Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli Recipe 🍖🥦

Looking for a deliciously savory, tender meatball recipe with a sweet and savory sauce that will knock your taste buds out of the park? These Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli are the perfect combination of flavor and texture. The savory meatballs are paired with tender broccoli and drenched in a sticky, sweet sauce, making for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether for dinner or meal prep, this dish is sure to please!

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option) 🍖
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs 🍞
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
• 1 egg 🥚
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped 🧅
• 2 tbsp soy sauce 🍜
• 1 tsp ginger, minced 🌱
• 1/4 tsp black pepper 🌶️
• 1/4 tsp salt 🧂

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce 🍜
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed) 🍬
• 1/4 cup water 💧
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar 🍚
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce 🍲
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced 🌱
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening) 🍚
• 1 tbsp sesame oil 🧴
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish) 🍣
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish) 🧅

For the Broccoli:

• 2 cups broccoli florets 🥦
• 1 tbsp olive oil 🧴
• Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, green onions, soy sauce, ginger, black pepper, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
• Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

• While the meatballs are baking, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the broccoli florets and sauté for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become bright green and slightly tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the broccoli aside.

Step 3: Make the Mongolian Sauce

• In a medium saucepan, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Stir to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the sauce begins to simmer, lower the heat to medium-low.
• In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water to make a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the simmering sauce, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
• Stir in the sesame oil and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce or sugar, if desired.

Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

• Once the meatballs are cooked and the sauce has thickened, add the meatballs to the pan with the sauce. Toss to coat the meatballs in the sticky sauce, ensuring they are all well-covered.

Step 5: Serve

• To serve, place the sautéed broccoli on a platter or individual plates. Top with the sticky Mongolian meatballs.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of sweet, savory, and sticky goodness!

Why You’ll Love Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli:

1. Sticky Sweet Sauce: The Mongolian sauce is the star of the show, with its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. It clings beautifully to the meatballs and brings them to life! 🍯

2. Tender, Juicy Meatballs: The meatballs are incredibly tender on the inside, thanks to the addition of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, while maintaining a crispy outer layer from baking. 🍖✨

3. Healthy and Flavorful: Pairing the sticky meatballs with sautéed broccoli adds a nutritional punch, making this dish not only delicious but also full of vitamins and fiber. 🥦

4. Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have this meal ready in 30-40 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. 🕒

5. Perfectly Balanced: The crunchy broccoli perfectly contrasts the soft and tender meatballs, making every bite a delightful combination of textures. 🌱

Pro Tips for the Perfect Sticky Mongolian Meatballs:

1. Use Ground Beef or Turkey: You can use ground beef, turkey, or even a mix of both for your meatballs. Turkey will be leaner, while beef provides more flavor.
2. Make the Sauce Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the Mongolian sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. It also works great as a dipping sauce for other dishes! 🍲
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Meatballs: When baking, make sure the meatballs are spread out evenly on the baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly and become golden brown. 🍽️
4. Add More Veggies: If you want to add more veggies, you can mix in some carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition. 🥕🌶️

Conclusion:

These Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli are a total winner, combining tender meatballs with a sweet, savory sauce that’s simply irresistible! Whether served over rice or with a side of veggies, this dish is the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and ease. 🍖🥦

Enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal for your next family dinner, and be prepared to see everyone coming back for seconds! 😋