Mongolian Meatballs

Highlighted under: World Cuisine Recipes

These Mongolian Meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic dish, bringing a savory and slightly sweet flavor to your table.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-05T06:05:51.456Z

Mongolian Meatballs blend the flavors of traditional Mongolian cuisine with a comforting meatball dish. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion!

Why You'll Love These Mongolian Meatballs

  • Savory meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy sauce
  • Easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners
  • Great for meal prep and can be served with rice or noodles

A Flavorful Fusion

Mongolian Meatballs combine the best of savory and sweet flavors, making them a delightful addition to your dining repertoire. The tender meatballs are infused with aromatic ingredients like ginger and garlic, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. The sauce, with its rich soy sauce base and a hint of brown sugar, elevates the dish, ensuring a satisfying experience that leaves you wanting more.

This dish is a perfect example of how global cuisines can come together to create something uniquely delicious. While traditionally Mongolian cuisine may not feature meatballs, the adaptation embraces familiar flavors, making it accessible and appealing to a wide audience. Whether you're a fan of Asian-inspired dishes or simply looking to try something new, these meatballs are sure to impress.

Easy Weeknight Dinner

One of the greatest advantages of Mongolian Meatballs is their simplicity. This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want to prepare something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few basic ingredients and easy steps, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time.

The versatility of this dish is also a plus. Serve it over fluffy rice or noodles for a filling dinner, or pair it with steamed vegetables for a lighter option. The leftovers are just as good, making it a great choice for meal prep. Prepare a batch on the weekend, and you’ll have ready-to-go meals for the week ahead.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Mongolian Meatballs are not only great for family dinners; they also shine as appetizers for gatherings and parties. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to serve and enjoy, appealing to guests of all ages. Simply set out a platter of meatballs with toothpicks, and watch them disappear in no time.

Additionally, this dish can be customized to suit various dietary preferences. For a healthier twist, consider using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also experiment with different dipping sauces or add vegetables to the meatball mixture to enhance its nutritional value. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this recipe your own.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

Instructions

Instructions

Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, green onions, egg, garlic, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs.

Cook the Meatballs

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the meatballs for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, water, cornstarch, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir well and bring to a simmer until thickened.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet with the sauce, stirring to coat. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Enjoy your delicious Mongolian Meatballs!

Secondary image

Pro Tips

  • For extra flavor, let the meatballs marinate in the sauce for a few minutes before serving.

Storing and Reheating

To store Mongolian Meatballs, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for longer storage. If you're freezing the meatballs, consider separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

For best results when reheating, add a splash of water or additional sauce to keep the meatballs moist. This will help maintain their flavor and texture, ensuring that each bite is just as delicious as when they were first made.

Serving Suggestions

Mongolian Meatballs can be served in a variety of ways, making them a versatile addition to your meal planning. They pair wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce, or you can serve them over egg noodles for a heartier option. For a fresh twist, consider topping the dish with additional chopped green onions or sesame seeds before serving.

If you're looking to create a complete meal, consider adding a side of stir-fried vegetables or a crisp salad. This not only enhances the meal's flavor profile but also boosts its nutritional value, making your dining experience both satisfying and wholesome.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative and will still be delicious.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the meatballs?

Absolutely! Freeze the cooked meatballs in a single layer and then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with Mongolian Meatballs?

They pair well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Mongolian Meatballs

These Mongolian Meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic dish, bringing a savory and slightly sweet flavor to your table.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: World Cuisine Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Meatballs

  1. 1 pound ground beef
  2. 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  3. 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  4. 1 egg
  5. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  6. 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  7. 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  8. Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

  1. 1/2 cup soy sauce
  2. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  3. 1/4 cup water
  4. 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  5. 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  6. 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  7. 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, green onions, egg, garlic, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs.

Step 02

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the meatballs for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 03

In the same skillet, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, water, cornstarch, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir well and bring to a simmer until thickened.

Step 04

Add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet with the sauce, stirring to coat. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Extra Tips

  1. For extra flavor, let the meatballs marinate in the sauce for a few minutes before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 20g