Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works wonderfully and will give you a very similar texture and taste. You can also try ground pork for a slightly richer flavor profile.

What if I don't have coconut aminos?

Soy sauce is a suitable substitute, but do note that it's saltier, so cut back a little on any added salt in the recipe. Tamari is another good alternative, especially if you want to keep things gluten-free.

Do I have to use fish sauce?

Fish sauce is key for an authentic Thai flavor, but if you really need to skip it, you can add a splash of extra soy sauce and a squeeze of lime juice for some of that salty-tangy complexity.

How can I make the sauce a bit thicker?

If your sauce feels a little thin, let it simmer a few more minutes to reduce, or stir in a small cornstarch slurry (just a bit of cornstarch whisked into water) at the end to help it thicken up perfectly.

Thai Meatballs Recipe

Name: Thai Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground turkey; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 1/4 cup scallions, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger; 2 tablespoons coconut aminos; 1 1/2 teaspoon chili paste; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; Pinch red pepper flakes; 1/4 cup coconut aminos; 2 tablespoon sesame oil or olive oil; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 clove garlic, finely minced; 2 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 teaspoon chili paste

Description

These Thai Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy appetizer or main course. Made with lean ground turkey, shredded carrots, scallions, and a blend of Thai-inspired seasonings, they’re baked to perfection and tossed in a savory, slightly spicy sauce. Perfect as party bites or served over rice for a satisfying meal, this recipe is easy, quick, and gluten-free.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Meatballs

1 lb. ground turkey
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup scallions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
2 tablespoons coconut aminos
1 1/2 teaspoon chili paste
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
Pinch red pepper flakes

For the Sauce

1/4 cup coconut aminos
2 tablespoon sesame oil or olive oil
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 clove garlic, finely minced
2 teaspoon grated ginger
1 teaspoon chili paste

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF and set aside a baking sheet, lining it with parchment paper if desired for easier cleanup.
Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, shredded carrots, chopped scallions, minced garlic, grated ginger, coconut aminos, chili paste, sea salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Form Meatballs: With wet hands, portion out about 2 heaping tablespoons of the mixture for each meatball and roll into balls. If the mixture is difficult to handle, chill in the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes.
Bake the Meatballs: Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165ºF.
Prepare the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, add all of the sauce ingredients (coconut aminos, sesame oil, fish sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili paste) to a medium pot. Whisk together and cook over medium heat until the sauce comes to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly.
Toss and Serve: Toss the cooked meatballs with 3/4 of the prepared sauce. Serve over rice or your preferred side dish, or present them as appetizers with the extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

You can substitute ground chicken for the turkey if preferred.
Sriracha can be used in place of chili paste.
Serve these meatballs as an appetizer or as a main course over rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
For a gluten-free option, ensure all sauces are certified gluten-free.

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 4 meatballs (1/4 recipe)
Calories: 240
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 530mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 70mg