sauté the broccoli for 5-7 minutes, until it’s tender and slightly crispy. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, water, garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the rice vinegar for an extra touch of tang.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the skillet with the broccoli.
2. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and broccoli and toss to coat everything in the sticky sauce.
3. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to further thicken and the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the sticky Mongolian meatballs and broccoli over rice or noodles.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for added flavor and presentation.

What to Serve with Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli

Steamed Rice – A classic base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
Noodles – Try with soba or rice noodles for a different twist.
Cucumber Salad – A refreshing, tangy side to balance the richness of the dish.

Tips for Success

Make Mini Meatballs – Smaller meatballs cook faster and are easier to eat.
Customize the Sauce – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli – For crisp-tender broccoli, don’t overcook it.
Make It a Meal – Serve the meatballs with some cooked rice for a filling and complete meal.

Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to keep the sauce sticky.
• Freeze: Freeze the meatballs and sauce separately for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken will work great as a lighter alternative to beef.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just reheat it when you’re ready to use it.

Can I add vegetables to the meatballs?
Absolutely! You can finely chop some carrots or bell peppers and add them to the meatball mixture for extra veggies.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 20g | Fat: 18g | Sodium: 800mg

Enjoy these Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli for a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to make!

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