Sticky Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli
Sticky Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli is a quick, savory dish featuring tender meatballs glazed in a rich, sweet-savory Mongolian sauce paired with crisp, vibrant broccoli. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a balanced, family-friendly meal with protein and nutrient-dense veggies, all made with simple pantry ingredients and minimal effort.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or pork
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
Mongolian Sauce
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
Vegetables & Garnish
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat with minced garlic, grated ginger, a splash of soy sauce, and a pinch of cornstarch. Mix gently until just combined, then form into bite-sized meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs carefully and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Mongolian Sauce: In the same skillet, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, additional garlic and ginger, and water. Bring to a simmer and slowly whisk in cornstarch to thicken until it becomes a glossy, sticky sauce.
- Cook the Broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the skillet with a splash of water, cover, and steam for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp, preserving brightness and crunch.
- Combine and Glaze: Return meatballs to the skillet and toss gently with the sticky Mongolian sauce and broccoli, ensuring everything is evenly coated and glossy.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the dish for a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and ginger to elevate the sauce with vibrant flavor.
- Handle the ground meat gently when mixing to keep the meatballs tender and avoid toughness.
- Browning the meatballs thoroughly adds texture and depth to the dish.
- Add cornstarch gradually while whisking to avoid lumps and achieve the perfect glaze consistency.
- Steam broccoli just until tender-crisp to keep its crunch and bright green color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Mongolian meatballs, sticky meatballs, broccoli recipe, quick weeknight dinner, savory meatballs, gluten free, easy dinner, healthy meatball recipe