This Mongolian Glazed Meatballs recipe is a flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Juicy meatballs baked to perfection, glazed with a rich and tangy Mongolian sauce, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether it's for a party, a family dinner, or a weeknight treat, these meatballs will add an exotic flair to your table.
The recipe calls for ingredients that might not be a regular part of your pantry, like Shaoxing wine, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce. Shaoxing wine is a Chinese rice wine used for cooking, which adds a depth of flavor to the dish. Hoisin and oyster sauces are common in Asian cuisine, adding a sweet and salty tanginess. You can find these ingredients in the Asian section of most supermarkets.
Ingredients for Mongolian Glazed Meatballs
Ground beef mince: This forms the base of the meatballs, providing a hearty meaty flavor.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese breadcrumbs add a light, airy texture to the meatballs.
Eggs: They act as a binding agent for the meatballs.
Soy sauce: This provides a salty, umami flavor.
Shaoxing wine: A Chinese cooking wine that enhances the taste.
Garlic: Adds a robust flavor to the meatballs and sauce.
Ginger: Gives a fresh, spicy kick to the dish.
Green onions: Used for both the meatballs and serving, they provide a crisp, mild flavor.
Sesame oil: Used in the sauce, it adds a distinct nutty flavor.
Brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce, balancing the salty soy sauce.
Hoisin sauce: Thick, fragrant sauce adding a sweet and spicy touch.
Oyster sauce: Gives the sauce a complex sweet and savory flavor.
Ground white pepper: Adds a mild heat to the sauce.
Sesame seeds: Used for garnish, they add a nice crunch and flavor.
One reader, Ardella David says:
These Mongolian glazed meatballs are a game-changer! The flavors are out of this world, and the glaze is simply irresistible. The meatballs are juicy and tender, and the sauce adds the perfect amount of sweetness and tanginess. This recipe is a definite winner!
Key Techniques for Perfecting Mongolian Glazed Meatballs
How to make meatballs: Combine ground beef mince, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, low sodium soy sauce, shaoxing wine, garlic, ginger, green onions, kosher salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and bake until golden brown and cooked through.
How to make mongolian glaze: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Whisk together sesame oil, garlic, ginger, low sodium soy sauce, water, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and ground white pepper in the pan. Simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, then coat the meatballs in the glaze.
How to serve: Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve warm with toothpicks or mini forks.
How To Make Mongolian Glazed Meatballs
Whip up a hearty batch of these glazed meatballs for your next meal! It’s made with a Mongolian sauce of hoisin sauce and oyster sauce for extra flavors.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Meatballs:
- 2lbsground beef mince,or pork, chicken, turkey
- ¾cupPanko breadcrumbs,or plain breadcrumbs
- 2eggs
- 2tbsplow sodium soy sauce
- 1tbspShaoxing wine,(Chinese wine), or rice wine vinegar
- 1tbspgarlic,minced
- 1tspginger,minced
- 1cupgreen onions,(4 green onions), thinly-sliced or chopped
- Kosher salt and pepper,to taste
For Mongolian Glaze:
- 1tspsesame oil
- 4clovesgarlic,or 1 tbsp, minced
- ½tbspginger,minced
- ½cuplow sodium soy sauce
- ⅔cupwater
- ½cupbrown sugar
- 2tbsphoisin sauce
- 1tbspoyster sauce
- 1tbspground white pepper,or ½ to 1 tbsp red chili powder
For Serving:
- sesame seeds
- 1green onion,finely sliced
Instructions
Meatballs:
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
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Mix together all of the meatball ingredients in a large bowl until well-combined.
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Spoon out 1-inch of the meat mixture with a cookie scoop or tablespoon.
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Shape into balls, then place onto 2 large baking sheets or trays lined with baking or parchment paper.
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Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Mongolian Glaze:
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Heat a non-stick pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
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Whisk all of the sauce ingredients together in the pan until well blended.
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Bring to a simmer, then continue cooking for 8 minutes until the sauce thickens, while stirring occasionally.
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Add half of the meatballs into the pan, then gently coat each meatball generously and evenly in the sauce.
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Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving dish or tray with a slotted spoon, then add in the remaining non-coated meatballs to the sauce.
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Coat the meatballs, then transfer them to a serving dish.
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Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
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Serve warm with toothpicks or mini forks, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 53.09kcal
- Fat: 3.30g
- Saturated Fat: 1.21g
- Trans Fat: 0.18g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.43g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.15g
- Carbohydrates: 2.54g
- Fiber: 0.17g
- Sugar: 1.41g
- Protein: 3.18g
- Cholesterol: 16.08mg
- Sodium: 124.24mg
- Calcium: 9.79mg
- Potassium: 62.78mg
- Iron: 0.44mg
- Vitamin A: 3.88µg
- Vitamin C: 0.50mg
Expert Technique Tips for Mastering Mongolian Glazed Meatballs
When making the Mongolian glaze, it's important to whisk the sauce ingredients together until they're well blended. This ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the sauce, giving each meatball a consistent taste. Also, when adding the meatballs to the sauce, do it in batches. This prevents overcrowding in the pan and ensures that each meatball is evenly coated with the glaze. Lastly, remember to simmer the sauce until it thickens. This will give your meatballs a glossy, appetizing finish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Mongolian Glazed Meatballs
Prep ahead: Prepare the meatball mixture the night before and refrigerate. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Use a cookie scoop: Use a cookie scoop to portion out the meat mixture for even-sized meatballs, saving time and ensuring uniform cooking.
Double the batch: Make a larger batch of meatballs and freeze half for future use. This way, you'll have a quick meal ready to go.
Organize ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients before starting to cook. This will streamline the cooking process and save time.
Bake instead of fry: Baking the meatballs instead of frying them saves time and effort, while still achieving delicious results.
Invest in a non-stick pan: Using a non-stick pan for the glaze reduces the risk of burning and makes for easier cleanup, saving time and effort.
Multi-task: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the mongolian glaze to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Simplify the glaze: Combine all the glaze ingredients in a bowl ahead of time, so you can quickly pour it into the pan when needed.
Substitute Ingredients For Mongolian Glazed Meatballs Recipe
ground beef mince - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be used as a healthier alternative to ground beef. It also has a similar texture and can absorb flavors well.
panko breadcrumbs - Substitute with regular breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute for panko breadcrumbs, although they may not provide the same level of crunchiness.
low sodium soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos are a soy-free, gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, and they provide a slightly sweeter flavor.
shaoxing wine - Substitute with dry sherry: Dry sherry can be used as a substitute for shaoxing wine to add depth of flavor to the meatballs.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for green onions to provide a mild onion flavor.
sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil can be used as a substitute for sesame oil to provide a nutty flavor to the dish.
hoisin sauce - Substitute with plum sauce: Plum sauce can be used as a substitute for hoisin sauce to add a sweet and tangy flavor to the glaze.
oyster sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce can be used as a substitute for oyster sauce to add a sweet and savory flavor to the glaze.
Perfect Presentation Ideas for Mongolian Glazed Meatballs
Elevate the meatballs: Arrange the glazed meatballs on a sleek, modern platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Incorporate contrasting colors: Garnish the dish with vibrant green sliced scallions and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds to add a pop of color and texture.
Create a harmonious arrangement: Place the meatballs in a circular pattern, allowing the glaze to glisten under the light and showcase the dish's glossy appearance.
Utilize negative space: Leave some areas of the platter empty to draw attention to the beautifully glazed meatballs, creating a visually striking presentation.
Add a touch of elegance with serving utensils: Provide mini silver forks or bamboo toothpicks for a sophisticated and convenient way for guests to enjoy the meatballs.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Mongolian Glazed Meatballs
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for various tasks such as chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing them thoroughly. It comes in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic.
Storing and Freezing Mongolian Glazed Meatballs for Later
- Allow the meatballs to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- If you want to freeze the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents. Frozen meatballs can be stored for up to 3 months.
- To reheat the meatballs, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, covered, on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- If you have leftover Mongolian glaze, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat the glaze in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can then toss the reheated meatballs in the warm glaze before serving.
The Best Ways to Reheat Mongolian Glazed Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the texture and flavor of the meatballs while preventing them from drying out.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the meatballs to become rubbery.
If you have leftover mongolian glaze, reheat it in a saucepan over low heat until warm. If the glaze has thickened, add a splash of water or beef broth to thin it out. Once the glaze is heated, add the meatballs and toss to coat evenly. This method ensures that the meatballs are well-coated in the flavorful sauce.
For a crispy exterior, heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. Be sure to turn the meatballs frequently to prevent burning.
If you have an air fryer, this can be a great option for reheating the meatballs. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the meatballs in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside. This method is quick and helps to restore the texture of the meatballs.
Surprising Facts About Mongolian Glazed Meatballs
The Mongolian Glazed Meatballs recipe is a delicious fusion of flavors, combining the savory taste of beef with the sweet and tangy Mongolian glaze. This dish is perfect for entertaining, as the meatballs can be served as a delightful appetizer or as a main course. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in the glaze adds depth and complexity to the dish, making it a crowd-pleaser. Whether served at a party or enjoyed as a family meal, these meatballs are sure to impress with their irresistible flavor and tender texture.
Budgeting for Mongolian Glazed Meatballs: Is It Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this Mongolian glazed meatballs recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients in your area. Ground beef, breadcrumbs, and soy sauce are commonly found at reasonable prices, but factors like the quality of meat and the availability of certain sauces may impact the overall cost. Considering the use of common pantry staples and the ability to make a large batch, this recipe can be relatively cost-effective for a household. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Are Mongolian Glazed Meatballs Healthy?
This recipe for Mongolian glazed meatballs is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- The meatballs are made with ground beef, which is high in saturated fat and calories.
- The recipe calls for breadcrumbs and eggs, adding more calories and carbohydrates to the dish.
- The glaze contains a significant amount of sugar from the brown sugar and hoisin sauce, as well as sodium from the soy sauce and oyster sauce.
- The recipe does not include any vegetables or other nutrient-dense ingredients.
While the dish may be tasty, it is high in calories, fat, and sodium, and low in essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Replace half of the breadcrumbs with finely chopped vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar and hoisin sauce in the glaze, and use low-sodium soy sauce to decrease the overall sugar and sodium content.
- Serve the meatballs with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad to add more nutrients and balance out the meal.
- Use whole grain breadcrumbs or oats instead of panko breadcrumbs to increase the fiber content.
Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Mongolian Glazed Meatballs Recipe
The Mongolian glazed meatballs recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors. The meatballs are juicy and flavorful, while the glaze adds a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. The use of aromatic ingredients like garlic, ginger, and green onions enhances the overall taste. The cooking method ensures the meatballs are cooked to perfection, and the glaze coats each meatball beautifully. This dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will leave everyone wanting more.
Enhance Your Mongolian Glazed Meatballs Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Mongolian Glazed Meatballs
Why trust this Mongolian Glazed Meatballs Recipe:
This recipe offers a delectable fusion of flavors and textures, ensuring a delightful dining experience. The ground beef mince is expertly seasoned with low sodium soy sauce, shaoxing wine, and aromatic garlic and ginger, guaranteeing a burst of savory goodness in every bite. The mongolian glaze is a harmonious blend of sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a medley of low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce, creating a luscious coating that perfectly complements the meatballs. With meticulous attention to detail, this recipe promises a tantalizing dish that will undoubtedly impress.
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