These Mongolian Beef Meatballs are quick and tasty! With juicy beef, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger, they’re packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes.
Who wouldn’t love a meal that comes together so fast? I always serve them over rice for a complete meal. Bonus points if you have extra sauce to sip on! 😂
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using ground chuck for its balance of flavor and fat, making the meatballs juicy. If you’re looking for leaner options, ground turkey or chicken works great, too. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be lighter!
Breadcrumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs, but you can use crushed crackers, panko, or even gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with dietary restrictions. Panko gives a nice crunch if you want extra texture!
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds depth to the meatballs. If you’re watching your sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce. For a gluten-free option, tamari soy sauce is perfect without sacrificing flavor.
Rice Vinegar: This ingredient is optional but adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, a splash of apple cider vinegar or even fresh lime juice can work as a substitute.
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Are Juicy and Well-formed?
To create juicy meatballs, it’s important not to over-mix the meat mixture. Combine your ingredients until they just come together. Form your meatballs gently to avoid making them tough.
- Using a cookie scoop helps create even-sized meatballs.
- Keep your hands wet while rolling to prevent the beef from sticking.
- Don’t skip the baking step—it helps seal in moisture!
How to Make 30-Minute Mongolian Beef Meatballs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon green onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Steamed broccoli
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Additional chopped green onions (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total! You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the meatballs and making the sauce, and around 15-20 minutes baking the meatballs. It’s quick, simple, and oh-so-delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will make sure it’s hot and ready for the meatballs when you’re done mixing them up.
2. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, chopped green onion, garlic powder, ground ginger, and a dash of salt and pepper. Use your hands to combine everything gently—don’t over-mix! Once mixed, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
3. Bake the Meatballs:
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are spaced out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and nicely browned on the outside.
4. Make the Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, it’s time to whip up the sauce! In a saucepan over medium heat, combine your soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, rice vinegar (if using), and sesame oil. Stir it all together while it heats. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and looks glossy, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Toss Meatballs in Sauce:
Once the meatballs are done baking, take them out of the oven and toss them in the prepared sauce until each meatball is well coated.
6. Serve:
To serve, place a generous scoop of cooked white rice on each plate. Add a portion of the Mongolian beef meatballs and top with steamed broccoli. Finish it off by sprinkling sesame seeds and extra chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch.
7. Enjoy:
Dig in and enjoy your tasty Mongolian beef meatballs! They’re flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just keep in mind that it might yield a slightly different texture and flavor, so adjust the seasoning if necessary. If it’s too dry, you can add a splash more soy sauce or a bit of olive oil to help with moisture.
Can I Make a Gluten-Free Version of This Recipe?
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a pan over medium heat, or microwave in short bursts until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much during storage, you can add a splash of water or extra soy sauce when reheating.
Can I Freeze the Meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs! Just place them on a baking tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for long-term storage. When you’re ready to cook, no need to thaw—just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
