These Coconut Curry Meatballs are inspired by some of the aromatic flavors typical of South Asian cuisine, especially our travels around Thailand. Don’t let the list of ingredients intimidate you – most everything is familiar and already in your pantry or spice drawer and the spices aren’t overwhelmingly spicy. It’s a family-pleasing dinner that anyone, even picky eaters, will enjoy! Whether you’re using ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of meats, the meatballs provide a protein-rich base that carries the rich, creamy sauce beautifully. Plus, the versatility of serving options—from rice to pasta to zoodles—ensures that it can fit into any meal plan! I really, really like these saucy meatballs with zoodles actually and think they are perfect for summer when you want something a little lighter and fresh. For more tasty recipes featuring juicy meatballs, check out my Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs, Best Homemade Swedish Meatballs, Easy Old-Fashioned Porcupine Meatballs, Grape Jelly Meatballs, and Easy Cheesy Italian Meatball Sliders!
Why We Love This Recipe
This Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs recipe merges the robust flavors of traditional curry with the hearty satisfaction of meatballs. From the simple mixing of meatball ingredients to the quick cook time in the oven, this recipe is accessible even on busy weeknights. It’s great for leftovers, retaining its flavor and texture when reheated, making it excellent for lunches the next day.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Lean Ground Turkey or Chicken – Provides a low-fat, protein-rich base for the meatballs. Feel free to use a mix of ground chicken and turkey meatballs, or another meat such as ground beef or ground pork. Egg – Acts as a binder to help hold the meatballs together. Green Onions, Garlic, and Fresh Cilantro – The aromatic flavor of these ingredients add depth and freshness to the creamy coconut curry sauce. Red Bell Peppers – Adds a sweet element with a bit of bulk to the creamy sauce. Bread Crumbs and Grated Cheese (parmesan or queso fresco) – These add texture and richness, enhancing the meatballs’ moisture and flavor. Can be replaced with panko for a crunchier texture or ground oatmeal for a gluten-free option. Seasonings (kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano, ground cumin) – These essential spices season the meat and add layers of flavor. Olive Oil – Used for sautéing, it adds a subtle richness to the dish. Ginger Paste and Garam Masala – Introduce a warm, spicy undertone that’s characteristic of many curry dishes. Curry Powder and Turmeric – These provide the quintessential curry flavor and a beautiful golden color. Adjust the type and amount depending on your heat preference or substitute with individual spices like coriander, cumin, and chili powder to customize the flavor. Tomato Paste and Crushed Tomatoes – Create a tangy, rich base for the creamy curry sauce. Coconut Milk – Adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness that balances the spices. Greek Yogurt – Introduces a tangy creaminess, enriching the texture of the sauce. Dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt can be used to keep the dish lactose-free.
How to Make Thai Coconut Curry Meatballs
Tips for Success
If you want to bulk out your meatballs or stretch the meat further without adding many calories, you can chop 8 ounces of mushrooms and saute them in a pan over medium-high heat until soft and they have released a lot of their juices. Then add them to a food processor with ½ a red onion (roughly chopped), and pulse well so the veggies aren’t too large when adding them to the meat mixture. When combining your meatball ingredients, mix just until the ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form your meatballs so that they are uniform in size. This ensures they cook evenly and finish at the same time. Baking the meatballs on parchment paper helps them to not stick and ensures they brown nicely without burning. Adding a squeeze of lime juice at the end of cooking can enhance the flavors of the dish, adding a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the sauce. When reheating the meatballs and sauce, do so gently over medium-low heat to prevent the sauce from separating and to keep the meatballs tender.
Substitutions and Variations
You can use ground beef meatballs or pork meatballs instead of turkey or chicken for a richer flavor. For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt, such as coconut yogurt, to maintain the creamy texture without the dairy. Feel free to experiment with different curry powders or make your own blend to achieve a unique flavor profile. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it entirely. For a more spicy coconut curry sauce, add more cayenne pepper or include a finely chopped hot chili pepper in the sauce. Besides cilantro, consider adding other fresh herbs such as chopped basil or lemongrass to the sauce for a healthy, aromatic twist.
More Asian-Inspired Recipes You’ll Love
Japanese Chicken Curry Easy Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles Curried Chicken Salad P.F. Chang’s Copycat Mongolian Beef Cambodian Chicken Red Curry Slow Cooker Asian Pulled Pork Sliders Asian Salad with Peanut Dressing Asian Lettuce Wraps
Once all the ingredients are added to the pan, bring the sauce to a simmer and keep it gentle to avoid curdling the yogurt and coconut milk. If your sauce is too thick, thin it with a little bit of water or additional coconut milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken. The key to a perfect curry is balancing the spices. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste, especially towards the end of cooking.
