Description
These Coconut Chicken Meatballs are flavorful and tender, infused with aromatic ginger, garlic, and fresh cilantro. Cooked in a rich, creamy red curry coconut sauce, they offer a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and tanginess. Ideal for a quick and satisfying Asian-inspired main course served with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup canned coconut milk (full fat)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon oil for cooking
Sauce
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Juice of 1/2 lime
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup coconut milk, chopped cilantro, grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, lime zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally until the meatballs are browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add 1/2 cup coconut milk, red curry paste, brown sugar, and lime juice. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and gently toss them in the sauce, ensuring they are well coated. Simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the meatballs to heat through.
- Serve: Serve the coconut chicken meatballs warm, paired with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken if preferred.
- For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while simmering the sauce.
- Fresh basil or mint leaves work wonderfully as a garnish to add a fresh herbal note.
