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Thai Chicken Meatballs in Coconut Curry Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 78 reviews

These Thai Chicken Meatballs in Coconut Curry combine juicy ground chicken meatballs infused with fragrant Thai spices, simmered in a rich and creamy coconut curry sauce with fresh vegetables. This vibrant dish delivers a balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors and is perfect served over jasmine rice or with warm naan bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped

Curry Sauce and Vegetables

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying meatballs)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for curry)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp red curry paste
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup carrots, julienned
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, salt, black pepper, chopped cilantro, and finely chopped green onions. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, being careful not to overmix to avoid dense meatballs.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands or a tablespoon, form the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Arrange them on a plate or tray.
  3. Sear the Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the meatballs in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms. The meatballs do not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the finely chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Add Curry Spices: Stir in red curry paste and turmeric powder, coating the aromatics thoroughly. Cook for about 1 minute to bloom the spices and enhance their flavors.
  6. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice to balance salty, sweet, and tangy notes.
  7. Add Vegetables and Simmer: Toss in the cherry tomatoes, bell pepper slices, and julienned carrots. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to soften the vegetables slightly.
  8. Cook Meatballs in Curry: Carefully place the seared meatballs back into the skillet, submerging them in the coconut curry sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are cooked through.
  9. Final Seasoning and Garnish: Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking. Taste the curry and adjust seasoning with extra fish sauce, lime juice, or a pinch of sugar if needed. Sprinkle fresh chopped basil and cilantro over the top before serving.
  10. Serve: Serve the Thai chicken meatballs hot with steamed jasmine rice or warm naan bread for a complete and delicious meal.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender and light.
  • Searing the meatballs before simmering helps develop flavor and texture.
  • The curry sauce can be adjusted for spiciness by adding more or less red curry paste.
  • Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or flatbreads like naan.
  • Fresh herbs such as basil and cilantro added at the end brighten the flavors.

Keywords: Thai chicken meatballs, coconut curry, Thai curry recipe, ground chicken recipe, easy Thai dinner, coconut milk curry, Thai comfort food

Find it online: https://annakocht.com/thai-chicken-meatballs-in-coconut-curry-recipe/