Creamy Coconut Curry Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Looking for a cozy, flavorful dinner that’s both comforting and easy to make? These creamy coconut curry meatballs simmer in a rich, aromatic sauce that combines spices, coconut milk, and fresh herbs for a truly satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this recipe delivers bold taste with simple ingredients.

A white plate holds about nine brown meatballs covered in thick orange sauce with a smooth texture, scattered lightly with small green herb leaves on top, all on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, chicken, or turkey)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp red curry paste
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
  3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides until golden. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed, then sauté the minced garlic and fresh ginger briefly until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Whisk in the red curry paste and coconut milk until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
  6. Step 6: Stir in the soy sauce and lime juice, then let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
  7. Step 7: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for 10 to 15 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and flavorful.
  8. Step 8: Garnish the finished dish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot over jasmine rice, noodles, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

  • Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to keep the texture tender and juicy.
  • Adjust the heat level by adding more or less red curry paste according to your spice preference.
  • For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of peanut butter into the sauce.
  • Try serving the meatballs over rice noodles or as an appetizer with toothpicks for dipping.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to prevent the coconut milk from separating. You can also freeze cooked meatballs in sauce for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate filled with round, brown meatballs covered in orange-brown sauce, with some green herbs sprinkled on top. The meatballs look juicy and slightly textured, and the sauce is smooth and glossy, pooling around the base. A few sprigs of fresh cilantro are placed on the center, adding a bright green color contrast. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make creamy coconut curry meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare both the meatballs and the sauce ahead of time. Simply reheat them gently before serving to enjoy the full flavors.

Can I freeze creamy coconut curry meatballs?

Absolutely. Let the meatballs cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Print

Creamy Coconut Curry Meatballs Recipe

This Creamy Coconut Curry Meatballs recipe is a flavorful, comforting dish featuring juicy meatballs simmered in a rich, creamy coconut curry sauce. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights, it combines tender meatballs with a spicy and aromatic Asian-inspired sauce made from coconut milk, red curry paste, fresh ginger, and lime, finished with fresh cilantro for a bright touch. Serve over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to make.

  • Author: Nethan
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, chicken, or turkey)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Curry Sauce

  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp red curry paste
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Make the meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated, being careful not to overmix to maintain tender meatballs.
  2. Form and brown the meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until they achieve a golden crust. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
  3. Make the coconut curry sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and fresh ginger, sautéing briefly until fragrant. Whisk in red curry paste and coconut milk until the sauce is smooth. Stir in soy sauce and lime juice, then let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken slightly and develop flavor.
  4. Simmer the meatballs: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the curry sauce. Allow them to simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and have absorbed the sauce’s flavors.
  5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the meatballs and serve hot. These meatballs are delicious over jasmine rice, rice noodles, or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy curry sauce.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep the texture tender.
  • Adjust the amount of red curry paste to control the spice level according to your preference.
  • For extra richness, you may add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of peanut butter to the curry sauce.
  • These meatballs pair well with jasmine rice, rice noodles, or crusty bread for serving.
  • You can make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and reheat gently before serving.
  • Meatballs and sauce freeze well when cooled completely; store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
  • While store-bought meatballs can be used, homemade meatballs provide the best flavor and texture.

Keywords: coconut curry meatballs, creamy meatballs, Asian-inspired meatballs, coconut milk curry, easy dinner recipes, one-pan meatballs, family dinner, red curry meatballs

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