Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound 93% lean ground chicken (or ground turkey)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced (seeds included)
- ¼ cup finely diced cilantro
- ¼ cup finely chopped basil
- ¼ cup finely diced green onion
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon yellow curry powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
For the veggies + coconut rice:
- 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- ¼ cup sliced green onion (white part only)
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 12 oz green beans, ends trimmed and cut into roughly 2 inch long pieces
- 1 (15 oz) can light or full fat coconut milk
- ⅓ cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1 cup jasmine white rice
- 1 large red bell pepper, julienned
For the yellow coconut curry sauce:
- ⅓ cup light or full fat coconut milk
- ¼ cup tahini
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup, to sweeten
- 1 teaspoon yellow curry powder
- ½ tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon red cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
To garnish:
- Lime wedges
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup julienned basil
- ¼ cup sliced green onion (green part only)
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken (or turkey), egg, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, diced jalapeño (with seeds), cilantro, basil, green onion, ground turmeric, yellow curry powder, cumin, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly with clean hands until evenly incorporated. Using a medium cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 14-16 evenly sized meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart to allow even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from oven and set aside.
- Cook the coconut rice and veggies: Heat virgin coconut oil in a large, deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and white parts of the sliced green onion. Sauté for about 1 minute before adding the sliced carrots and trimmed green beans. Continue sautéing for another 2 minutes. Next, pour in the can of coconut milk, water, and ½ teaspoon salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in jasmine rice, cover the pot immediately, and reduce heat to low. Let it cook gently for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and carefully fold in the julienned red bell pepper. Cover again, turn off the heat, and let the mixture steam for an additional 5 minutes to soften the bell pepper slightly. Taste the rice and adjust salt as needed.
- Prepare the yellow coconut curry sauce: While the meatballs and rice cook, whisk together all curry sauce ingredients in a medium bowl: coconut milk, tahini, grated garlic, maple syrup, yellow curry powder, freshly grated ginger, ground turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Adjust maple syrup or spices to taste if desired.
- Assemble and serve: Divide the coconut rice and sautéed veggies evenly among four bowls. Top each bowl with 3-4 baked jalapeño curry chicken meatballs. Drizzle the yellow coconut curry sauce generously over the top. Garnish with lime wedges, chopped cilantro, julienned basil, and the green parts of the sliced green onions. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use ground turkey in place of ground chicken if preferred; both work well in this recipe.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the level of spiciness.
- Panko breadcrumbs help keep the meatballs light and tender; substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Using full-fat coconut milk will yield a richer curry sauce and rice, but light coconut milk works for a lighter version.
- Make sure to let the rice steam with the red bell pepper covered to soften it without overcooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by substituting gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (Southeast Asian-inspired)
- Diet: Low Fat