Ginger Meatballs with Sesame Broccoli: A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Recipe
One skillet transforms ingredients into a flavorful dinner your family will love.
Ginger Meatballs with Sesame Broccoli: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner
If you’re craving a meal that’s equal parts comforting and vibrant, Ginger Meatballs with Sesame Broccoli delivers big flavor and satisfying textures, perfect for busy weeknights and gatherings alike. This recipe combines juicy beef meatballs flavored with fresh ginger and spices, tossed in a savory sauce, and served with oven-roasted broccoli sprinkled with sesame seeds—all over a bed of steamed white rice for the ultimate dinner bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Asian-inspired flavors from ginger, soy, and hoisin sauce
- One-pan convenience with minimal prep and cleanup
- Family-friendly, easy to double, and versatile for meal prep
- Healthy vegetable side included in every serving
- Makes excellent appetizer meatballs for parties
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 1/2 lb. |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Onion (finely diced) | 1/2 |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 3/4 cup |
| Kosher salt | 1 1/2 tsp. |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp. |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 tsp., plus more to taste |
| Fresh ginger (peeled, grated) | 1 (2-inch piece) |
| Broccoli florets | 3–4 cups |
| Canola oil | 1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp. |
| Sesame seeds | 1 Tbsp. |
| Toasted sesame oil | 2 tsp. |
| Beef broth | 2 cups |
| Hoisin sauce | 1/4 cup |
| White wine vinegar or sherry vinegar | 1/4 cup |
| Low-sodium soy sauce | 2 Tbsp. |
| Cornstarch | 1 Tbsp. |
| All-purpose flour | 1/3 cup |
| Red bell pepper (strips) | 1 |
| Scallions (thinly sliced, white & green parts) | 3 |
| Cooked white rice | for serving |
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Mix and shape the meatballs: Combine ground beef, egg, onion, panko, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, red pepper flakes, and half the ginger in a large bowl. Mix gently with hands until just combined. Roll into 1-inch balls and arrange on a rimmed baking sheet. Refrigerate while prepping broccoli.
- Prepare and roast broccoli: Toss broccoli with 1 Tbsp canola oil, sesame seeds, remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Spread onto a separate sheet and roast, turning once, until vegetables are tender and beginning to char (about 10–15 minutes). Drizzle roasted broccoli with sesame oil when done.
- Make the sauce: Whisk together beef broth, hoisin, vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Coat and brown meatballs: Toss chilled meatballs in flour. Heat remaining 1/4 cup canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Fry meatballs in batches, turning to brown each side (about 2–3 minutes total). Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.
- Sauté veggies: Pour off excess oil from the skillet. Return to medium-high. Add bell pepper strips, scallion whites, and remaining ginger. Stir and sauté for 1 minute.
- Finish the dish: Add the broth mixture and the meatballs into the skillet. Stir to coat everything. Cook until the sauce thickens and meatballs are cooked through (about 3 minutes). Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat, if desired.
- Serve: Spoon meatballs and sauce over rice with roasted broccoli. Top with scallion greens.
Tips for Success & Expert Variations
- Use fresh ginger for maximum flavor; jarred or powdered substitutes are less pungent.
- If you prefer, swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter result.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a light texture—regular breadcrumbs may yield a denser meatball.
- Make ahead: Shape meatballs the night before, store in fridge, and cook fresh.
- Double the recipe for meal prep or parties—freeze baked meatballs for quick future meals.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko and flour; ensure all sauces are gluten-free.
Nutritional Highlights
This meal offers a balanced plate:
- Protein: Satisfying beef meatballs fuel fullness and energy.
- Vegetables: Broccoli and bell peppers add fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins.
- Healthy fats: Sesame oil and seeds offer flavor and nutrition.
Amounts may vary based on portion size and ingredient brands. For lower calorie, use lean meats and steam rather than fry meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve family-style with a bowl of rice and extra sauce on the side.
- Appetizer option: Spear meatballs with toothpicks and pair with sauce for parties.
- Vegetarian twist: Substitute ground meat with plant-based crumble and adjust seasonings.
- Side dishes: Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or a simple Asian slaw complement the meal well.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs, sauce, and broccoli in airtight containers; keeps for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place fully-cooked meatballs (without sauce or veggies) in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm meatballs and sauce together in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. Broccoli can be reheated in the oven to restore crispness.
What others are reading
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I substitute the meat in this recipe?
A: Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well in place of beef. Adjust cooking times for leaner meats, as they can cook faster.
Q: How can I make this dish spicy?
A: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the meatballs or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
Q: What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
A: Substitute with oyster sauce, teriyaki sauce, or a mix of soy sauce and honey for a similar sweet-savory profile.
Q: Is this recipe healthy?
A: The dish includes lean protein, vegetables, and flavorful seasoning. Use less oil and more broccoli for a lighter meal, and serve with brown rice for extra fiber.
Q: Can I make it ahead for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! Shape and refrigerate raw meatballs up to a day ahead, or freeze cooked meatballs in batches for easy reheating.
Additional Recipe Variations and Pairings
- Sheet Pan Version: For even easier cleanup, you can bake meatballs and broccoli together on the same pan. Drizzle everything with sauce in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Add more veggies: Red or yellow bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots roast well with the broccoli for extra color and crunch.
- Change up the sauce: Try a teriyaki glaze, homemade sweet chili, or soy-ginger blend for new flavor twists.
- Serve with noodles: Ginger meatballs and sesame broccoli are excellent over rice noodles or lo mein for a change from rice.
What Makes Ginger Meatballs with Sesame Broccoli Unique?
Unlike traditional Italian-style meatballs, this recipe takes inspiration from classic Asian flavors. The combination of fresh ginger, sesame oil, and hoisin sauce brings depth and warmth, while the roasted broccoli adds a nutty crunch that balances the meal. These meatballs are versatile; they’re just as delicious served over rice for dinner as they are skewered for appetizers at gatherings.
Chef’s Secrets: Texture and Flavor Boosts
- Sear before saucing: Browning meatballs adds a savory crust that elevates the final dish.
- Roast, don’t steam, broccoli: High oven heat caramelizes the edges, letting nutty sesame notes shine.
- Finish with scallion greens: A final sprinkle of scallion tops adds color and a mild onion crunch.
Perfect for Appetizers and Entertaining
Ginger meatballs with sesame broccoli aren’t just a family dinner winner—they make a memorable party appetizer. Simply serve hot meatballs skewered with toothpicks, provide small bowls of sesame broccoli for dipping, and a cup of sauce for guests. This dish is easy to scale up for larger crowds, and the bold flavors make it a guaranteed hit.
Comparing Ginger Meatballs with Other Meatball Recipes
| Recipe | Main Flavors | Protein | Serving Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ginger Meatballs with Sesame Broccoli | Ginger, Hoisin, Soy, Sesame | Beef (or turkey, chicken) | Over rice, with broccoli, or appetizers |
| Italian Meatballs | Parmesan, Garlic, Tomato Sauce | Beef/Pork | Spaghetti, Subs |
| Swedish Meatballs | Nutmeg, Cream, Beef | Beef/Pork | With mashed potatoes |
| Pork & Ginger Sheet Pan Meatballs | Ginger, Soy, Sriracha | Pork | Sheet pan, with veggies, over rice |
Inspiration from Ree Drummond and The Pioneer Woman
This ginger meatballs and sesame broccoli recipe is inspired by Ree Drummond’s accessible approach to home cooking, delivering impressive flavors with techniques any cook can master. Like many of her recipes, it’s designed to please the whole family and provide options for variation, ensuring it can fit any dietary need or busy schedule.
More FAQs
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Yes. Roasting additional veggies like carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms alongside the broccoli adds color, nutrition, and variety.
Q: What’s the best rice for this recipe?
A: Classic steamed white or jasmine rice works well. For added fiber, try brown rice or a blend of grains.
Q: How can I make meatballs firmer?
A: Chill the meatball mixture for 20–30 minutes before shaping, and avoid overmixing to prevent toughness.
Q: Is sesame oil essential?
A: Toasted sesame oil delivers a signature nutty aroma, but you can substitute with olive oil and a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds if preferred.
Conclusion: A Must-Try for Meatball Lovers
Ginger Meatballs with Sesame Broccoli is more than just dinner—it’s a celebration of bold flavors, interesting textures, and easy cooking. Whether you’re serving a quick family meal, prepping for a week’s worth of lunches, or hosting friends, this recipe’s flexibility and crowd-pleasing taste will win you over. Give it a try and bring a modern twist to classic comfort food tonight!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a36007539/ginger-meatballs-with-sesame-broccoli-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a63497504/sheet-pan-soy-ginger-meatballs-and-veggies-recipe/
- https://www.eatyourbooks.com/library/recipes/2857441/ginger-meatballs-with-sesame-broccoli
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g41316128/meatball-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g37014724/broccoli-recipes/
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