When you think of Mongolian flavors, rich, savory notes with a hint of sweetness come to mind. Imagine transforming these vibrant flavors into delightful, bite-sized meatballs! In this culinary journey, we’re embracing the goodness of Mongolian-inspired ingredients to create a dish that’s perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
The magic of Mongolian Beef Meatballs lies in the balance between the bold spices and the tenderness of the beef. For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, finely grated
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Frying pan
- Baking sheet
- Oven
How to Make Mongolian Beef Meatballs – Step By Step
Step 1: Gather and Prepare Ingredients
Before starting, ensure you have all the ingredients measured and prepped. This includes finely chopping the green onions, mincing the garlic, and grating the ginger. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process and help achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Step 2: Mix the Beef Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, egg, and breadcrumbs. Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix until everything is well combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs dense.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Add soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and rice vinegar to the beef mixture. These ingredients give the meatballs their distinctive Mongolian flavor. Mix again until the spices are incorporated thoroughly across the beef mixture.
Step 4: Shape the Meatballs
Now, it’s time to form the meatballs. Using your hands, form small, uniform balls about the size of a walnut. This ensures they cook evenly. Place each meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Cook the Meatballs
Heat a frying pan over medium heat, add a little oil, and brown the meatballs on all sides. Once they are browned, transfer them back to the baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking sheet with the browned meatballs into the oven. Bake for about 15–20 minutes, ensuring they are thoroughly cooked and juicy.
How to Serve Mongolian Beef Meatballs
Serve these delicious Mongolian Beef Meatballs with a side of steamed jasmine rice or over a bed of stir-fried vegetables. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a drizzle of additional soy sauce for extra flavor.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For even cooking, ensure the meatballs are of the same size. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of chili flakes or sriracha to the mixture. To keep them juicy, avoid overbaking.
High-Protein Kick with Mongolian Beef Meatballs
Elevate this recipe into a high-protein powerhouse by substituting lean ground beef with ground turkey. This swap not only boosts the protein content but also offers a lighter alternative without compromising on the rich flavors.
Low Carb Mongolian Meatballs: A Guilt-Free Delight
Transform this dish into a low-carb delight by using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. This adaptation maintains the meatball texture while reducing carb intake, making it ideal for those on a ketogenic diet or watching their carb count.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Mongolian Beef Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven to keep them succulent.
FAQs
- Can I make the meatballs ahead of time? Yes, prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them overnight before cooking.
- Can I use other meats? Absolutely, try using ground chicken or pork for a different variety.
- What if I don’t have sesame oil? You can substitute it with olive oil, though sesame oil gives a distinct aroma.
- Are these meatballs gluten-free? They can be adjusted with gluten-free soy sauce and breadcrumbs.
- Can I add more vegetables? Feel free to add finely chopped bell peppers or carrots for added texture and nutrition.
Final Thoughts on Mongolian Beef Meatballs
Mongolian Beef Meatballs are a delightful twist on traditional meatball recipes, bringing together rich flavors in a versatile and easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main course, these meatballs are sure to impress. We’d love to hear how your recipe turns out, so don’t forget to share your photos and comments below! ❤️
Mongolian Beef Meatballs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- garlic
- ginger
- green onions
- soy sauce
- brown sugar
- sesame oil
- rice vinegar
- egg
- breadcrumbs
Instructions
Steps
- Ensure you have all the ingredients measured and prepped.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix gently.
- Add soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and rice vinegar to the mixture. Mix until well incorporated.
- Form small, uniform meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat, add oil, and brown the meatballs on all sides.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), then bake the meatballs for 15–20 minutes.