These Mongolian beef meatballs are juicy and full of flavor! With a sweet and tangy sauce, they come together in just 30 minutes—perfect for a busy night.
Who knew you could make tasty meatballs so quickly? I love serving them over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. Plus, they disappear fast at dinner! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star ingredient. I recommend choosing lean ground beef for less grease. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken works well too.
Green Onions: They add a lovely fresh flavor. If you don’t have green onions, chives can be a nice substitute. You can also skip them if you don’t have any on hand.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Alternatively, oats can work, making the meatballs a bit heartier.
Soy Sauce: This provides umami depth. If you need a lower sodium option, look for low-sodium soy sauce. Coconut aminos are a great soy-free alternative.
Chili Flakes: Use them if you like a bit of heat! You can substitute with hot sauce or omit altogether for a milder dish.
How Do I Make Perfect Meatballs?
Making meatballs can be tricky, but it’s simple once you get the hang of it. Here’s how to ensure they turn out perfectly round and tender:
- Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined; over-mixing can make them tough.
- Wet your hands when forming meatballs to prevent sticking. This helps achieve a smooth surface.
- Make sure they’re uniform in size so they cook evenly; about 1 inch in diameter is great.
- Bake them on parchment; this prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
30-Minute Mongolian Beef Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Steamed broccoli (or any vegetable of choice)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, for a total time of 25 minutes. You’ll have delicious Mongolian beef meatballs ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleaning up easier later!
2. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped green onions, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, soy sauce, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently until just combined. Don’t overmix! Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake the Meatballs:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for about 15 minutes. They should be cooked through and browned on the outside when they’re done. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, which should be around 160°F (70°C).
4. Prepare the Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, get a small saucepan and whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes (if you like it spicy). Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, which will take about 3-5 minutes.
5. Coat the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are out of the oven, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the thickened sauce over them and gently toss to coat all the meatballs evenly with that delicious sauce.
6. Serve:
Time to eat! Serve your Mongolian beef meatballs over cooked white rice with steamed broccoli on the side. Don’t forget to garnish with some extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra touch!
Enjoy your delicious and quick Mongolian Beef Meatballs!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so you might want to add a touch more oil or moisture—like a bit of additional soy sauce—to keep the meatballs tender and flavorful.
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding some sauce if needed to moisten them.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the meatballs in advance! Form them and place them on a baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If you need to, you can also freeze them before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook them from frozen.
What Vegetables Can I Serve with the Meatballs?
You can serve the meatballs with a variety of vegetables! Steamed broccoli is a classic choice, but green beans, snap peas, or even a stir-fry mix work beautifully too. Simply steam or sauté your chosen veggies while the meatballs bake for a colorful and nutritious meal!
