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Sticky Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli

Sticky Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli
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Sticky Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender ground beef meatballs glazed in a rich, savory-sweet Mongolian sauce, paired with crisp-tender broccoli. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a balanced taste of sweet, salty, and umami, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. This recipe is healthy, kid-friendly, and adaptable to different proteins or dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions, chopped (white parts for meatballs)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Broccoli

  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

For the Sticky Mongolian Sauce

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup water or broth
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (slurry)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

For Garnish

  • 2 green onions, sliced (green parts)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, minced garlic, chopped white parts of green onions, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp cornstarch to bind. Shape into small, even-sized meatballs about 1 inch in diameter for quick and uniform cooking.
  2. Brown the Meatballs: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in batches, turning carefully to brown all sides until golden and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil if needed. Toss in broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp, maintaining a satisfying crunch.
  4. Make the Sticky Sauce: Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced ginger, minced garlic, and water or broth in the skillet. Bring to a simmer. Slowly add the cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze. Stir in sesame oil for aroma.
  5. Combine Meatballs and Broccoli with Sauce: Return the meatballs to the skillet along with the broccoli. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the sticky Mongolian sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors beautifully.

Notes

  • Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor intensity.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Brown meatballs in batches to ensure a crisp crust and prevent steaming.
  • Test Sauce Thickness: Adjust cornstarch slurry quantity to achieve desired glaze consistency.
  • Rest the Meatballs: Let shaped meatballs rest a few minutes before cooking to help them hold together.
  • Use Medium Heat: Avoid burning the sauce by simmering gently to thicken slowly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mongolian meatballs, sticky sauce, broccoli recipe, quick dinner, gluten-free, Asian-inspired, ground beef meatballs, healthy stir-fry

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/sticky-mongolian-meatballs-broccoli/