If you’re in the mood for a delightful culinary adventure, look no further than our Mongolian Beef Meatballs recipe. Infused with the rich, sweet, and savory flavors of traditional Mongolian dishes, this recipe offers a unique twist on classic meatballs. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, these meatballs bring an exotic touch to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (for sauce)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for sauce)
- 1/2 cup water (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (for sauce)
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Frying pan
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Whisk
How to Make Mongolian Beef Meatballs Recipe – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, minced garlic, chopped green onions, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, and grated ginger. Mix everything together well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Shape the mixture into small, round meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. This mixture should yield approximately 15-20 meatballs, depending on size.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs to the pan. Sear the meatballs for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step is crucial for creating a nice texture while also locking in flavor.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
Transfer the seared meatballs to a baking sheet. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through. Baking ensures they are tender and juicy, while also being fully cooked inside. Use this time to prepare the Mongolian sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Mongolian Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water. Whisk together until smooth. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Once the sauce reaches desired consistency, stir in the sesame oil for that authentic Mongolian flavor.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Remove the meatballs from the oven and carefully transfer them to a large serving bowl. Pour the prepared Mongolian sauce over the meatballs and toss gently until each meatball is well-coated. Your Mongolian beef meatballs are now ready to be served and enjoyed.
How to Serve Mongolian Beef Meatballs Recipe
Serve these mouth-watering meatballs over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish with additional chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy with chopsticks for an authentic dining experience!
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For the best results, use fresh ingredients. The ground beef should be of good quality, as this is the main ingredient that influences the taste of your meatballs. Ensure the sauce is perfectly balanced by tasting and adjusting the sweetness and saltiness with more sugar or soy sauce, as per your preference. If you want to add a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
High-Protein Powerhouse: Elevate Your Mongolian Beef Meatballs
To make this recipe a high-protein option, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground turkey or chicken. These lean proteins add variety and contribute to a more balanced meal. You can also incorporate quinoa in place of breadcrumbs for more fiber and protein without sacrificing taste.
For fitness enthusiasts, adding a scoop of unflavored protein powder to the mixture can boost the protein content without altering flavor. This approach is especially useful for those looking to maintain muscle mass while enjoying delicious meals.
Low-Carb Lover’s Dream: Make Your Mongolian Beef Meatballs Keto-friendly
Transform these Mongolian beef meatballs into a low-carb wonder by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. This change lowers carbohydrate intake significantly while keeping the meatballs just as tasty.
To further cut down on carbs, pair your meatballs with cauliflower rice instead of traditional jasmine rice. This swap maintains the delicious experience without the extra carbs, making it an ideal choice for those following a keto lifestyle.
Storage Instructions
These meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, consider freezing them. After they’ve completely cooled, place the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
FAQs
- Can I use ground chicken instead of beef? Yes, ground chicken is a great alternative for a lighter version of this recipe. It will slightly alter the taste but is equally delicious.
- Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? You can substitute the meat with plant-based ground meat alternatives or use firm tofu, finely chopped, as a protein source.
- What can I use instead of hoisin sauce? If you don’t have hoisin sauce on hand, you can mix soy sauce, peanut butter, and a bit of honey to mimic the flavor profile.
- Can these meatballs be made gluten-free? Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivity.
- How can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce? To control the heat, you can add or reduce the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce according to your taste preference.
Why This Mongolian Beef Meatballs Recipe Will Steal The Spotlight
The Mongolian Beef Meatballs recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings global flavors to your home. With its rich sauce and succulent meatballs, this dish is bound to impress anyone who tries it. Be sure to share your experience in the comments and spread the love by sharing this recipe with friends and family. Happy cooking!
Mongolian Beef Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- garlic
- green onions
- breadcrumbs
- egg
- soy sauce
- ginger
- hoisin sauce
- soy sauce
- brown sugar
- cornstarch
- water
- sesame oil
Instructions
Steps
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, minced garlic, chopped green onions, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, and grated ginger. Shape into small meatballs.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat a frying pan, add oil, and brown the meatballs on all sides.
- Transfer the meatballs to a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.
- In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water, whisking until smooth. Cook over medium heat until thickened, then add sesame oil.
- Toss the meatballs in sauce until well-coated, then serve hot.