Irresistible Savory Mongolian Meatballs Recipe for Dinner

Sizzling aromas fill the kitchen with these irresistible Mongolian meatballs that blend tender ground beef and zesty Asian-inspired flavors.

Each bite promises a delectable explosion of umami and spice that dances across your palate.

These succulent morsels carry the rich essence of traditional Mongolian cuisine with a modern twist.

Perfectly seasoned and glazed with a tangy sauce, these meatballs offer a quick and satisfying meal for any weeknight dinner.

The combination of herbs, garlic, and carefully selected spices creates a harmony of tastes you’ll crave again and again.

Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, these meatballs are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Dive into this culinary adventure and let your taste buds travel to a world of delicious possibilities.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 365 kcal

Servings: 5

Savory Mongolian Meatballs – What You Need

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty foundation with robust flavor, choose lean cuts for balanced texture.
• Dry Sherry: Adds depth and subtle sweetness, enhances meat's natural richness.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers umami complexity and saltiness, select low-sodium version for controlled seasoning.
• Chili Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and vibrant spiciness, adjust quantity for personal preference.
• Brown Sugar: Balances savory elements with caramel-like sweetness, helps create beautiful glaze.
• Garlic: Brings intense aromatic punch, fresh cloves provide superior flavor compared to pre-minced.
• Ginger: Offers zesty, warm undertone, use fresh root for most potent taste.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates tender structure, helps absorb moisture and prevent dense meatballs.
• Egg: Acts as natural binding agent, ensures cohesive meatball texture.
• Green Onions: Contributes fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color, chop finely for even distribution.

• Water: Helps create smooth sauce consistency, use filtered water for cleanest taste.
• Cornstarch: Provides thickening power, ensures glossy and clingy sauce texture.
• Brown Sugar: Enhances sauce's caramelized notes, balances savory elements.
• Soy Sauce: Deepens sauce's umami profile, choose high-quality brand for best results.

Supplies for Cooking Mongolian Meatballs

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning and cooking meatballs evenly.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for mixing meatball ingredients thoroughly.
• Small Bowls (2): Needed for preparing sauce and cornstarch slurry.
• Measuring Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Grater: Helps finely grate garlic and ginger for smooth texture.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping green onions.

Instructions for Mongolian Meatballs in Sauce

• Flavor Fusion

Blend ground beef with a mix of zesty seasonings. Work the ingredients together until they form a cohesive, aromatic mixture that promises deliciousness.

• Meatball Creation

Roll the seasoned meat into perfectly round, bite-sized spheres. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor in every bite.

• Simmering Magic

Heat a skillet with a light coating of oil. Gently place meatballs in the pan, allowing them to develop a golden-brown exterior that seals in the juicy goodness.

• Sauce Symphony

Pour the carefully crafted sauce over the sizzling meatballs. Let the liquid dance around the meat, infusing each morsel with rich, complex flavors.

• Thickening Finale

Introduce a silky cornstarch mixture to transform the sauce into a luxurious glaze. Stir gently until the liquid becomes glossy and clings beautifully to the meatballs.

• Serving Celebration

Transfer the glistening meatballs to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top, creating a mouthwatering presentation that beckons hungry diners.

Tips to Level Up Your Meatballs

• Meatball Moisture Magic: Keep your ground beef slightly chilled before mixing to help the meatballs hold together better and prevent them from becoming too dense.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the chili flakes to match your heat preference – use less for mild flavor or add extra for a serious kick of spiciness.
• Serve Smart Suggestions: These meatballs pair perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or even tucked into soft slider buns for a fun party appetizer.
• Protein Swap Option: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this delicious dish, keeping the same amazing Mongolian-inspired flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare the meatballs and sauce separately up to two days in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for quick and easy meal preparation later.

How to Serve Mongolian Meatballs

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these meatballs on a large wooden board with toothpicks for easy grabbing during game nights or cocktail parties. Sprinkle extra chopped green onions on top for a fresh pop of color.
• Rice Bowl Comfort: Serve these savory meatballs over steamed jasmine or basmati rice, creating a complete meal that soaks up the delicious Mongolian sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds for extra texture and visual appeal.
• Appetizer Elegance: Transform these meatballs into an impressive starter by placing them in small ceramic dishes or on mini skewers. Drizzle additional sauce on top and add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for guests who enjoy a bit of heat.
• Lunch Box Champion: Pack these meatballs in meal prep containers with a side of quick-pickled vegetables or a simple Asian-inspired slaw for a satisfying midday meal that breaks away from boring lunch routines.

Keep Mongolian Meatballs Tasty After Cooking

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the meatball batch and freeze half in airtight containers for quick future meals. Label containers with date and contents to track freshness.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked meatballs in sealed containers within 2 hours of cooking. Consume refrigerated meatballs within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual meatballs in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. These will stay delicious for up to 3 months when properly sealed. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated or thawed meatballs in microwave or skillet with a splash of extra sauce. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F to maintain food safety and juicy texture. Avoid repeated reheating to prevent moisture loss and texture changes.

Epic Mongolian Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Mongolian meatballs bring bold Asian flavors to your dinner table. Tender beef, glazed with sweet and tangy sauce, creates a memorable meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsps dry sherry
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• ¼ tsp brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 4 green onions, chopped
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup water
• 4 cloves garlic, grated
• 2 tsps ginger, grated
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tsps water
• 1 tsp canola oil
• 1 green onion, sliced, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: In a large bowl, blend ground beef with dry sherry, soy sauce, chili flakes, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger. Thoroughly knead the mixture until ingredients are fully incorporated and protein binds smoothly.
2. Binding and Forming: Fold in breadcrumbs, beaten egg, and green onions, ensuring even distribution. Using lightly oiled hands, shape 24 uniform meatballs, gently rolling to maintain compact structure.
3. Sauce Creation: Whisk brown sugar, soy sauce, water, grated garlic, and ginger in a separate bowl until sugar dissolves completely. Simultaneously, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water until smooth and lump-free.
4. Cooking Process: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place meatballs, maintaining spacing for even browning. Rotate periodically to develop a golden-brown exterior on all sides.
5. Sauce Integration: Reduce heat, clear excess fat from pan, and pour prepared sauce around meatballs. Allow gentle simmering for two minutes, then introduce cornstarch mixture. Stir consistently until sauce transforms into a glossy, luxurious coating that envelops each meatball completely.

Notes

• Meat Selection Matters: Choose 80/20 ground beef for optimal juiciness and flavor, ensuring meatballs remain tender and succulent.
• Seasoning Secret: Grate fresh ginger and garlic instead of using pre-minced versions to unlock more intense, vibrant aromatics.
• Binding Technique: Mix ingredients gently to prevent overworking the meat, which can result in tough, dense meatballs.
• Sauce Consistency Tip: Whisk cornstarch mixture thoroughly to avoid lumps and achieve a silky, glossy sauce coating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mongolian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg