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Creamy Coconut Meatballs are the perfect weeknight dinner that you can pair with absolutely anything. These meatballs are so easy to prepare and will leave you with a top tier dinner in under 30 minutes that will have everyone running for seconds. Say goodbye to the same boring meatball recipes that you’re so tired of making. These meatballs delicious and juicy, crispy on the outside but super tender once you bite into them.
These Creamy Coconut Meatballs were actually a freestyle dinner that I made in a rush one night that turned out to be one of the best meatball dinners I’ve ever made and had. The ingredients weren’t at all planned out, and they’re simple ingredients that majority of pantries should have. I just went with the flow but believe me when I say these delicious meatballs will now be a staple in my home.
What is needed to make Creamy Coconut Meatballs
- Ground Turkey- I used ground turkey to make the meatballs for this recipe, but of course any ground meat can be used. You can substitute ground beef, pork, chicken or sausage. I tend to stick with ground turkey because I think its healthier than ground beef.
- Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs is very important when making any meatballs as it acts as a binder and prevents the meatballs from becoming dry. This will ensure your meatballs are juicy.
- Milk- Milk works hand in hand with breadcrumbs which will leave you with super moist meatballs.
- Coconut Milk- Coconut milk is very important when making these Creamy Coconut Meatballs. This what gives these meatballs that distinct flavor that completes the entire dish.
- Cream of Mushroom- As mentioned above, this meatball recipe was not planned, I just went along with the ingredients I had in my pantry. The cream of mushroom will add tons of flavor and give the sauce its creamy texture. You could substitute fresh mushroom along with some heavy cream.
- Chicken Stock- Chicken stock plays a major role when making most sauces. It’s a key ingredient for the base of the sauce, as it is packed with tons of flavor and helps to deglaze your pan.
- Onion and Garlic- Whenever making meatballs, I love to quickly sauté some onions and garlic and add to the meatballs. This ensure that the meatballs are packed with flavor.
- Seasonings- Very important when cooking anything, a little pepper and salt goes a long way. I also used smoked paprika, garlic powder and a little Jamaican meat seasoning. Of course, you can use whatever seasonings you prefer, make this meatball recipe your own.
Different Ways to Make Turkey Meatballs
- How to Make Turkey Meatballs on the Stove– Cooking meatballs on the stove is the best cooking method, as you’re able to control the temperature and you can move them around multiple times. Stovetop meatballs are also crispier on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- How to Make Meatballs in the Oven- Cooking meatballs in the oven takes less effort and clean up. Baking meatballs also ensures even cooking compared to cooking on the stove.
- How to Make Meatballs in the Air Fryer– Air fried meatballs are the crispiest compared to stovetop and oven meatballs. This is simply because it heats up really quickly and doesn’t need to be preheated like the oven. The air fryer traps the heat, and this ensures quicker and even cook on your meatballs.
Creamy Coconut Meatballs
Ingredients
- 16 oz Ground Turkey
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 tbsp Italian bread crumbs
- 4 tbsp milk
- 1/2 Onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp Adobo All Purpose
Creamy Coconut Sauce
- 1/2 Onion
- 1/2 Cup Chicken Stock
- 1/4 coconut milk
- 1/4 Cream of mushroom
- 1/4 Heavy Cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Ensure meat is thawed and at room temperature.
- Finely chop onion and divide into two. Minced garlic and set aside.
- Add 1 tbsp of oil to skillet on medium high flame. Once oil is hot, sauté onion for around 3 minutes, then add garlic and continue to cook for 3 minutes.
- Remove pan from pan for heat and set aside.
- Add ground turkey to a large bowl, followed by all the other ingredients along with sauteed onion and garlic. Mix well to combine.
- With wet hands, make your meatballs around the size of a golf ball. Set them to the side.
- To a large skillet add 2 tbsp oil on medium high flame.
- Once oil is hot, add meatballs individually leaving a little space between each. Cook on all sides until brown for about 10 minutes.
- If you are cooking your meatballs in the oven, then cook at 350℉ for 10 minutes.
- Remove meatballs and set aside in a plate. Ensure to remove meatballs in the order that you placed them in the skillet.
- Add onions and sauté for around 5 minutes. Add 1 tbsp of oil, if needed.
- Add chicken stock and coconut milk and cook for 5 minutes on low flame.
- Add cream of mushroom and heavy cream along with seasonings and cook together for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add meatballs to sauce, cover and cook in sauce for 8-10 minutes basting continuously.
- Serve warm over white rice, mashed potatoes or pasta.
Tips on Making the Best Meatballs
Adding Breadcrumbs– Breadcrumbs or any kind of filler like crackers and oats is very important in having moist meatballs.
Consistent Meatball Size Matters- Try to keep your meatballs around the same size, as this will ensure an even cook on all of them. Different sizes will result in some being overcooked and some undercooked.
Don’t overcook your meatballs- It is very important to keep an eye on the cooking time of your meatballs, especially if you’re using ground turkey like I did. Turkey takes less time to cook compared to beef, so around 15-20 minutes should have perfectly cooked meatballs, depending on the sizes of course.
Why I used Ground Turkey instead of Ground Beef
Ground turkey has a lower portion of saturated fat compared to ground beef which is a better option for your health.
