Description
These Mongolian meatballs are a delicious twist on a classic dish, featuring tender meatballs smothered in a savory and slightly sweet Mongolian sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressive appetizer!
Ingredients
Scale
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 green onions (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mongolian sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, sliced green onions.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, then roll into 1-inch meatballs. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until fully cooked and browned.
- While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large skillet or pan over low heat. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and toss to coat. Cook for 2–3 minutes to warm through and let the sauce cling to the meatballs. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- You can make the meatballs ahead and freeze them—just reheat and toss in sauce before serving.
- For a spicier version, add chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
