Name: Healthy Thai Turkey Meatballs in Coconut Curry Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb organic ground turkey (or substitute ground chicken); 1 egg; 1 cup gluten-free or grain-free cracker crumbs (crackers broken into breadcrumb-like pieces); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1.5 tablespoons coconut aminos; 1 tablespoon red curry paste (adjust to taste for spice level); Sea salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 small onion, diced; 2 tablespoons red curry paste (adjust to taste for spice level); 1 – 13.5 ounce can full-fat coconut milk; 1 tablespoon coconut aminos; Cilantro, for garnish

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Introduction

These Healthy Thai Turkey Meatballs in Coconut Curry are a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Made with lean ground turkey and a rich, creamy coconut curry sauce, this recipe balances spice and sweetness for a delightful meal.

A round black pan filled with about 15 small browned meatballs, sitting in a creamy light orange sauce with a smooth texture. There are several slices of red bell pepper spread around the meatballs inside the sauce. Fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered generously on top of the meatballs and sauce. The pan is placed on a white marbled textured surface with extra cilantro leaves around the pan edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb organic ground turkey (or substitute ground chicken)
1 egg
1 cup gluten-free or grain-free cracker crumbs (crackers broken into breadcrumb-like pieces)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1.5 tablespoons coconut aminos
1 tablespoon red curry paste (taste before adding to check spiciness)
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, diced
2 tablespoons red curry paste (for curry sauce)
1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
1 tablespoon coconut aminos (for curry sauce)
Cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, cracker crumbs, garlic, ginger, 1.5 tablespoons coconut aminos, 1 tablespoon red curry paste, and salt and pepper. Mix well with a spatula or large fork until fully combined, ensuring the egg yolk is well mixed in.
Step 2: Refrigerate the mixture for 15-30 minutes to chill.
Step 3: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 4: Roll the turkey mixture into about 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake the meatballs for 18 minutes, or until cooked through and no longer pink inside.
Step 6: While the meatballs bake, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced red bell pepper and diced onion, cooking for 5-7 minutes until golden and softened.
Step 7: Stir in 2 tablespoons red curry paste, coconut milk, and 1 tablespoon coconut aminos. Mix well and reduce heat to medium-low.
Step 8: Allow the coconut curry sauce to simmer gently while the meatballs finish baking.
Step 9: Add the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the coconut curry sauce. Simmer together for 30-60 minutes if possible, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 10: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over your choice of rice, stir-fry noodles, or zucchini noodles.

Tips & Variations

Taste the red curry paste before using to adjust the heat level to your preference.
For a gluten-free version, ensure cracker crumbs are gluten-free or substitute with almond flour.
Use ground chicken as a leaner alternative to turkey if preferred.
Simmering the meatballs longer in the curry sauce enhances flavor, but you can serve immediately if short on time.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and curry 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. This dish also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A gray pan filled with about sixteen browned meatballs partly covered in a rich, creamy orange sauce, with visible char marks on some meatballs. There are sliced red bell pepper strips and scattered green cilantro leaves floating on top. A wooden spatula is lifting one meatball on the right side, resting on the pan edge. The pan sits 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 these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them before baking. This makes meal prep easier, especially if you plan to simmer them later in the curry sauce.

What can I serve with Thai turkey meatballs?

These meatballs are delicious served over steamed rice, stir-fry noodles, or vegetable noodles like zucchini or sweet potato noodles for a lighter option.