This Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli recipe brings bold flavors with juicy meatballs coated in a sweet and savory Mongolian-style sauce, paired with tender-crisp broccoli. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold, Savory, & Sweet – The sauce is rich with soy, garlic, and ginger.
Easy to Make – Comes together in about 30 minutes.
Perfect with Rice or Noodles – A complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for frying)
For the Sticky Mongolian Sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup beef or chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For the Broccoli
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnishes (Optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- Red pepper flakes (for spice)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok
- Baking sheet (if baking meatballs)
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
How to Make Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, black pepper, and green onions until combined.
- Roll into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 8–10 minutes).
- Baking Option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Mongolian Sauce
- In a saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, broth, ginger, garlic, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and let the sauce thicken (about 2 minutes).
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon sesame oil and sauté the broccoli over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, until tender-crisp.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Add cooked meatballs to the sauce, tossing to coat.
- Serve over rice or noodles, with broccoli on the side.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
What to Serve with Mongolian Meatballs
Steamed Jasmine Rice – A perfect base for the sauce.
Garlic Noodles or Lo Mein – Adds extra flavor.
Asian Slaw or Cucumber Salad – A refreshing side.
Tips for Success
Use Fresh Ginger & Garlic – It makes a big difference in flavor!
Adjust Sweetness – Reduce sugar if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
Make it Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works well and makes the dish lighter.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
What can I use instead of brown sugar?
Honey or maple syrup work as great substitutes.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 14g | Sodium: 780mg
This Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli dish is an easy, flavor-packed meal that’s sure to be a hit! Serve it over rice or noodles for a delicious dinner that everyone will love.
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Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
This Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli recipe brings bold flavors with juicy meatballs coated in a sweet and savory Mongolian-style sauce, paired with tender-crisp broccoli. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!
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Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for frying)
For the Sticky Mongolian Sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup beef or chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For the Broccoli
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnishes (Optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- Red pepper flakes (for spice)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, black pepper, and green onions until combined.
- Roll into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 8–10 minutes).
- Baking Option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Mongolian Sauce
- In a saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, broth, ginger, garlic, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and let the sauce thicken (about 2 minutes).
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon sesame oil and sauté the broccoli over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, until tender-crisp.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Add cooked meatballs to the sauce, tossing to coat.
- Serve over rice or noodles, with broccoli on the side.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
Use Fresh Ginger & Garlic – It makes a big difference in flavor!
Adjust Sweetness – Reduce sugar if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
Make it Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired