A fun twist on a classic! These Saucy Thai Meatballs are amazing and loaded with tons of flavor!
Happiness is a simple thing. Like many gals out there, my girlfriends and I talk a lot about many things, from junk foods, bad hair day (literally), celebrity gossips, and even politics.
Recently, we talked about happiness. And we agreed that sometimes it doesn’t take much to make you happy. It’s those simple things that give you more joy, like finding $5 in my jeans pocket because I forgot to take it out.
Happiness is a simple thing. The idea of making these Saucy Thai Meatballs came when we were in Thailand last December. Our local friends took us around the city to explore so many local favorites from pad thai to chicken rice! I was glad I didn’t need to level up my clothing size when I came back.
Happiness is a simple thing and I really mean these Saucy Thai Meatballs. They’re so easy to make, and thanks to the food processor for playing an important role here. The recipe is using ground pork; however, you can use a combination of ground pork and beef or turkey.
This meatball recipe is just the food that makes you happy, especially when you experience a bad day. This is also the kind of food that you need to try at least once in your life. This is the food that gives you guilty pleasure.
Can I replace coconut milk with regular milk?
Yes! You can use either regular milk or heavy cream; however, you might want to check the consistency when using heavy cream so it doesn’t get too thick or heavy.
Can I serve these meatballs as a party appetizer?
Absolutely! You can make the meatballs ahead of time then put in the refrigerator or freeze them until you’re ready to enjoy these Saucy Thai Meatballs. Yes, these meatballs are freezer-friendly meals!
Happiness is a simple thing. When you think “meatballs,” you probably think “Italian.” And there’s nothing wrong with that! However, let me take you to a different continent through these Saucy Thai Meatballs.
Saucy Thai Meatballs
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 11/2 pound ground pork
- 1 tablespoon minced lemongrass white stalk
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 11/2 tablespoon fish sauce
- 11/2 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon red curry
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup oil for frying
Sauce:
- 200 ml of coconut milk
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon red curry
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For garnish:
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine all meat ingredients, except oil until blend.
- Form the mixture into meatballs about the size of ping pong balls. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Set aside.
- In a small pot, combine the sauce ingredients and cook over medium low heat for 15 minutes. Keep whisking while the sauce is cooking. Adjust the taste by adding salt.
- To serve, place meatballs on a plate and add sauce over it. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
Need more ideas to cook? Check out what others are making!
Meatball Appetizers:
- Bacon Wrapped Meatballs with Maple Balsamic Sauce from The Crumby Cupcake
- Cheesy Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Meatballs from The Weekend Gourmet
- Crab Cake Mini Meatballs with Tartar Sauce from The Texan New Yorker
- Garlicky Shrimp Meatballs from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Greek Turkey Meatballs from Simple and Savory
- Grilled Korean Meatballs from Palatable Pastime
- Saucy Thai Meatballs from Brunch-n-Bites
- Slow Cooker Turkey Appetizer Jelly Meatballs from Noshing With The Nolands
- Stuffed Meatballs from The Freshman Cook
- Tofu Nuggets from NinjaBaker
- Turkey Meatballs in Orange Sauce from Pine Needles In My Salad
- Turkey Meatballs with Marina Sauce from Our Good Life
Meatball Soups:
- Albondigas from Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- Meatball Soup with Orzo from Get the Good Stuff
- Russian Meatball Soup from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Main Dish Meatballs:
- All-Purpose Meatballs from Cosmopolitan Cornbread
- Bourbon Baked Bean Meatballs from Sew You Think You Can Cook
- Cheesy Italian Meatball Sandwich from La Bella Vita Cucina
- Chicken Parmesan Meatball Casserole from Fantastical Sharing of Recipes
- Deep Dish Skillet Meatball Pizza from From Gate to Plate
- General Tso’s Chicken Meatballs from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Gluten-free Meatballs with Homemade Arrabiata Sauce from And She Cooks
- Grandma’s Italian Meatball Subs from Family Around The Table
- Ham Balls from A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Irish Meatballs from Monica’s Table
- Kefta Mkaouara (Spicy Moroccan Meatballs and Eggs) from Curious Cuisiniere
- Keftedakia (Greek-style Meatballs) from Tramplingrose
- Kofte-Style Lamb Meatballs in a Tomato-Pepper Sauce from Caroline’s Cooking
- Meatball Subs from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Moroccan Lamb Meatballs in Tomato Sauce from MyGourmetConnection
- Orecchiette and Meatball Skillet Dinner from Momma’s Meals
- Persian Lamb Meatballs from Food Lust People Love
- Portuguese Meatballs from Family Foodie
- Roasted Vegetable Meatballs from Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
- Saucy Hoisin Chicken Meatballs from Hardly a Goddess
- Slow Cooker Ranch Meatballs Stroganoff from Seduction in the Kitchen
- Slow Cooker Spanish Meatballs from The Chef Next Door
- Sriracha Sesame Turkey Meatballs from Grumpy’s Honeybunch
- Sun-Dried Tomato & Feta Chicken Meatballs over Lemon-Spinach Orzo From Simply Healthy Family
- Swedish Meatballs from Feeding Big and More
- Swedish Meatballs with Zucchini Ribbons from Angels Home Sweet Homestead
- Sweet & Sour Freezer to Slow-Cooker Meatballs from Wholistic Woman
- Tajine-el-Khoukh (Algerian Stuffed Peaches) from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Thai Meatball Lettuce Wraps from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Ultimate Pasta & Meatballs from MealDiva
Meatball Desserts:
- Brownie Meatballs with Frosting Spaghetti from Pies and Plots
Plus Buffalo Chicken Meatballs and More Amazing Meatball Recipes from Sunday Supper Movement
Jen says
These really do look like they would make me happy too!
Linda says
There’s a saying in my country, “Happy tummy, happy life” 😀
Sarah E. says
This event is plain trouble for me. It’s 10am and all I want in life is a plate full of meatballs. No exception here – these look fabulous and delicious and like I need them in my life right now!
Linda says
Thank you, Sarah!
Renee@Renee's Kitchen Adventures says
Holy cow these look amazing!
Linda says
Thank you, Renee!
Hezzi-D says
The sauce sounds amazing!
Linda says
Thank you, Hezzi-D! The sauce is indeed tasty and full of flavor ;-D
Tara says
Wow, are those amazing looking. I want to dive right in!!
Linda says
Thank you, Tara!
Rachel says
That plate would make me happy too. I love lemongrass!
Linda says
Me too! Lemongrass is such a staple ingredient in South East Asian cuisine. It makes every food more tasty in my opinion 🙂
Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm says
This sound soooooo good.
Linda says
Thank you, Wendy!
Liz says
SO yummy and flavorful!!!
Linda says
Thank you, Liz!
Megan Keno says
These sound awesome! I love the flavors, I’m going to have to try these out!
Linda says
Thank you, Megan!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
Thai is hands down my favorite cuisine and these just look perfect. They’d definitely make me happy 🙂
Linda says
Thank you, Gina!
Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook says
My husband would gobble these right up!
Linda says
Thank you, Lauren!
David @ Spiced says
I’m with ya, Linda! Happiness is such a simple thing, and it takes a different form with everyone. But it often doesn’t take much. I know a plate of this saucy meatballs would definitely make me happy…almost as happy as finding $5 in my jeans pocket! 🙂
Linda says
Thank you, David! 😀
Rahul @samosastreet.com says
These look beautiful and are easy to prepare. I’d love to make these on weekend. Thai food is my fav cuisine
Linda says
Thank you, Rahul!
Sue Lau says
I have a meatball recipe that’s similar using chicken but I love the idea of trying it with pork!