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Flavorful Thai Chicken Meatball Curry

Flavorful Thai Chicken Meatball Curry
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Flavorful Thai Chicken Meatball Curry combines tender, juicy chicken meatballs simmered in a rich and creamy coconut curry sauce infused with bold Thai spices, fresh herbs, and vibrant vegetables. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, delivering a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and zesty flavors with family-friendly mild heat.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp fish sauce (or substitute soy sauce/tamari)
  • 1 tsp brown sugar or palm sugar
  • 1 egg (optional, for moisture and binding)
  • 1 tbsp coconut milk (optional, for moisture)

Curry Sauce

  • 2 tbsp red curry paste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp brown sugar or palm sugar

Vegetables & Herbs (Optional but recommended)

  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed (or bell peppers, sliced)
  • Fresh lime juice from 1 lime
  • Handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Handful fresh Thai basil, chopped

To Serve & Garnish

  • Steaming jasmine rice, coconut rice, or rice noodles
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sliced green onions
  • Crushed peanuts or toasted coconut flakes
  • Lime wedges
  • Sliced fresh chili peppers (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken with finely chopped garlic, ginger, fish sauce, brown sugar, egg (if using), and coconut milk (if using). Mix gently just until combined. Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs and set aside.
  2. Cook the Meatballs: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs gently on all sides until just cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the pan and keep warm.
  3. Prepare the Curry Sauce: In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic, ginger, and red curry paste over medium heat until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Slowly stir in coconut milk, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Let the sauce simmer gently, allowing it to thicken slightly and flavors to meld.
  4. Simmer with Meatballs and Vegetables: Return the cooked meatballs to the curry sauce. Add green beans or bell peppers as your chosen vegetables. Simmer everything together gently for 10 minutes, ensuring the meatballs absorb the curry flavors and the vegetables are tender but crisp.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Lime: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and Thai basil. This adds bright, fresh herbal notes and balances the richness.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Serve the curry hot over jasmine rice, coconut rice, or rice noodles. Garnish with additional cilantro, sliced green onions, crushed peanuts or toasted coconut flakes, and lime wedges. Optionally, add fresh sliced chili peppers for extra heat.

Notes

  • Add a spoonful of coconut milk or an egg to the meatball mixture to keep them tender and moist.
  • Adjust red curry paste amounts based on your preferred spice level to maintain balance.
  • Brown meatballs on medium heat to form a crust while keeping the interiors juicy.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavors and color.
  • Simmer the curry sauce gently; avoid boiling to prevent coconut milk from separating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai chicken curry, chicken meatballs, coconut curry, Thai recipe, easy dinner, gluten free, family-friendly, spicy curry

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/flavorful-thai-chicken-meatball-curry/