This creamy Thai turkey meatball curry makes such an easy weeknight dinner. Serve with fluffy rice and fresh coriander for a speedy and spicy meal!
This is quickly becoming my go-to weeknight dinner!
I've been getting more into Thai curries recently. I went through a long phase of not really liking them but I've jumped back on board with them recently starting with this vegetarian Thai green curry and now I'm back with this delicious Thai red curry with turkey meatballs.
This dish is the perfect combination of tender meatballs and spicy curry sauce. Despite the fact that you're making meatballs from scratch here this whole recipe is still super quick and easy. I threw it together on a weeknight last week and it was the exact thing I needed.
I also love the fact that the curry and meatballs finish cooking in the oven. That gives you enough time to put on your comfy clothes and pour a glass of something, oh and boil your rice, before you serve everything up and tuck in.
Why we love this meatball curry recipe...
This recipe is so easy to make even though you're making the meatballs from scratch! I know that sounds like a pain but I promise it comes together super quickly.
It only takes eight ingredients to make this meal and it's easy to keep most of them on hand so you can have this delicious curry whenever you want it!
You can make this recipe as spicy or mild as you like by changing the amount of curry paste you use. I went for 2 tablespoons but you could reduce that if you don't like it spicy.
This recipe also makes great leftovers and I enjoyed it for work lunches for several days.
Ingredients
Turkey Meatballs: These are made from a simple combination of turkey mince (ground turkey), an egg, panko breadcrumbs and salt and pepper. You could also use ground beef or lamb or even ground chicken if you prefer.
Red Pepper: Sliced and cooked in the curry so that it still has a bit of bite.
Red Curry Paste: Go for your favourite brand.
Coconut Milk: I prefer full fat but reduced fat will work.
Rice and Fresh Coriander (Cilantro): To serve.
How to make it
Make the meatballs: Put the turkey, panko and egg into a large bowl and season well. Mix then form tablespoons of the meat mixture into meatballs and place on a plate.
Fry the meatballs: Heat the oil over a medium-high heat and fry the meatballs in batches until they're browned on all sides then remove the meatballs to a plate.
Make the curry: Add the pepper to the pot and fry then add the garlic and curry paste. Fry for a few minutes and pour in the coconut milk. Return the meatballs to the curry sauce, bring to a simmer and then put a lid on the pot and cook for 20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.
FAQs
I love using ground turkey in this recipe because it's slightly leaner and healthier than other meats and adds great flavour to the curry. However, this recipe will work just as well with another ground meat like pork or beef so go with whatever your favourite is!
You need little more than some fluffy basmati rice with this curry to make a delicious meal. It's also delicious topped with finely chopped coriander leaves for that hint of freshness. If you're not a fan of rice then you could easily use a different grain. Cauliflower rice would also be a good option.
Leftovers of this curry will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Try parsley or Thai basil if you're not a fan of cilantro.
Meal prep tips
If you'd like to prep some of this recipe ahead of time you could make the meatballs and store them in a sealed container in the fridge until ready to use. Alternatively you could make the whole thing a day before, leave to cool and store in the fridge then just reheat gently in a saucepan before serving.
Want more? Try these other curry recipes!
- Peanut Curry with Tofu & Broccoli
- Cauliflower Lentil Curry with Spinach
- Tofu Curry with Cashew Coconut Sauce
- 15 Minute Chickpea & Spinach Curry
- 15 Minute Thai Prawn Curry
- Creamy Cauliflower & Chickpea Curry
- 1 Pot Thai Beef Curry Pot Roast
- Potato Curry with Creamy Tomato Sauce
Recipe
Meatball Curry with Creamy Coconut Sauce
Ingredients
- 500 g Turkey Mince
- 1 Egg
- 25 g Panko
- Salt and Pepper
- 2 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- 1 Red Pepper sliced
- 2 cloves Garlic crushed
- 2 tablespoon Red Curry Paste
- 1 400g tin Coconut Milk
- Coriander to serve
- Rice to serve
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 190°C/375°F. Mix the turkey mince with the egg and panko and season well. Take tablespoons of the mixture and shape into meatballs.
- In an ovenproof casserole dish which has a lid heat the vegetable oil and fry the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides then place on a plate.
- Add the pepper and fry until softened then add the garlic, fry for a minute before adding the curry paste. Fry for 5 minutes then pour in the coconut milk. Add the meatballs back to the curry, place the lid on and put in the oven. Cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve with rice and topped with coriander.
Notes
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Mirlene says
Two of my favorite dishes in one - can't wait to give this recipe a try. Adding fresh coriander was such a great decision!
cookilicious says
You got me dreaming about coconut curry now! That looks perfect.
Anita says
I have regular beet meatballs instead of turkey, but this meatball curry is so so good even with that. 🙂
Sara Welch says
This is everything a gourmet meal should be and then some! Looking forward to enjoying this for dinner tonight!
Emily Liao says
This is seriously one of my favorite weeknight dinners to make! The curry sauce is so delicious.