Thai Turkey Meatballs are a delicious twist on traditional meatballs, infusing the aromatic and vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine into a beloved dish. These meatballs are made with ground turkey, making them a lighter option, and are seasoned with ingredients like fresh ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and cilantro. The addition of a hint of fish sauce and lime juice provides a unique depth of flavor that is distinctly Thai. Served with a spicy, sweet, and tangy dipping sauce or over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, these Thai Turkey Meatballs are perfect as an appetizer, a party snack, or a main dish for a casual dinner.
Ingredients:
- For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if desired)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh lemongrass
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- For the dipping sauce:
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Optional garnish: additional cilantro, sliced green onions
Directions:
- Prepare the meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, cilantro, lemongrass, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, soy sauce, lime zest, lime juice, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined but avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the meatballs:
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the meat mixture and roll them into balls. Place on a plate or baking sheet. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.
- Cook the meatballs:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and coat with a bit of oil. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Make the dipping sauce:
- While the meatballs are cooking, combine the sweet chili sauce, lime juice, fish sauce, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Stir until well mixed.
- Serve:
- Serve the hot meatballs with the dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with additional cilantro and sliced green onions if desired.
These Thai Turkey Meatballs offer a fantastic blend of flavors that are both refreshing and satisfying, making them a great choice for any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort.
