Recipe: Thai Chicken Meatballs with Coconut Curry Sauce

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, white parts of the scallions, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of grated ginger, 1 tablespoon of curry paste, panko, cilantro, basil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Try not to overwork the meat.

Step 2

Spoon out a piece of the chicken mixture and gently roll between your hands to form 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place on a large plate or baking sheet. Continue shaping until all the meat is formed into meatballs. You will have about 16 meatballs.

Step 3

Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic and ginger, stir to combine with the oil, and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the remaining curry paste, and cook for another 30 seconds, then stir in the lime zest, coconut milk, and chicken stock. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

Step 4

Gently place the meatballs into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the meatballs reads 165°F.

Step 5

Stir in the spinach or baby bok choy and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until wilted. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the lime juice, and add additional seasoning, as needed.

Step 6

Serve immediately over rice noodles or basmati rice.