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Asian-Style Chicken Meatball Curry served in a bowl with fresh herbs

Asian-Style Chicken Meatball Curry

A delicious and fragrant dish combining tender chicken meatballs with creamy coconut milk and zesty Thai flavors, perfect for a family dinner or impressing guests.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Asian, Thai
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup shredded zucchini (approximately 1 small)
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 shallots, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2 teaspoons tamari or soy sauce

Cooking Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1-3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
  • 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Basil and limes, for serving

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Combine the ground chicken in a mixing bowl with shredded zucchini, chopped green onions, one of the shallots, two teaspoons of grated ginger, one clove of grated garlic, cayenne pepper, a pinch of black pepper, and two teaspoons of tamari. Mix well until all ingredients are combined thoroughly.
  • Oil your hands and form the chicken mixture into tablespoon-sized meatballs. This should yield about 20 meatballs.

Cooking

  • In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs to the skillet and sear them until they are crispy and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once crusty, transfer the meatballs to a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add one tablespoon of olive oil along with the remaining chopped shallot, grated garlic, one tablespoon of ginger, and sliced red bell peppers. Add the butter and curry paste. Sauté these ingredients until fragrant, about two minutes.
  • Pour in the coconut milk and three tablespoons of tamari. Stir well to incorporate all the flavors before returning the seared meatballs to the skillet. Let everything simmer together until the meatballs are fully cooked, approximately five minutes.
  • Stir in the freshly chopped cilantro right before serving.
  • Serve the chicken meatball curry over a bed of rice, garnished with fresh lime, basil, and additional chopped green onions for an extra flavor boost.

Notes

Use fresh herbs like cilantro and basil generously for brightness that complements the rich coconut milk. Monitor meatballs while searing to avoid overcooking. Prepare meatballs and sauce ahead of time for convenience.
Keyword chicken curry, coconut milk, Easy Recipe, Family-Friendly, Meatballs