These Mongolian beef meatballs are a perfect mix of tender beef and tasty spices, all ready in just 30 minutes! You’ll love the sweet and savory glaze that makes every bite delicious.
Who knew dinner could be so quick? I like to serve these meatballs over rice or noodles for a meal that feels fancy but is super easy to pull off. Give it a try—you’ll impress everyone! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the base for your meatballs. You can use lean beef for less fat or even ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option. If you’re vegetarian, try using lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Beef.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or cooked quinoa. You can also make your own by blitzing stale bread in a food processor.
Soy Sauce: A must for flavor in both meatballs and sauce. If you need a low-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce. For gluten-free, try tamari or coconut aminos!
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the soy sauce’s saltiness. If you prefer less sugar, use honey or maple syrup as a natural alternative.
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Stay Juicy and Flavorful?
To keep your meatballs from drying out, don’t overmix the meat mixture; just combine until everything is blended. Form your meatballs gently, and allow them to rest for a bit on the baking sheet before placing them in the oven.
- Bake until they just turn golden brown to ensure juiciness.
- If possible, use a meat thermometer to check they’re cooked through (160°F or 70°C).
Remember to toss them in the sauce while they’re still warm to enhance flavor absorption!
30-Minute Mongolian Beef Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Steamed broccoli (or other vegetables)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mongolian Beef Meatball recipe takes around 30 minutes to prepare and cook. With a quick bake in the oven and a speedy sauce prep, you’ll be enjoying your meal before you know it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it nice and hot for the meatballs.
2. Make the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined.
3. Form the Meatballs:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs that are about 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper so they don’t stick.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. They should be browned and cooked through. You can check if they’re ready by cutting one open to see if it’s no longer pink inside.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, grab a small saucepan. In it, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, cornstarch, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Place it on medium heat and stir often until the sauce thickens, which will take about 5-7 minutes.
6. Combine Meatballs with Sauce:
Once the meatballs are cooked, take them out of the oven and carefully drizzle the sauce over them. Gently toss the meatballs so they’re nicely coated in the sweet and savory sauce.
7. Serve Up Your Dish:
Serve the Mongolian beef meatballs over a bed of cooked white rice and add some steamed broccoli or your preferred vegetables. Finish off with garnishes of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch!
8. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your flavorful Mongolian Beef Meatballs! They’re quick to make and oh-so-tasty—a perfect weekday dinner!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit lighter, so you might want to add extra seasoning or a bit of Worcestershire sauce for added depth.
How Can I Make These Meatballs Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free meatballs, simply replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Additionally, ensure that the soy sauce is gluten-free, as many brands contain wheat.
Can I Prep the Meatballs in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture, form the meatballs, and either refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them for longer storage. If freezing, place the meatballs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the microwave or place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. If the meatballs seem dry, splash a little extra sauce over them!
