Print

Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli Stir-Fry

Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli Stir-Fry
Print Recipe

Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender, juicy meatballs with fresh, crisp broccoli in a sweet and savory sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this nutritious and family-friendly meal is versatile and perfect served over rice, noodles, or on its own. This recipe balances bold flavors with simple ingredients, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option that can be easily customized to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef or pork
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

Stir-Fry

  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp cornstarch

Finishing

  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: Combine ground meat with minced garlic, ginger, a splash of soy sauce, and cornstarch to bind. Form the mixture into small, even-sized meatballs and set aside.
  2. Cook the Meatballs: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat with a little oil. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from pan and keep warm.
  3. Stir-Fry the Broccoli: In the same pan, add the fresh broccoli florets and minced garlic. Stir-fry until the broccoli turns vibrant green and is tender-crisp, preserving its fresh crunch.
  4. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch. Pour the sauce into the pan with broccoli, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables.
  5. Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Return the meatballs to the pan and gently toss them in the glossy sauce to fully coat each piece, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist.
  6. Finish with Aromatics: Turn off heat and sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Drizzle sesame oil over the dish for a toasted aroma just before serving.

Notes

  • Make uniform-sized meatballs to ensure even cooking.
  • Cook meatballs in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding and achieve a perfect sear.
  • Do not overcook broccoli; it should remain tender yet crisp.
  • Taste and adjust soy sauce and brown sugar to balance saltiness and sweetness.
  • Let cooked meatballs rest briefly to retain their juicy texture before combining with sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mongolian meatballs, broccoli stir-fry, quick dinner, gluten-free, Asian-inspired, weeknight meal, healthy stir-fry, savory sweet sauce

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/mongolian-meatballs-broccoli-stir-fry/