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Sticky Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Keywords: Mongolian meatballs, sticky meatballs, broccoli recipe, quick weeknight dinner, savory meatballs, gluten free, easy dinner, healthy meatball recipe