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
- 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.
📝 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
4
servings10
minutes15
minutes520
kcalIngredients
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
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