Coconut Curry Turkey Meatballs

These coconut curry turkey meatballs are one of those recipes that feel way more impressive than the effort required. Juicy turkey meatballs simmered in a creamy red Thai curry sauce, served over rice with a little heat from red pepper flakes – it’s comforting, flavourful, and surprisingly light at the same time.

If you like curry but want something simple and approachable, this one is it.


⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Big flavour, minimal effort
  • High-protein and filling
  • Great for meal prep
  • Cozy, creamy, and comforting
  • Works for busy weeknights

🧄 Ingredients (Serves 4)

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Coconut Curry Sauce

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp red Thai curry paste
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk

For Serving

  • Cooked white rice
  • Red pepper flakes

🍳 How to Make It

  1. In a bowl, combine ground turkey, garlic, ginger, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and form into meatballs.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add sliced onion and cook until softened.
  4. Stir in red Thai curry paste and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add soy sauce and coconut milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Return meatballs to the pan and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  7. Serve over rice and finish with red pepper flakes.

📝 Recipe Notes

  • Make it spicier: Add more curry paste or chili oil.
  • Sweeter curry: Stir in a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar.
  • Veggie add-ins: Bell peppers, spinach, or peas work great.
  • Protein swap: Ground chicken works just as well.

🔢 Servings & Nutrition (Estimated)

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Calories: ~520 kcal | Protein: ~34 g per serving
    (Includes meatballs + sauce + rice)

Coconut Curry Turkey Meatballs

Recipe by itskristinskitchen
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

520

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp ground ginger

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp cumin

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced

  • 2 tbsp red Thai curry paste

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk

Directions

  • In a bowl, combine ground turkey, garlic, ginger, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and form into meatballs.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  • In the same pan, add sliced onion and cook until softened.
  • Stir in red Thai curry paste and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add soy sauce and coconut milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Return meatballs to the pan and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  • Serve over rice and finish with red pepper flakes.

❓ FAQs

Can I bake the meatballs instead?
Yes – bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, then add to the sauce.

Can I freeze this?
Absolutely. Freeze the meatballs in sauce for up to 2 months.

Is this dairy-free?
Yes – coconut milk keeps it completely dairy-free.

What rice works best?
Jasmine or basmati are perfect here.

Check out my latest recipe! Honey Dill Salmon with Mango Qunioa

Follow me for more quick, flavor-packed recipes:
TikTok: @ItsKristinsKitchen
Instagram: @ItsKristinsKitchen

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *