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coconut curry meatballs in creamy coconut sauce served with rice

Coconut Curry Meatballs – 5 Steps to a Creamy Weeknight Dinner Win


  • Author: Veronica Taylor
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Description

Tender chicken or turkey meatballs simmered in a rich, creamy coconut curry sauce—flavorful, comforting, and perfect for any night of the week.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground chicken or turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

For the Coconut Curry Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp coconut oil (or olive oil)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp red curry paste
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional, for depth)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken or turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

2. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should get around 24-28 meatballs.

3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

4. Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown, turning halfway through. Alternatively, you can pan-fry them in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through.

5. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they are translucent (about 5 minutes).

6. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

7. Add the red curry paste to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to release its flavors.

8. Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable or chicken broth. Mix well and bring to a simmer.

9. Add fish sauce (if using) and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt or more chili for spice if desired.

10. Carefully add the baked meatballs to the coconut curry sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

11. If using, stir in baby spinach just before serving until wilted.

12. Serve the meatballs and coconut curry sauce over cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish with fresh cilantro and basil leaves for added flavor and color.

Notes

For extra depth, use homemade broth instead of store-bought.

You can swap the ground meat for plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version.

Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Add more chili or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicier curry.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking, Simmering
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 4 meatballs with sauce)
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: coconut curry, meatballs, chicken, comfort food, gluten-free option