Sticky Mongolian Meatballs
Sticky Mongolian Meatballs offer a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors wrapped in a rich, sticky soy-based glaze. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe features tender ground beef meatballs coated in a perfect balance of garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and sesame oil, making it ideal for busy weeknights or crowd-pleasing appetizers.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitutes are used)
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Sticky Mongolian Sauce
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- Optional: chopped cilantro
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic and ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix gently just until everything comes together to ensure tender meatballs that won’t turn dense.
- Form and Cook Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small, even-sized meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Make the Sticky Mongolian Sauce: While the meatballs cook, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and the cornstarch slurry. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a gentle boil.
- Coat and Glaze: Add the meatballs back to the skillet and toss them gently in the simmering sauce. Turn frequently until the sauce thickens into a glossy, sticky glaze that clings beautifully to every meatball.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for a fresh crunch and nutty flavor. Serve immediately while warm and saucy.
Notes
- Make sure meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to achieve a nice golden crust.
- Use freshly minced garlic and ginger for the best flavor.
- Toast sesame seeds lightly before garnishing to deepen nuttiness.
- Let meatballs rest a few minutes after cooking to soak up the sauce fully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Sticky Mongolian Meatballs, quick dinner, Asian meatballs, sticky glaze, ground beef meatballs, sweet and savory, easy meatball recipe