Versatile and Simple Thai Meatballs
Versatile and Simple Thai Meatballs are delicious, flavorful and best of all, easy to make. There are so many different serving options for these meatballs that you’ll want to make them again and again. The red curry paste, grated ginger and lemongrass lend these Thai meatballs unique and authentic layers of flavor.
Everybody that knows me knows that I LOVE meatballs! And anything else made with ground beef for that matter. These meatballs contain every flavor that you would expect from a Thai dish. So without much further ado, let’s go meatballs to the wall! 😉
Meatballs are one of those magical foods that can take on so many different shapes. Well, not literally.. I mean, the shape is a ball. But metaphorically, yes! Meatballs can represent every culture’s different flavorings and seasonings. And then when you want to go wild and cook your meatballs in a sauce, the possibilities are infinite. You can have the most amazing sauce in the world but bottom line, your meatball has to be perfection.
I made these meatballs and served them in a Vietnamese-style Bun Bowl. Hands down, these Thai meatballs stole the dinner show that evening.
Where can I buy the ingredients I need to make Versatile and Simple Thai Meatballs?
A lot of the ingredients needed for these meatballs should be readily accessible at your local grocery store. Lemongrass powder may be the only exception. It should be available at your closest Thai grocery store. However, if that’s not an option or not the case, the internet can always be counted on.
Lemongrass powder is actually one of my favorite seasonings in the flavor arsenal. My grocery store does not sell lemongrass and some days I don’t feel like making the trek to the Thai store the next town over. Lemongrass powder is a very popular flavor in Thai cooking so it’s definitely something I like to have access to all of the time. Of course, nothing beats fresh. If you use fresh lemongrass in these Thai meatballs, be sure to very finely chop the lemongrass.
What options do I have besides using ground beef?
I really love combining meats. In fact, my favorite meatball is a ground pork and ground beef love child. This recipe is a ground beef only meatball like my Easy and Savory Korean Gochujang Meatballs. However, you can get creative and mix it up using any meat or combo of meat that your little heart desires. Some great different ground meat options might be:
-Pork
-Veal
-Impossible burger (for vegan meatballs)
-Turkey and sausage: This is a tried and true combination and my Fresh California Sausage and Turkey Burgers prove it.
-Chicken: Chicken meatballs are always a winner. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a hit every time.
Why do you bake the meatballs?
I love to bake these meatballs for a number of reasons. First of all, the meatballs come out nice and soft and tender inside with a nice crust on the outside. I reserve frying meatballs on the stovetop for instances where I’m making the meatballs in a sauce. Korean Meatballs is an example of this. I have a few others that I will be sharing on the blog in the upcoming months.
Secondly, the stovetop doesn’t get all greasy and oil spattered. I know what you’re thinking… And I’m sure I should be saying that they’re healthier because they’re baked and aren’t fried in oil. BUT, I really hate spattered oil on my stovetop. Who doesn’t? So baking in the oven is nice and clean and simple.
Can I omit the egg from these Thai meatballs?
You most certainly can. Egg is used as a binder. The egg holds everything together so that your meatball won’t crumble and fall apart. However, these Versatile and Simple Thai Meatballs won’t even miss it. I like to add the egg because I feel like it just gives them an extra element of moisture. These meatballs are made with soy sauce, fish sauce, red curry paste, sriracha, sesame oil and fresh herbs. The combination of all of these delicious ingredients ensures you will have a moist and rich meatball. Your Thai meatballs will be perfect, with or without the egg.
What can I serve with my Thai meatballs?
These meatballs are phenomenal all by their lonesome. But the serving options are endless. These meatballs are so simple and easy to prepare. Thai meatballs make for an excellent appetizer, main course, potluck or BBQ dish. Try some of these serving ideas:
-Thai meatballs make for a very unique and popular appetizer. Try serving them with my Easy and Classic Vietnamese Peanut Sauce.
-Thai meatball subs: Serve on a sub roll or in a wrap. Top the bread or wrap with a sriracha mayo (1/2 cup sriracha and 1/2 cup mayonnaise). And add cucumber sticks, carrot sticks, red cabbage, onion, cilantro, mint and sprouts.
-This recipe is photographed in a Vietnamese-style Bun Bowl. It is served with lettuce and bean sprouts covered with vermicelli noodles and a variety of your favorite veggies. I used cucumber sticks, shredded carrots, cilantro and mint. Everything is topped with a drizzle of sriracha and some chopped unsalted peanuts. Served with a Vietnamese dipping sauce called nước chấm (recipe below).
Nước chấm
3/4 Cups cold water
1/4 Cup white sugar
1/4 Cup lime juice
1/4 Cup fish sauce
2 Thai chilis
3 Tablespoons shredded carrots
Heat the cold water, white sugar, lime juice, fish sauce and Thai chilis in a small saucepan on medium heat. Stir frequently for about 5-7 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warmed through. Add the shredded carrots to the saucepan and let sit until cooled to room temperature. This sauce should be served cold or at room temperature.
Directions:
Preheat oven to 385°. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Using clean hands, mix until everything is fully combined. Take care to not over mix the meat. Roll the mixture into 2-inch meatballs.
Place the meatballs evenly spread apart on a large pan sprayed baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes. Then, flip the meatballs with tongs and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cooked through. Serve with some lime wedges.
I’ve given you a lot of different ways to make and serve your Thai meatballs. So let’s get this meatball rolling! 😉 Let me know how it all turns out and how you served yours in the comments below!
Versatile and Simple Thai Meatballs
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds ground beef
- 1 Egg
- ¼ Cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 Tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons sriracha
- 1 Tablespoon red curry paste
- 1 Tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 Tablespoon cilantro chopped fine
- 1 Tablespoon mint chopped fine
- 1 Teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ Teaspoon salt
- ½ Teaspoon black pepper
- ½ Teaspoon lemongrass powder
- 3 Cloves garlic chopped fine
- Zest of 1 lime
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 385°. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Using clean hands, mix until everything is fully combined. Take care to not over mix the meat. Roll the mixture into 2-inch meatballs.
- Place the meatballs evenly spread apart on a large pan sprayed baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes. Then, flip the meatballs with tongs and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cooked through. Serve with some lime wedges and enjoy!
