There’s something irresistible about Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli—tender, juicy meatballs coated in a sweet and savory Mongolian sauce, served with perfectly cooked broccoli. This dish is packed with bold flavors, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal!
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Why You’ll Love These Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli
✔ Savory & Sweet Perfection – The rich Mongolian sauce caramelizes beautifully on the meatballs.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this a hassle-free meal.
✔ Better Than Takeout – Get all the flavor without the extra cost or waiting time.
✔ Customizable – Serve with rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a fresh twist!
Ingredients for Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef – Lean for the best texture.
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatballs.
- 1 egg – Adds moisture and structure.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – For a deep, savory taste.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated – Adds warmth and freshness.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce – Infuses umami into the meatballs.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – A slight kick of spice.
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil – For an authentic Asian flavor.
For the Mongolian Sauce
- ⅓ cup soy sauce – The base of the sauce.
- ¼ cup brown sugar – Adds caramelization and sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce – Brings extra depth and richness.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water – Thickens the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated – Enhances the Mongolian-style flavor.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For a slight heat.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil – Adds an aromatic touch.
For the Broccoli
- 2 cups broccoli florets – Fresh and vibrant.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil – For sautéing.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the natural sweetness of the broccoli.
- ¼ cup water – Helps steam the broccoli until tender.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – For making the meatballs.
- Baking sheet – To bake the meatballs evenly.
- Saucepan – For making the sticky Mongolian sauce.
- Large skillet – To cook the broccoli.
How to Make Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, black pepper, and sesame oil until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
Step 3: Prepare the Mongolian Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and sesame oil.
- Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the broccoli and season with salt.
- Pour in the water, cover, and steam for 3-4 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
- Add the baked meatballs to the saucepan with the Mongolian sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Serve the meatballs alongside the broccoli or mix them together in the sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Serving Suggestions
- Over Steamed Rice – A classic and comforting pairing.
- With Noodles – Try lo mein or ramen for a takeout-style dish.
- In Lettuce Wraps – A fresh and low-carb option.
- As an Appetizer – Serve with toothpicks for an easy party snack!
Tips for the Best Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli
✔ Use Fresh Ginger & Garlic – The flavor is much stronger than powdered versions.
✔ Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture – This keeps them tender instead of dense.
✔ Bake Instead of Fry – Less oil, less mess, but still deliciously crispy.
✔ Make Extra Sauce – It’s so good, you might want extra for drizzling!
✔ Customize the Heat – Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for extra spice.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Reheat and toss in fresh sauce before serving.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes! Ground chicken or turkey works great, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance, then reheat and assemble when ready to serve.
Q3: Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and swap out the hoisin sauce for a gluten-free alternative.
Conclusion: A Flavorful & Easy Dinner!
These Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and satisfying. Whether you’re making them for dinner, meal prep, or a special gathering, they’re guaranteed to be a hit! Try them tonight and let us know how they turn out!
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest! We love seeing your homemade creations.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Enjoy every bite of these sticky, saucy, and delicious Mongolian meatballs!
Print
Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
There’s something irresistible about Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli—tender, juicy meatballs coated in a sweet and savory Mongolian sauce, served with perfectly cooked broccoli. This dish is packed with bold flavors, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef – Lean for the best texture.
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatballs.
- 1 egg – Adds moisture and structure.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – For a deep, savory taste.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated – Adds warmth and freshness.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce – Infuses umami into the meatballs.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – A slight kick of spice.
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil – For an authentic Asian flavor.
For the Mongolian Sauce
- ⅓ cup soy sauce – The base of the sauce.
- ¼ cup brown sugar – Adds caramelization and sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce – Brings extra depth and richness.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water – Thickens the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated – Enhances the Mongolian-style flavor.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For a slight heat.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil – Adds an aromatic touch.
For the Broccoli
- 2 cups broccoli florets – Fresh and vibrant.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil – For sautéing.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the natural sweetness of the broccoli.
- ¼ cup water – Helps steam the broccoli until tender.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, black pepper, and sesame oil until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
Step 3: Prepare the Mongolian Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and sesame oil.
- Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the broccoli and season with salt.
- Pour in the water, cover, and steam for 3-4 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
- Add the baked meatballs to the saucepan with the Mongolian sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Serve the meatballs alongside the broccoli or mix them together in the sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Notes
✔ Use Fresh Ginger & Garlic – The flavor is much stronger than powdered versions.
✔ Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture – This keeps them tender instead of dense.
✔ Bake Instead of Fry – Less oil, less mess, but still deliciously crispy.
✔ Make Extra Sauce – It’s so good, you might want extra for drizzling!
✔ Customize the Heat – Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for extra spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired