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For easy Thai baked chicken meatballs, you need: - 1 pound ground chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 3 green onions, finely sliced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon red curry paste - 1 tablespoon fish sauce - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 egg, lightly beaten - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for brushing) Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh herbs, like cilantro, enhance flavor. They add bright notes that dried herbs can't match. Fresh garlic and ginger bring warmth and depth. They make your meatballs taste vibrant and alive. Plus, fresh chicken keeps the meatballs juicy. Always choose high-quality, fresh items when you cook. This choice shows in every bite. If you can't find an ingredient, don't worry. You can swap some items easily. For example, use ground turkey instead of chicken. It’s leaner but still tasty. If you need a gluten-free option, try gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can replace fish sauce with soy sauce for a vegan twist. Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar to keep it sweet. Be creative, and adjust the recipe to fit your needs! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat helps cook the meatballs evenly. Next, grab a baking tray and line it with parchment paper. This step keeps the meatballs from sticking and makes cleanup easy. In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Use 1 pound of ground chicken, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro. Add 3 finely sliced green onions, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. Now, stir in 1 tablespoon of red curry paste, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Don’t forget to add 1 lightly beaten egg, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix everything well until it's fully combined. This mix gives the meatballs their great flavor. Now, use your hands to form the mixture into small meatballs. Aim for 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place each meatball on the prepared baking tray. To add extra flavor, lightly brush the meatballs with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. This oil helps them crisp up while baking. Put the tray in your preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn golden brown and are cooked all the way through. After baking, let them rest for a minute before serving. Enjoy them warm with sweet chili sauce or over jasmine rice! To keep your meatballs moist, use fresh ground chicken. It has more fat than lean cuts. Add breadcrumbs to help absorb moisture. This will make your meatballs tender. Always mix gently to avoid overworking the meat. You want a light touch. To get a nice brown color, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Brush the meatballs lightly with sesame oil. This step adds flavor and helps them crisp up. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check that they are cooked all the way through. These meatballs shine with a side of sweet chili sauce. Serve them over jasmine rice for a complete meal. You can also garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. This adds color and extra flavor. For a fun twist, serve them as sliders in small buns. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your herbs and spices are fresh for the best flavor. Fresh cilantro and ginger can elevate your meatballs significantly. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of red curry paste. You can always add more to taste after cooking. Experiment with Dipping Sauces: Try serving with different sauces like peanut sauce or soy sauce for a unique twist. Make Ahead: These meatballs can be prepared in advance and frozen. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. {{image_2}} You can easily spice up the meatballs. Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the mix. This will give the meatballs a nice kick. You can adjust the heat to your taste. If you want a strong flavor, use more red curry paste. Pair these spicy meatballs with cooling sauces like yogurt or sour cream. This helps balance the heat. If you prefer a meat-free option, try using ground turkey or tofu. Ground turkey gives similar texture and taste. For tofu, mash it well and mix in the same spices. You can also use lentils for a protein-rich option. Make sure to adjust cooking time. The goal is to keep them moist and flavorful. To make these meatballs gluten-free, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. You can also use crushed rice crackers or oats. This keeps the texture right without gluten. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. These simple swaps make the dish friendly for everyone. After you cook your meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the container is sealed well to keep them fresh. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option. To freeze your meatballs, first, let them cool completely. Then, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Put the sheet in the freezer for about one hour. This will help them freeze individually. Once they are firm, transfer the meatballs to a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as you can. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat your meatballs, there are a few easy ways to reheat them. You can use the oven, microwave, or stovetop. - Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. - Microwave: Put the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking often to avoid overcooking. - Stovetop: Place them in a skillet with a splash of water. Heat on medium, stirring gently until warmed through. These storage and reheating tips will keep your Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs tasty and ready to enjoy anytime! Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Just mix the meatball ingredients and form the meatballs. Place them on a tray and cover them. You can store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. This makes it easy to prepare a quick meal later. You can tell the meatballs are done by checking their color. They should be golden brown on the outside. You can also use a meat thermometer. The inside temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat. There are many great options to serve with these meatballs. You can pair them with jasmine rice, which soaks up the flavors well. A fresh salad with cucumber and carrots adds crunch and balance. Sweet chili sauce is also perfect for dipping. Yes, you can use other types of meat. Ground turkey or pork works well. Each type of meat will change the flavor a bit, but it will still be tasty. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if needed. In this blog post, we explored making meatballs, covering key ingredients, steps, and tips. Fresh ingredients enhance flavor, while alternatives cater to various diets. We detailed each step, from prepping ingredients to baking, ensuring moist and tasty meatballs. Variations allow for creativity in your cooking, and proper storage keeps them fresh longer. Remember, you can customize meatballs to fit your needs and preferences. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite flavors in every bite!

Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs

Delicious and flavorful baked chicken meatballs with Thai-inspired ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 3 pieces green onions, finely sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon red curry paste
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 piece egg, lightly beaten
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for brushing)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, red curry paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
  • Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking tray.
  • Lightly brush the meatballs with sesame oil for added flavor and to help them crisp up as they bake.
  • Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for a minute. Serve warm with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping or over a bed of jasmine rice for a full meal.

Notes

Serve the meatballs on a platter garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a vibrant look.
Keyword baked, chicken, meatballs, Thai