Mongolian Meatballs

Name: Mongolian Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, grated; 1 tsp soy sauce; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp cornstarch; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish

Highlighted under: World Food Recipes

Discover the mouthwatering flavors of Mongolian Meatballs, a delightful dish that combines tender meatballs with a savory sauce, perfect for any occasion.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-05T17:10:21.971Z

Mongolian Meatballs are a fusion of flavors that bring together the rich taste of beef and a sweet-savory sauce that tantalizes the taste buds. These meatballs are not only easy to prepare but also perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Serve them over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Tender meatballs packed with flavor
Savory sauce with a hint of sweetness
Easy to prepare for busy weeknights

      

A Flavorful Fusion

Mongolian Meatballs bring together the rich culinary traditions of Mongolia and the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine. This dish is not just a simple meatball recipe; it's a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will transport your taste buds to a bustling market in Ulaanbaatar. The meatballs are infused with aromatic ginger and garlic, while the savory sauce adds a unique sweetness that perfectly complements the hearty beef.

Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, these meatballs are versatile and can be served with rice, noodles, or even as a standalone appetizer. The combination of juicy meatballs and a thick, glossy sauce creates a visually appealing dish that is sure to impress. Whether you’re enjoying them on a weeknight or at a special gathering, they are bound to become a favorite.

Simple Preparation

One of the best aspects of Mongolian Meatballs is their simplicity. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a dish that feels both special and comforting. The meatballs come together in minutes, and the sauce is a quick whisk away. This makes it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights when you need something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Additionally, the recipe is adaptable. Feel free to modify the spice levels by adjusting the red pepper flakes or adding in extra vegetables to the meatball mixture. This flexibility allows you to tailor the dish to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, making it a wonderful option for any household.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Mongolian Meatballs, the possibilities are endless. For a complete meal, consider pairing them with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy noodles. The sauce soaks into the rice beautifully, creating a satisfying harmony of flavors. You can also serve these meatballs in lettuce wraps for a lighter option, adding fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime for a zesty twist.

For a fun twist, try turning these meatballs into sliders. Place a meatball on a small bun, drizzle with the sauce, and top with crunchy slaw for a delightful party appetizer. The flavors are so enticing that they are sure to be the highlight of any gathering, leaving your guests craving more.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, grated
1 tsp soy sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish

Combine all ingredients for the meatballs in a bowl and mix well.

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, green onions, egg, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, salt, and pepper until well combined. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Cook the Meatballs

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, cooking for about 10-12 minutes or until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, sesame oil, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Pour the mixture into the same skillet and bring to a simmer.

Combine and Serve

Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked meatballs back to the skillet. Toss to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds.

Enjoy your delicious Mongolian Meatballs!

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Mongolian Meatballs, you’re in for a treat! They store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating them is a breeze—simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep the meatballs moist and the sauce flavorful.

For longer storage, consider freezing the meatballs. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer, allowing you to enjoy a quick and delicious meal anytime.

Nutritional Information

Mongolian Meatballs are not only delicious but also provide a good source of protein from the ground beef. Each serving is packed with energy, making it a great choice for a balanced meal. The addition of green onions and garlic boosts the nutritional profile with vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to overall health.

While this dish does contain sugar from the brown sugar in the sauce, the portion sizes are moderate, allowing you to enjoy the flavors without overindulging. Pairing it with whole grains or vegetables can further enhance its health benefits, making it a well-rounded meal option.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative.

→ How can I make the sauce spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

→ Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare and refrigerate the meatballs a day ahead.

→ What can I serve with Mongolian Meatballs?

These meatballs pair well with steamed rice, noodles, or even a fresh salad.