Name: Thai Red Curry Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk; 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon lime juice; Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Thai Red Curry Turkey Meatballs bring a flavorful and comforting twist to your dinner table. These tender meatballs are infused with vibrant Thai spices and simmered in a rich coconut red curry sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal that’s both easy and exciting.

A white plate holds seven browned meatballs arranged in a close cluster, each with a crispy, slightly charred crust and textured surface. The meatballs sit in a shallow pool of rich orange sauce with visible red chili flakes and small green herb leaves scattered throughout. Bright green chopped herbs and small pieces of red chili are sprinkled on top of the meatballs, adding pops of color. Behind the meatballs, two wedges of lime rest at the edge of the plate. The background shows a soft, white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon lime juice
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped cilantro, fish sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter, making sure they are uniform for even cooking.
Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, pour in the coconut milk and add Thai red curry paste, brown sugar, and lime juice. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, coating them gently in the curry sauce. Let them simmer together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a bright, aromatic finish.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, add a small amount of grated onion or a splash of coconut milk directly into the meatball mixture before cooking.
Substitute ground chicken or pork if preferred, but adjust cooking times as needed.
Adjust the red pepper flakes or curry paste to control the heat level according to your taste.
Serve with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles to soak up the delicious curry sauce.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking to maintain the texture of the meatballs.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate filled with six browned, round meatballs sitting in an orange, oily sauce. The meatballs have a crispy texture with some dark charred spots and are sprinkled with small chopped green cilantro leaves and red chili pieces. Behind the meatballs, there are two lime wedges adding a fresh contrast. The surface underneath is changed to a white marbled texture. The dish looks warm, spicy, and freshly made. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can help save time on busy days.

Is Thai red curry paste spicy?

Thai red curry paste typically has a moderate level of heat with a balanced blend of spices. You can adjust the spiciness by using less or more curry paste or by moderating the red pepper flakes in the meatball mix.