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Flavorful Thai meatballs

Featured in Snacks and bites for hungry moments.

A simple Thai beef meatball recipe featuring red curry, ginger, and coriander. Easy to make and packed with Asian flavors.
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Sat, 08 Mar 2025 22:21:50 GMT
Golden meatballs garnished with green onions and coriander, served in a decorative bowl. Pin it
Golden meatballs garnished with green onions and coriander, served in a decorative bowl. | Tasteofsavor.com

Thai-style meatballs hold a special place in traditional Asian cooking. These aromatic bites capture the essence of Bangkok street food, where fragrant spices waft through bustling markets. This recipe brings authentic Thai flavors right to the home kitchen, perfect for experiencing Southeast Asian cuisine without leaving home.

A Balanced, Flavorful Dish

These meatballs strike the perfect balance between taste and nutrition. Lean protein combines with digestive-aiding spices like ginger and fresh herbs. The light, aromatic profile creates a satisfying meal that's both nourishing and delicious.

Key Ingredients

  • 400g lean ground beef
  • 1 fresh shallot
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon red curry paste
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs
  • 2-3 green onions
  • Cooking oil

Preparation Method

  1. Finely mince shallot, garlic, and ginger
  2. Combine ground beef, minced aromatics, egg, and breadcrumbs in a large bowl
  3. Mix thoroughly until well combined
  4. Form mixture into even-sized meatballs
  5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
  6. Cook meatballs until golden brown and cooked through
  7. Garnish with crispy fried green onions
Un bol de boulettes de viande garnies d'oignons verts, servies avec des piques en bois. Pin it
Un bol de boulettes de viande garnies d'oignons verts, servies avec des piques en bois. | Tasteofsavor.com

Professional Tips

Chilling the meat mixture for 30 minutes before shaping helps develop flavors and makes the meatballs easier to form. Adjust the curry paste amount to taste - start with less and add more for extra heat. The meatballs can be made ahead and reheated when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make sure the meatballs stay soft?
Don’t overmix the meat. Gently shape the meatballs without squeezing them too much so they stay tender.
→ Can these meatballs be made ahead of time?
Sure! Form them in advance and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them raw and cook them later.
→ What sauce goes best with these meatballs?
A Thai sweet chili sauce is a great choice. You could also go for peanut sauce or a homemade spicy soy dressing.
→ Is it okay to swap out the beef?
Absolutely! Ground pork or a pork-beef mix works well. Ground chicken is a lighter option too.
→ What’s the best way to serve these as a full meal?
Pair them with jasmine rice and stir-fried veggies. You could also enjoy them in a bánh mì-style sandwich or toss them into a noodle salad.

Thai meatballs

Beef meatballs spiced with Thai herbs, red curry, and fresh greens. A savory dish that’ll bring a taste of Southeast Asia to your table.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Thai

Yield: 4 Servings (Around 20 meatballs)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 400 grams of ground beef.
02 1 medium shallot.
03 1 clove of garlic.
04 A thumb-sized piece (2 cm) of fresh ginger.
05 A handful of cilantro leaves.
06 1 tablespoon of red curry paste.
07 1 egg.
08 1 tablespoon of breadcrumbs.
09 2 spring onions.
10 Cooking oil.

Instructions

Step 01

Finely chop the shallot, smash the garlic clove, peel and grate the ginger, and chop up the cilantro leaves.

Step 02

Add the ground beef to a big mixing bowl. Toss in the chopped shallot, crushed garlic, grated ginger, cilantro, curry paste, egg, and breadcrumbs. Stir thoroughly to combine.

Step 03

Shape the mixture into small balls about the size of ping-pong balls.

Step 04

Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan. Cook the meatballs until they’re nicely browned on the outside.

Step 05

Chop the spring onions and stir-fry them briefly.

Step 06

Serve the hot meatballs with your favorite spicy sauce.

Notes

  1. These meatballs work great as either an appetizer or a main dish when paired with rice.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Big pan.
  • Grater.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Gluten (breadcrumbs).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 24 g