Weeknights can be a whirlwind, but dinner doesn’t have to suffer. These Mongolian beef meatballs are a warm hug on a plate, coming together swiftly to rescue your evening.
I remember the first time I made these—my kitchen filled with the rich aroma of garlic and soy, and my family gathered around the table eager to dig in. It felt like a special meal without the fuss.
- Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights
- Juicy, tender meatballs with a sticky, flavorful sauce
- Simple ingredients you probably already have
- Great served over rice or noodles for a complete meal
30-Minute Mongolian Beef Meatballs
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Quick and flavorful Mongolian beef meatballs simmered in a sweet soy glaze, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp ginger, grated
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 tbsp soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
In a bowl, mix ground beef, garlic, ginger, green onions, breadcrumbs, egg, and 1 tbsp soy sauce until combined.
Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together remaining soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch.
Pour sauce into skillet with meatballs. Simmer until sauce thickens and meatballs are cooked through, about 5 minutes.
Serve meatballs with sauce over rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
FAQ
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce separately, then combine and reheat before serving.
Are these meatballs spicy?
This recipe is mildly sweet and savory, but you can easily add chili flakes if you like a kick.
Give these a try tonight and watch them disappear fast. Bookmark this recipe—it’s one you’ll want to come back to again and again.