Thai-Style Red Curry Meatballs

Thai-Style Red Curry Meatballs

If you're looking to spice up your weeknight dinners, this Thai-Style Red Curry Meatballs recipe is just what you need. Packed with bold flavours and creamy coconut undertones, these juicy meatballs are a delightful twist on traditional Thai dishes. Best of all, they’re easy to prepare and perfect for both casual dinners and impressive dinner parties.

Why Choose Thai-Style Meatballs?

Combining the rich and aromatic taste of Thai red curry with tender, homemade meatballs creates a flavour explosion in every bite. Thai-style dishes are known for their balance of sweet, spicy, salty and sour elements, and this dish does not disappoint. With the added convenience of a one-pan meal, Thai-Style Meatballs make for a satisfying and wholesome option that’s big on flavour and low on fuss.

Ingredients You'll Need

To prepare these fragrant Thai-Style Red Curry Meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 500g minced pork (or beef/chicken if preferred)

• 1 egg

• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

• 1 tbsp fish sauce

• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs

• 1 red chilli, finely chopped (optional for added heat)

• A handful of chopped coriander

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Thai-Style Curry Sauce:

• 1 tbsp red curry paste

• 1 can (400ml) coconut milk

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 lime (juice and zest)

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• A handful of Thai basil or coriander for garnish

This combination creates a delicious harmony of textures and authentic Thai-Style flavours, transforming everyday meatballs into a taste of Southeast Asia.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the Thai-Style Meatballs. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until everything is well incorporated. Roll the mixture into small, even balls – about the size of a walnut. This should yield approximately 18–20 meatballs.

Place the meatballs on a plate and refrigerate them for 15–20 minutes. Chilling helps them hold their shape during cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Heat a large frying pan or wok over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Fry the meatballs in batches until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through. This usually takes around 8–10 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Pan-frying gives your Thai-Style Meatballs a beautifully crisp exterior while locking in all the succulent juices.

Step 3: Make the Curry Sauce

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Fry the red curry paste for about 1–2 minutes to release its aromatics. Then pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine.

Add brown sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice and zest. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary – you can add more lime or sugar depending on your preference.

This sauce is what gives these Thai-Style Meatballs their distinctive flavour – a rich, creamy blend with just the right amount of kick.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the meatballs to the pan, coating them thoroughly in the curry sauce. Let them simmer gently for another 5–10 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld beautifully. Stir occasionally to ensure the meatballs are evenly coated and heated through.

The result is a pan full of juicy, perfectly spiced Thai-Style Meatballs, glistening in their coconut curry coating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Thai-Style Red Curry Meatballs over steamed jasmine rice or with rice noodles for a hearty meal. Garnish with chopped coriander or Thai basil and a wedge of lime. For an added crunch, sprinkle with toasted peanuts or serve with a side of stir-fried greens.

Whether you're feeding family or friends, these Thai-Style Meatballs are sure to be a hit. They also make great leftovers – the flavours deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more irresistible.

Final Thoughts

This easy yet delicious Thai-Style Red Curry Meatballs recipe brings the authentic taste of Thailand right into your home kitchen. It’s a perfect blend of traditional ingredients and comforting familiarity, elevating simple meatballs into something truly special. Plus, with a few pantry staples and some fresh herbs, you can have this dish ready in under an hour.

If you love experimenting with global flavours or are simply looking for a new dinner idea, give these Thai-Style Meatballs a try – you won’t regret it!

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