Easy Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

If you’re craving an easy yet packed-with-flavor dish, this Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli Stir-Fry is your new go-to. This recipe brings together juicy, savory meatballs simmered in a rich Mongolian-inspired sauce, perfectly paired with crisp-tender broccoli for a balanced meal. It’s a quick dinner option that captures the essence of Asian flavors while being incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli Stir-Fry delivers comfort and excitement all in one pan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy preparation: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights when time is tight.
• Flavor-packed: The savory Mongolian sauce coats every bite, delivering deep umami with a touch of sweetness and spice.
• Balanced meal: Juicy meatballs plus crunchy, vitamin-rich broccoli create a nutritious and satisfying dish.
• Family-friendly: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, thanks to familiar ingredients and bold but approachable flavors.
• Minimal cleanup: Using one skillet for stir-frying saves time on washing up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli Stir-Fry recipe calls for straightforward ingredients, each chosen to bring authentic flavor and texture without fuss. Simple staples, combined with fresh produce, create an irresistible mix of savory, sweet, and fresh notes.

• Ground beef or pork: The base of your meatballs, providing rich flavor and tender texture.
• Fresh broccoli florets: Adds crunch and vibrant color, creating a perfect contrast to the umami meatballs.
• Soy sauce: Delivers that classic salty, savory depth essential to Mongolian dishes.
• Brown sugar: Balances the soy sauce with natural sweetness for a perfect sauce harmony.
• Garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics that wake up the dish with warmth and a little zing.
• Green onions: For freshness and a pop of vibrant green in both the meatballs and as garnish.
• Cornstarch: Helps give the meatballs a nice tender crust and thickens the sauce beautifully.
• Sesame oil: A finishing touch that adds nutty aroma and richness.
• Vegetable oil: For stir-frying the meatballs and broccoli perfectly crisp.

Variations for Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli Stir-Fry

This Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli Stir-Fry is a flexible dish that you can easily customize depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Here are some ideas to try.

• Protein swaps: Use ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat alternatives for a different twist on the meatballs.
• Veggie additions: Mix in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots for extra color and crunch.
• Heat level: Add red pepper flakes or chili garlic sauce if you like a little spicy kick.
• Gluten-free version: Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce and use gluten-free cornstarch.
• Low-sugar option: Replace brown sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in moderation.

How to Make Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli Stir-Fry

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef or pork with minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Mix gently but thoroughly, just until everything is incorporated to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Form and Cook the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into small, even-sized meatballs for uniform cooking. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the meatballs until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Broccoli

In the same skillet, toss in the broccoli florets with a splash of water and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. This step keeps broccoli texture intact and adds a fresh crunch.

Step 4: Make the Sauce and Combine

Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. Pour the sauce over the broccoli in the skillet, then return the meatballs to the pan. Stir everything together gently to coat the meatballs and broccoli evenly in the rich Mongolian sauce. Cook for another couple of minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Finish with Sesame Oil

Drizzle toasted sesame oil over the stir-fry right before serving, adding a wonderful nutty aroma and depth to the dish.

Pro Tips for Making Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli Stir-Fry

• Keep meatballs uniform: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion meatballs evenly for consistent cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook meatballs in batches if needed to ensure even browning and avoid steaming.
• Fresh broccoli matters: Choose firm, bright green broccoli for the best texture and flavor.
• Taste the sauce: Adjust the balance by adding more sugar or soy sauce to suit your preference before combining everything.
• Use high heat for stir-frying: This helps keep vegetables crisp and meatballs nicely seared.

How to Serve Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli Stir-Fry

Garnishes

Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top to add a fresh crunch and visual appeal that makes each bite vibrant.

Side Dishes

Serve this dish over steamed jasmine rice, fluffy quinoa, or even noodles to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli Stir-Fry in lettuce cups or alongside a simple Asian-style cucumber salad to add a refreshing contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to deepen while keeping the meatballs tender.

Freezing

Freeze cooked meatballs separately wrapped well to avoid freezer burn, then thaw and reheat easily with freshly cooked broccoli and sauce for a quick meal.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well, just thaw and drain any excess water before stir-frying to preserve texture.

What’s the best meat for Mongolian Meatballs?

Ground beef or pork are the most common choices, but you can mix both or use ground turkey for a leaner option.

Is this recipe spicy?

By default, it’s mildly sweet and savory, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce to spice it up as you like.

Can I make the meatballs in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare and cook the meatballs ahead of time, then reheat and finish the stir-fry when ready to serve.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

Add a small slurry of cornstarch and cold water to the sauce while simmering, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli Stir-Fry is a flavorful, balanced, and approachable recipe that’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Easy to customize, quick to make, and utterly satisfying, it’s perfect for anyone wanting a delicious meal without complicated steps. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the wonderful harmony of juicy meatballs and crisp broccoli drenched in that irresistible Mongolian sauce!

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