This is one of those dinners that’s fun and a little bit whimsical. Turning meatballs into things that are usually other things is just fun! Do you know what I mean when I say that? Things like buffalo chicken meatballs. Aaaaand after sitting here for five minutes, that’s the only example I can think of, but the point is…you can do a lot of fun things with meatballs! Blaming my lack of examples on #mombrain. Or maybe #quarantinebrain? #pregnancybrain? Let’s call it a combo of all three.
Mongolian beef is a takeout classic, and it’s one of my faves. My husband is a steak lover so he often times will get Mongolian beef, and then I’ll often times steal several bites/half of the entire container. What can I say? It’s tasty.
Mongolian beef sauce is actually really simple. I just throw the ingredients in a mason jar, shake it up, and then set it aside to use when I’m ready. Here’s what we’ve got:
- soy sauce
- brown sugar
- water
- garlic
- ginger
- arrowroot powder (can sub cornstarch)
That thickens up into a delicious sauce that will coat our meatballs perfectly!
We also add some Asian flair to the meatballs themselves to bring some extra flavor to the party. As an addition to our regular meatball ingredients (beef, egg, panko, and salt) we’ve got ground ginger, garlic powder, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Really simple little add-ins, but they bring lots of flavor!
Then we do a quick sear in the pan, throw them on a baking sheet, and finish them off in the oven for ten minutes. And then our sauce cooks in the same pan as the meatballs did! Extra flavor + less dishes = win win all around, nahmean?
You guys will love these fun, delicious meatballs!
Mongolian Beef Meatballs
This spin on the classic takeout dish is such a fun meal that everyone in the family will love!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings – 24 meatballs total 1x
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (ginger powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- A little bit of black pepper
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional garnishes)
For the sauce:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder (equal amount of cornstarch also works)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350
- Add all the meatball ingredients into a bowl and mix with your hands until combined
- Measure out your meatballs (I use a cookie scoop) and then roll each meatball into a ball with your hands until smooth. My cookie scoop is about 1 tablespoon, and I heap it a bit
- Set your meatballs aside as you roll them. Once they are all formed, heat a large skillet over medium high heat with a high heat oil (avocado or coconut work well)
- When hot, sear your meatballs in batches on both sides and then place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd the pan as you’re browning, leave some space in between the meatballs
- Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees
- Meanwhile, add all your sauce ingredients except the arrowroot powder to a mason jar or bowl and shake/whisk to combine. Turn the same pan you cooked your meatballs in to medium heat and add your sauce
- Bring to a simmer and let cook for 3-5 minutes until the garlic and ginger have softened
- In a small bowl, make a slurry with the arrowroot powder + a bit of water (just stir together until it’s a thin, pourable liquid) and add to your sauce
- Cook until thickened to your desired consistency (should only take a few minutes) and then set aside
- When your meatballs come out of the oven, add them to the sauce and stir until the meatballs are all coated in the sauce
- Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions and serve over rice!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 meatballs
- Calories: 468
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 1634 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 47 mg
If you make this or any of my other recipes, be sure to Instagram it and tag @thegarlicdiaries so I can see!
Love this tasty meatballs recipe. Looks so yummy and delicious. This is so easy to learn and make these meatballs at home. Thank you for sharing such great recipe.
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I made this last night, all three kids asked for more (that never happens, someone is always unhappy at dinner).
Thanks for a great recipe idea
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Yay!! I extra love hearing when my recipes are kid wins!! I have 2 toddlers, and nothing makes me feel better than when THEY eat and love what I cook, haha! Thanks for the comment, Scott!
Made these Mongolian Meatballs tonight!! Taste explosion! Wow these are so good. I am a beginner cook & these were easy enough for me to handle. Can’t wait for left overs!!
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SOOO glad they turned out so well for you, Joy!
these look super tasty, definitely trying this out :)