Turkey Meatballs in a Creamy Red Curry Sauce | The Modern Proper (2024)

Herby, garlicky Thai meatballs simmered in a creamy red curry sauce are the “fusion” flavor bomb you didn’t know you needed.

Red Curry Paste x 2

You all know that we crush hard on red curry paste, but this recipe is kind of next level, even for us. With a generous amount of spicy, fragrant curry paste in both the Thai meatballs and the red curry sauce that they simmer in, these Thai turkey meatballs deliver all of those herby, vivacious Thai flavors you love in a major way. What is it that makes red curry paste so delicious? Well, the ingredients actually vary quite a bit brand-to-brand (we always use the Mae Ploy brand—not sponsored! We’re just loyal fans) but typically red curry paste at least includes:

• Chilis. Dried or fresh chilis—different cooks use different combinations of different varietals, but red curry paste is nothing without chili pepper heat.
• Herbs and spices! Think classic, deeply fragrant Southeast Asian flavors—coriander, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime.
• Fish sauce or shrimp paste. While it’s easy to find vegan brands that don’t have this added fish-y element (if you need a vegan red curry paste, try the Thai and True brand) our favorite brands include shrimp paste. It adds a wonderful saltiness.

Meatballs for Dinner? Appetizers? Superbowl Snacks? Try All of the Above!

Thai red curry turkey meatballs are the perfect all-occasion nibble. Cut the recipe in half to make a simple dinner for a small family, or feed a crowd by doubling it. Plus! Our Thai meatball recipe is totally dairy-free, grain-free, and egg-free, which makes it a great meal to serve when you aren't certain of everyone's dietary restrictions. We’ve also got Creamy Turkey Meatballs if you’re looking for another version or if you want an Asian-inspired meatball, try our Teriyaki Meatballs. The red curry sauce is so silky-smooth, thick, and flavorful, and wonderfully comforting on a cold winter evening. And while it does have red curry paste in it—which is inevitably a little spicy—you can control the amount and tailor it the littles in your life. If you’ve got a spice-averse kid, just dial back the red curry paste a bit. Spice-lovers can always add hot sauce to their servings.

How To Make Thai Meatballs (and the Creamiest Red Curry Sauce, Ever.)

Garlicky and spiced, these Thai turkey meatballs would be good in ANYTHING. And this insanely rich red curry sauce would be good ON anything. Together, they’re a take-no-prisoners combination that’ll please any crowd you serve them to. Here’s how to make them:

1. Begin by making the meatballs, just as you would any other meatball! Combine the ingredients, roll the Thai meatballs, and brown the meatballs in a skillet (but don’t cook them all the way through.)
2. Whip up the red curry sauce, using the same large skillet you browned the meatballs in.
3. Simmer the meatballs in the curry sauce until they’re cooked through.
4. Serve! Serve it over rice if you’d like it to be a main course, or you can serve it the same way you’d serve Swedish meatballs or Fig Jam Meatballs as an appetizer or party snack, with toothpicks for nibbling.

Tools You’ll Need:

• Large skillet, we love something with a lid.
• Stand mixer with a flat beater attachment (optional! Sometimes we like to use this to mix the turkey meatball mixture)
• Sharp knife
• Tongs
• Wooden spoon

Red Curry EVERYTHING:

Red curry paste makes everything better—are you on board yet?

• Red Curry Risotto With Shrimp
• Whole Coconut Curry Chicken
• Coconut Curry Ramen
• Roast Beef Red Curry

Not Your Grandma’s Meatballs

We love spaghetti and meatballs as much as the next person, but it’s fun to mix it up now and again, right? Snap a photo of your turkey Thai meatballs in red curry sauce and maybe even a video of the beautiful people you feed it to. Tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy eating!