Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli

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Are you feeling uninspired by your usual evening meals and looking for something that is both simple to make and wonderfully exciting? Picture this: perfectly tender meatballs, coated in a luscious, savoury-sweet sauce, served alongside fresh, crisp broccoli. If this sounds like the perfect dish to liven up your dinner routine, you are in exactly the right place. We are delighted to show you how to prepare the most sensational Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli, a recipe we’re sure will earn a permanent spot on your weekly menu.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

We believe that a truly great recipe is about more than just following steps; it’s about creating an enjoyable experience. This dish delivers on all fronts, and we are confident you will be just as enamoured with it as we are:

A Flavour Explosion: The Mongolian sauce is a magnificent fusion of sweet, savoury, and garlicky notes, all underscored by a subtle warmth from the ginger. This truly addictive flavour combination transforms humble meatballs into something extraordinary.
Quick and Easy: This is the ideal easy weeknight dinner, ready to serve in less than 45 minutes. It’s a lifesaver on those hectic days when you crave a delicious meal without spending hours at the cooker.
Healthier Than a Takeaway: By making this at home, you have complete control over every ingredient, from the lean mince to the quantities of sugar and salt. It’s a fantastic way to recreate those takeaway flavours you love, but with a wholesome, home-cooked advantage.
Family-Friendly: Meatballs are a universal hit with both children and grown-ups, and the delectable sweet and savoury sauce is guaranteed to please everyone. You can also easily tailor the spice level to accommodate all tastes.

If you’re looking for another beef-based crowd-pleaser that the whole family will enjoy, you should also check out Our Ultimate Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Beef Rotini Recipe.

The Magic Behind Mongolian Sauce

Let’s delve into the heart of this dish: the sauce. The condiment we refer to as “Mongolian” sauce does not actually hail from Mongolia. It is, in fact, a culinary invention that gained popularity in Taiwanese-American restaurants, its name chosen to conjure images of rustic, open-fire cooking. Its defining feature is the exquisite balance between savoury and sweet flavours.

The base is a good-quality soy sauce, which lends a profound, salty umami depth. To understand more about this vital ingredient, BBC Good Food has a great guide on the various types you can find. We then counteract this with brown sugar to introduce a deep, caramelised sweetness. Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic contribute an aromatic zest, while a dash of sesame oil provides a lovely nutty finish. This specific blend is what produces the wonderfully sticky meatball sauce that coats each and every meatball and piece of broccoli so perfectly.

Essential Ingredients for Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli

To craft this culinary delight, we’ll need to assemble a handful of key ingredients. For simplicity, we’ve organised them into the components for the meatballs and the spectacular sauce that ties the dish together.

For the Juicy Homemade Meatballs

500g lean beef mince (or pork mince)
60g panko breadcrumbs
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp light soy sauce
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil, for frying

For the Irresistible Sticky Sauce & Broccoli

120ml light soy sauce
120ml water
80g dark brown sugar, packed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp red chilli flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
1 large head of broccoli (about 400g), cut into bite-sized florets
1 tbsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (this is your cornflour slurry)
To garnish: toasted sesame seeds and sliced spring onions

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection

Follow our straightforward instructions to achieve a perfect pan of Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli. We assure you, it’s much simpler than it looks!

Prepare the Meatballs: In a spacious bowl, place the beef mince, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently combine the ingredients. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs. Once mixed, form the mixture into 20-24 uniformly sized meatballs (roughly 1.5 inches across).
Cook the Meatballs: Warm the vegetable oil in a large, non-stick frying pan or skillet over a medium-high heat. Add the meatballs to the pan in a single layer, taking care not to overcrowd it (you may need to work in batches). Brown them on all sides by turning them periodically for about 5-7 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this point. Once browned, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
Prepare the Broccoli: As the meatballs are browning, you can get the broccoli ready. We suggest lightly steaming or blanching the florets for 2-3 minutes until they turn a vibrant green and are tender yet crisp. This step ensures they cook through in the sauce without becoming soggy. Drain them thoroughly and set aside.
Create the Mongolian Sauce: Using the same pan (no need to clean it!), turn the heat down to medium. Pour in the 120ml soy sauce, 120ml water, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red chilli flakes (if using). Whisk to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously until the sugar has fully dissolved.
Combine and Thicken: Gently place the browned meatballs back into the pan, submerging them in the simmering sauce. Allow them to cook in the sauce for another 5-7 minutes, until they are cooked through. Now, give your cornflour slurry another quick whisk and pour it into the pan. Keep simmering and stirring gently for 1-2 minutes. You will watch the sauce magically transform into a thick, glossy, and beautifully sticky coating.
Final Touches: Remove the pan from the heat. Carefully fold in the prepared broccoli florets, ensuring they are all coated in the glorious sauce. Serve your mongolian meatballs recipe straight away over a generous portion of fluffy rice or noodles, and finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh spring onions.

Watch How It’s Done: A Visual Guide

Sometimes, a visual demonstration can make a new recipe feel much more approachable. We’ve selected an excellent, easy-to-follow video that shows a very similar cooking process. It’s a great way to see the technique in action and boost your kitchen confidence.

Our Top Tips for the Best Mongolian Meatballs

To help you make this dish truly spectacular, we’ve put together a few of our favourite professional hints and tips.

Don’t Overmix the Meat: When preparing your homemade meatballs, mix the ingredients only until they are just combined. Overworking the mince can lead to tough and dense meatballs rather than the light, tender texture we’re aiming for.
Uniform Size is Key: Aim to make your meatballs all the same size. This consistency is crucial for even cooking, preventing a mix of overcooked and undercooked meatballs in the final dish.
Master the Cornflour Slurry: The secret to a perfectly thick, glossy sauce lies in the cornflour slurry. It is essential to mix the cornflour with cold water first before adding it to the pan to avoid any unwanted lumps.
Perfect Your Broccoli Texture: For the ultimate beef and broccoli recipe, the broccoli should retain a slight crispness. By pre-steaming it, you ensure it is perfectly cooked without becoming too soft from simmering in the sauce for too long.
Customise the Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, feel free to be more generous with the red chilli flakes. You could also introduce a dash of sriracha or add a few finely sliced fresh red chillies to the sauce for an extra fiery kick.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Perfect Pairings

This dish is wonderfully versatile. We particularly enjoy serving our Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli over a helping of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, which is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce. It is also exceptional with udon or ramen noodles, or even quinoa for a wholesome, protein-rich alternative.

Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers

In the unlikely event that you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for a minute or two, or warm them through gently in a saucepan over a low heat. You may find that adding a small splash of water helps to loosen the sauce as it reheats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use other types of meat for the meatballs?: Of course! This recipe is equally delicious when made with lean pork, chicken, or turkey mince. Just remember that poultry-based meatballs may cook a little more quickly than beef.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?: Making this dish gluten-free is very straightforward. Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce, such as tamari, and substitute the panko breadcrumbs with a gluten-free version or even some crushed rice crackers.
Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?: Yes, absolutely. The meatballs can be rolled and kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you plan to cook them. They can also be frozen uncooked for up to three months.
What other vegetables can I add?: Please feel free to be creative with the vegetables! Sliced bell peppers, onions, carrots, or mushrooms would all be fantastic additions. We recommend sautéing them for a few minutes before you start making the sauce. If you’re looking for another comfort food classic starring beef, our Tasty Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Crispy Mashed Potatoes Delicious Easy is a must-try.
How do I make the sauce spicier?: To increase the heat, you can add more red chilli flakes, or stir a teaspoon or two of sriracha or another chilli-garlic sauce into the mixture. For a fresher heat, you could also add some finely chopped fresh chillies.

Your New Favourite Weeknight Meal Awaits

We are certain that this Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli recipe will be a game-changer for your weeknight dinners. It is a dish that excels in every area: it’s packed with incredible flavour, is wonderfully simple to prepare, and provides a deep sense of culinary satisfaction. It’s a complete one-pan meal that brings the allure of takeaway food into your home, made with fresh ingredients and a touch of love.

So, why not give this amazing recipe a go this week? We would love to know how you get on. Please feel free to leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or tag us in your pictures on social media. Happy cooking!

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