Sesame Seeds: Offers delicate crunch and visual appeal with toasted nutty flavor.
Sliced Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds sharp, crisp finishing touch.
Gear Up to Make Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli
Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining meatball ingredients thoroughly.
Baking sheet: Lined with parchment paper for easy meatball cooking and cleanup.
Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
Saucepan: Needed to prepare the delicious sticky Mongolian sauce.
Cutting board: For chopping green onions and preparing ingredients.
Chef's knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for mixing meatballs and stirring sauce.
Slurry whisk: Helps create smooth cornstarch mixture for sauce thickening.
Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli: Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare Baking Station Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect meatball roasting.
Create Meaty Magic Mix ground beef with aromatics and seasonings, blending gently to keep the mixture tender and juicy.
Shape and Roast Craft uniform meatballs and slide them into the hot oven, cooking until they're golden and fully done.
Crisp Up Broccoli Toss green florets with oil and seasonings, roasting alongside meatballs for a delightful side dish with beautiful caramelized edges.
Whip Up Mongolian Sauce Simmer soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices in a pan, transforming simple ingredients into a glossy, rich coating that'll make your taste buds dance.
Glaze and Combine Tumble freshly baked meatballs into the luxurious sauce, ensuring each morsel gets a perfect, sticky embrace.
Plate and Garnish Arrange meatballs and broccoli on a beautiful plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions for a restaurant-worthy presentation that'll impress everyone at the table.
Expert Tips for Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli
Quick Meat Mixing Tip: Avoid overmixing the meatball ingredients to keep them tender and prevent a tough texture. Gently combine ingredients just until they hold together.
Lean Meat Option: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein choice that's lower in fat but still packed with flavor.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare meatballs and sauce separately up to two days in advance. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve for a quick weeknight meal.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to make the entire dish gluten-free.
Spice Level Control: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for extra heat, or keep it mild for sensitive palates. Adjust the spiciness according to your preference by adding heat incrementally.
Plating and Pairing Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli
Quick Family Dinner Feast: Pair the sticky Mongolian meatballs with fluffy steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Meal Prep Champion: Pack these meatballs with roasted broccoli in meal prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week, keeping the sauce separate to prevent sogginess.
Crowd-Pleasing Party Platter: Arrange meatballs on a large platter with toothpicks, sprinkle extra sesame seeds, and serve as an irresistible appetizer during game nights or gatherings.
Asian-Inspired Noodle Bowl: Toss the meatballs and broccoli over hot rice noodles or soba noodles for a complete one-bowl meal that's bursting with flavor and texture.
Save & Reheat Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli Like a Pro
Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover meatballs and broccoli in sealed containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
Smart Portion Planning: Divide meal into individual serving sizes for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners during busy schedules.
Extended Freezer Storage: Freeze uncoated meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum flavor and texture when reheated later.
Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated meatballs in microwave or oven at 350F, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out and maintain juiciness.
Mouthwatering sticky Mongolian meatballs blend savory beef with sweet and tangy sauce over crisp broccoli. Culinary adventurers will discover a perfect balance of flavors that transport palates directly to Central Asian comfort cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
2 cups broccoli florets
1 large egg
½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
½ cup (120 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup (70 g) brown sugar
2 tbsps soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsps water
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper, to taste
Sesame seeds
Extra green onions, chopped
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat oven to 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cooking and cleanup.
Meatball Formation: Thoroughly mix ground beef with egg, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Gently combine ingredients to maintain a delicate texture, forming uniform 1½-inch meatballs with consistent sizing.
Initial Roasting: Position meatballs on prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Roast for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and completely cooked through, simultaneously adding broccoli florets tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper during the final 10-12 minutes to achieve caramelized edges.
Sauce Creation: Craft the Mongolian sauce by whisking soy sauce, brown sugar, water, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat. Incorporate cornstarch slurry and simmer until the mixture transforms into a glossy, thick consistency.
Finishing Touch: Generously coat freshly roasted meatballs in the sticky sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Plate alongside roasted broccoli, embellishing with toasted sesame seeds and delicate green onion slivers. Optional accompaniment of steamed rice or noodles completes the culinary experience.
Notes
Prevent Tough Meatballs: Mix ingredients gently and avoid overmixing to keep meat tender and juicy, ensuring a light texture.
Balance Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch slurry carefully and simmer slowly to achieve the perfect glossy, sticky sauce without lumps.
Achieve Crispy Broccoli: Spread florets evenly on the baking sheet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded for caramelized, crisp edges.
Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute ground beef with turkey or plant-based alternatives, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari for a low-carb or gluten-sensitive version.
Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.
William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary.
With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist.
When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.
William Hawkins
Founder & Culinary Director
Expertise
Education
Sullivan University, Louisville, KY
William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary.
With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist.
When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.