Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 large egg
- 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste or finely minced ginger
- 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Curry Sauce
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) full-fat coconut milk
- 2-3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste (adjust based on spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons ginger paste or finely minced ginger
- Large handful baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro and/or basil, roughly chopped
Spicy Mango Topping
- 1 fresh mango, diced
- 1 serrano pepper, seeded and minced
- 1 lime, zested and juiced
To Serve
- Steamed rice
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Add the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and thinly sliced green onions, mixing gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form and Bake Meatballs: Shape the mixture into tablespoon-sized meatballs, making approximately 15-20. Place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked through and lightly browned.
- Prepare Curry Base: While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced shallot and garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Simmer Sauce and Meatballs: Stir in coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, soy sauce, and ginger paste. Bring this mixture to a simmer. Add the baked meatballs to the skillet and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavorful sauce.
- Finish Curry Sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in fresh baby spinach, lime juice, and chopped cilantro or basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- Make Mango Topping: In a small bowl, combine diced mango, minced serrano pepper, lime zest, and lime juice to create a fresh, spicy topping.
- Serve: Spoon the meatballs and curry sauce over bowls of steamed rice, topping each serving with the spicy mango mixture. Garnish with additional lime wedges as preferred.
Notes
- For less spice, reduce the amount of Thai red curry paste and omit the serrano pepper or use a milder chili.
- Ground chicken or turkey can be substituted interchangeably based on preference.
- Ensure meatballs are not overmixed to keep them tender and juicy.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content in the dish.
- Fresh herbs like cilantro and basil add brightness; feel free to use one or both according to taste.
- The mango topping adds a sweet and spicy contrast—do not skip it!
- Serving with steamed jasmine rice complements the rich curry sauce perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Low Fat