Easy Sticky Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli Recipe

Sticky Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli is a fantastic dish that brings together tender, juicy meatballs coated in a luscious, sweet-savory sauce paired perfectly with crisp, vibrant broccoli. This easy-to-make recipe is a total winner for weeknight dinners because it balances rich flavors with wholesome veggies, giving you a hearty meal everyone at the table will adore. Whether you’re cooking for family or craving something quick and comforting, Sticky Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli has got you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavor-Packed: The sauce combines sweet, salty, and umami notes that stick to every bite.
• Nutritious Balance: Broccoli adds a fresh crunch and boosts the nutrient content.
• Family-Friendly: Mild enough for kids but satisfying for adults.
• Versatile: Easily made gluten-free or keto-friendly by swapping ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Using simple, everyday ingredients, this Sticky Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli recipe pulls together familiar flavors that create a stunning, restaurant-style dish at home. Each ingredient is chosen to enhance taste, texture, or the overall vibrant appearance.

• Ground Meat: Typically beef or pork for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh and crisp for contrasting texture and green color.
• Soy Sauce: Provides the classic savory backbone of the Mongolian sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a delightful caramelized sweetness to the glaze.
• Garlic and Ginger: Fresh aromatics that brighten and deepen the flavor profile.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to that sticky, perfect consistency.
• Green Onions: Adds a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor as garnish.
• Sesame Oil: Just a touch for a nutty, toasted aroma that completes the dish.

Variations for Sticky Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to tweak ingredients and seasonings based on what you have around or dietary preferences. Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own.

• Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version without sacrificing flavor.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Toss in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra color and crunch.
• Spice It Up: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute tamari for soy sauce and use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs.
• Low-Carb Twist: Serve over cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles instead of traditional rice.

How to Make Sticky Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Combine your ground meat with minced garlic, ginger, a splash of soy sauce, and a bit of cornstarch to bind everything together. Shape the mixture into small, even-sized meatballs for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil, then carefully brown the meatballs on all sides until cooked through and beautifully caramelized.

Step 3: Steam or Blanch the Broccoli

While the meatballs cook, lightly steam or blanch fresh broccoli florets until tender-crisp to retain their bright green color and crunch.

Step 4: Make the Sticky Mongolian Sauce

In the same pan, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a bit of cornstarch dissolved in water, heating gently until thickened into that signature sticky glaze.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the meatballs and broccoli to the pan, tossing gently to coat every piece in the rich Mongolian sauce, letting them simmer together for a minute to meld flavors.

Pro Tips for Making Sticky Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli

• Uniform Meatballs: Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to make evenly sized meatballs that cook perfectly every time.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook meatballs in batches so they brown nicely instead of steaming.
• Use Fresh Aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger really elevate the sauce’s flavor compared to powders.
• Make the Sauce Last: Thickening the sauce in the same pan adds depth from the browned bits left behind.
• Add Broccoli Last: Toss the broccoli in gently to keep its crunch and vibrant color.

How to Serve Sticky Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli

Garnishes

Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top just before serving to add a lovely freshness and nutty crunch that brightens the dish visually and on the palate.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for soaking up every bit of the sticky sauce. For a lighter meal, serve with cauliflower rice or simple garlic noodles.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, serve the meatballs and broccoli over a bed of butter lettuce leaves for handheld bites or arrange everything artistically on a large platter for casual family-style dining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Sticky Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce separately from the broccoli in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently over medium heat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works fine if fresh is not available; just be sure to drain any excess water after cooking to keep the sauce from becoming watery.

What’s the best way to get meatballs to stay tender?

Avoid overmixing the meat mixture and include a bit of cornstarch or breadcrumbs, which help retain moisture and create a tender texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

The base recipe is mild, perfect for all tastes, but you can easily add chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer some heat.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap meatballs with plant-based alternatives or tofu balls and use vegetable stock to keep the sauce flavorful.

What type of soy sauce is best for Sticky Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli?

Use regular or low-sodium soy sauce depending on your taste and dietary needs, and tamari is a great gluten-free option.

Final Thoughts

Sticky Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli is a deliciously simple recipe that brings big flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re new to cooking or a kitchen pro, this dish promises a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that brightens up any weeknight dinner. Give it a try, and you might just find your new go-to recipe for quick and tasty meals!

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