Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your dinner guests? Look no further than these Thai Red Curry Turkey Meatballs! Bursting with vibrant flavors and a delightful kick, this dish transforms humble turkey into a gourmet experience. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick preparation time, you can whip up a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to bring a taste of Thailand to your kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean workspace. This includes 1 lb of ground turkey, 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro, 1 egg, 2 tbsp of red curry paste, 1 can of coconut milk, 1 tbsp of fish sauce, 1 tbsp of lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped cilantro, egg, and red curry paste. Use your hands or a spatula to mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Once the mixture is uniform, season it with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful not to over-season, as the red curry paste and fish sauce will also add flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, shape the turkey mixture into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. You should have approximately 16-20 meatballs, depending on the size you choose.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking. Make sure to leave some space between each meatball for even cooking.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden-brown color on the outside. You can check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the can of coconut milk, fish sauce, and lime juice. Stir well to blend the ingredients.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook for about 5-10 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add an extra tablespoon of red curry paste at this stage.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the coconut sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
- Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lime juice, salt, or pepper if desired.
- To serve, plate the meatballs with a generous amount of sauce over the top. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles.
- Enjoy your delicious Thai Red Curry Turkey Meatballs!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake!
- Customize Your Spice Level: If you love heat, feel free to add more red curry paste to the sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture for an extra kick.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor, but you can also experiment with Thai basil or mint for a different twist.
- Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve with Sides: These meatballs pair beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles, and a side of stir-fried vegetables adds a colorful and nutritious touch.
- Make It a Meal Prep: These meatballs store well in the fridge for up to three days, making them a great option for meal prep. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
- Garnish for Presentation: Don’t forget to garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges for a pop of color and freshness when serving!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 120mg
