Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli Stir-Fry
This easy Mongolian Meatballs & Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick, wholesome dinner featuring juicy meatballs coated in a savory and slightly sweet sauce, paired with crisp broccoli. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines protein and fiber with a flavorful blend of soy, garlic, and ginger, perfect for busy weeknights or family meals with minimal cleanup.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free (with soy sauce substitution)
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or pork
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 1/4 cup water or broth
- Prepare the Meatballs: Mix ground meat with minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a pinch of cornstarch. Shape into small, evenly sized meatballs for quick, uniform cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until cooked through and golden, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Broccoli: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry until they turn bright green and become tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, water or broth, and a cornstarch slurry in a bowl. Pour this sauce mixture into the pan and bring to a simmer until it thickens and becomes glossy.
- Combine and Finish: Return the meatballs to the pan, tossing them in the thickened sauce with broccoli. Add a drizzle of sesame oil, sprinkle green onions on top, and mix well before serving.
Notes
- Use a small scoop or spoon to shape uniform meatballs for even cooking.
- Cook meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper browning.
- Use freshly minced garlic and ginger for best flavor.
- Avoid overcooking broccoli to keep it bright green and crisp.
- Adjust cornstarch slurry amount to get your preferred sauce thickness.
- Frozen broccoli can be used but ensure it is thawed and drained well.
- For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Prepare meatballs ahead and refrigerate or freeze to save time later.
- Reheat gently to maintain texture and moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Mongolian meatballs, broccoli stir-fry, quick dinner, healthy recipe, Asian stir-fry, weeknight meal, gluten-free option