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Basil Ginger Chicken Meatballs in Coconut Red Curry Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 77 reviews

These Basil Ginger Meatballs in Coconut Red Curry Sauce feature tender ground chicken meatballs infused with fragrant basil and warm spices, simmered in a rich and creamy red curry coconut sauce with bell peppers, onions, and green beans. Served over fluffy jasmine rice and garnished with fresh herbs and lime, this dish offers a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, making it a comforting and exotic meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 2 lbs ground chicken
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup plain panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 shallot, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons ginger paste
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste
  • ¼ cup fresh chopped basil
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Vegetables & Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • ½ medium yellow onion, sliced into half moons
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste
  • 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 (4-ounce) can red curry paste (Maesri Red Curry Paste recommended)
  • 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus lime wedges for squeezing
  • 1 cup trimmed green beans
  • Chopped scallions and/or fresh chopped cilantro, for garnishing (optional)
  • Cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Make meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, finely diced shallot, ginger paste, garlic paste, fresh and dried basil, allspice, smoked paprika, and kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
  2. Shape meatballs: Using a medium spring-loaded scooper, portion the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Roll each meatball gently between your palms until smooth and place them on a large plate. You should have approximately 20-23 meatballs.
  3. Brown meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large deep nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add meatballs in a single layer without overcrowding. Brown the meatballs on one side for 3-4 minutes, then turn and brown the other side for 3-4 minutes. Transfer browned meatballs to a clean plate. Repeat for remaining meatballs, adding oil if needed.
  4. Cook vegetables and build sauce: In the same skillet, add sliced red and yellow bell peppers and onion. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic paste, ginger paste, brown sugar, and red curry paste, stirring and cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Add liquids and simmer sauce: Stir in the coconut milk, chicken broth, fish sauce, and lime juice, scraping any browned bits off the pan bottom. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Combine meatballs and green beans: Lower heat to the lowest setting. Add browned meatballs along with any juices, and green beans to the sauce. Gently toss to coat. Let simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, occasionally swirling the skillet, until meatballs are cooked through, sauce has thickened slightly, and green beans are tender.
  7. Serve: Remove from heat. Serve the meatballs and coconut red curry sauce over fluffy jasmine rice. Garnish with chopped scallions, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. Optionally, serve with naan or pita bread to mop up the sauce. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Do not overwork the meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy.
  • Work in batches when browning meatballs to prevent overcrowding and ensure even searing.
  • The meatballs finish cooking in the simmered sauce, so slight undercooking during browning is okay.
  • Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier sauce.
  • Adjust curry paste quantity based on your heat preference.
  • Garnishes like cilantro and scallions add a fresh brightness; lime wedges add acidity.

Keywords: basil ginger meatballs, coconut red curry sauce, Thai curry meatballs, chicken meatballs curry, coconut milk curry, easy Thai recipe

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/basil-ginger-chicken-meatballs-in-coconut-red-curry-sauce-recipe/