Thai Meatballs
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
4 people (25 meatballs)
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Calories
486 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer
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Cuisine
Thai
Thai Meatballs
Description
This Thai Meatballs recipe mixes ground pork or chicken with aromatics such as lemongrass paste, grated ginger, minced garlic, finely shredded kaffir lime leaves, chopped bird's eye chilies, and freshly chopped coriander. Panko breadcrumbs and a small egg bind the mixture. The meatballs are formed by hand into small portions and baked on a greased rack until browned and cooked through, ensuring a tender texture.
The dipping sauce features store-bought sweet chili sauce combined with minced garlic and fresh lime juice, adding acidity and depth that complements the meatballs' spice and herbs. Garnishes may include additional coriander leaves and sliced red chilies for more heat and freshness.
These meatballs can be served warm with jasmine rice and simple side salads for a meal. The recipe includes tips on ingredient substitutions, freezing raw meatballs, and suggested side dishes to complete the plate. The use of fresh herbs and spices provides layered Thai flavors without requiring complex techniques.
They freeze well and reheat easily, allowing preparation ahead. The notes explain specifics about ingredients like lemongrass paste and kaffir lime leaves, including substitutes, ensuring adaptability based on availability while maintaining authentic flavor profiles.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 500 g / 1 lb pork mince (ground pork, or chicken)
- 1 tbsp lemongrass paste or finely chopped fresh
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 3 kaffir lime leaf stem removed and very finely shredded, optional extra
- 3 bird's eye chili seeds removed and finely chopped (Note 3, or Thai chili
- 1/4 cup Coriander leaves and stem finely chopped (Note 4, or cilantro
- 1 tsp sugar any
- 1 tbsp fish sauce can substitute with soy sauce if required
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (+ extra 1/4 cup if needed)
- 1 egg small
- cooking spray
Sweet Chilli Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup / 125 ml sweet chilli sauce , store bought (Note 5)
- 1 garlic minced, clove
- 2 tbsp lime juice , plus more to taste
Optional garnishes & serving:
- Coriander leaves finely sliced large red chillies, aka cilantro leaves
- jasmine rice steamed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 220C/430F (standard) or 200C/390F (fan / convection).
- Place a rack on a tray (optional, rack keeps balls slightly rounder).
- Place Meatball ingredients in a bowl (except oil spray), mix well with your hands. Only use extra breadcrumbs if necessary - sometimes, chicken mince can be quite wet. Scoop up 1 slightly heaped tablespoon and roll into a ball (about 3cm / 1.25" diameter). (Note 6 for my way)
- Spray rack well with oil and place the meatballs on the rack.
- Spray meatballs generously with oil, then bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until a bit browned. They should be beautifully soft - see video!
- Serve warm with Sauce, garnished with coriander and chillies if desired.
Sauce:
- Place ingredients in a bowl and mix. Set aside for at least 10 minutes before using.
Notes
- Lemongrass paste is a convenient substitute for fresh lemongrass; frozen chopped lemongrass from Asian stores also works well.
- Kaffir lime leaves add an earthy, citrus note; fresh is preferred, but dried leaves can be used along with lime zest as a substitute.
- Bird's eye chilies provide moderate heat; adjust quantity or swap for milder red chilies as desired.
- Use both coriander leaves and stems for best flavor; finely chop all parts.
- For faster shaping, scoop the mixture with a cookie scoop then roll meatballs rather than forming each one individually.
- Raw meatballs freeze well; freeze on a tray first, then transfer to bags for storage. Thaw before baking.
- Serve with jasmine rice, tomato and cucumber slices, or Asian noodle salad dressed with a complementary sauce.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people (25 meatballs)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 486 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 190g | |
| Calories | 486cal | 24% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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