Dive into a culinary adventure with our mouthwatering "Meatballs in Fragrant Coconut Broth"! This Thai-inspired dish brings together tender, flavorful meatballs swimming in a luscious, aromatic broth that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is not just about eating; it’s about indulging in a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to Thailand with every bite. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g ground meat (beef or pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp curry paste
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the meatballs. In a large mixing bowl, combine 500g of ground meat (beef or pork), 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1 egg. Mix well using your hands or a fork until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into meatballs, approximately 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a plate and set aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the meatballs on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the browned meatballs from the pot and set them aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, add the 1 can of coconut milk and 2 cups of chicken broth. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Once the broth is simmering, add 1 tablespoon of curry paste and 1 tablespoon of fish sauce. Stir to dissolve the curry paste into the broth, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Carefully return the browned meatballs to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the broth. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors have developed.
- Once cooked, taste the broth and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add more fish sauce for saltiness or a bit more curry paste for extra flavor.
- To serve, ladle the fragrant coconut broth and meatballs into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious meatballs in fragrant coconut broth with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Tips
- Choose Your Meat Wisely: While beef and pork are traditional choices, feel free to experiment with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option. Just ensure they are well-seasoned to maintain flavor.
- Perfect Meatball Texture: Don’t overmix the meatball mixture; this can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just until combined for a tender bite.
- Brown for Flavor: Browning the meatballs not only adds color but also enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Make sure to do this in batches to avoid steaming them.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a spicier broth, add more curry paste or a pinch of chili flakes to the coconut broth for an extra kick.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro not only adds a pop of color but also brightens the dish. Consider adding lime wedges on the side for an additional burst of freshness.
- Serve with Sides: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
- Make Ahead: The meatballs can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. Just simmer them in the broth when you're ready to serve for a quick and easy meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg