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Homemade Turkey Meatball Curry (Paleo, Whole30) photo

Turkey Meatball Curry (Paleo, Whole30)

Red curry turkey meatballs simmered in coconut milk — a paleo and Whole30-friendly, flavorful one-pan meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lbground turkey
  • 1 eggwell beaten
  • 2 Tbspliquid aminos
  • 3 clovesgarlic
  • 1 Tbspfresh gingerpeeled and grated
  • 2 green onionsfinely chopped
  • 1/4 cuptapioca flour or more if needed*
  • 1/2 tspsea salt
  • 2 to 3 Tbspavocado oil for cooking meatballs
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 Tbspred curry paste
  • 1 Tbsppure maple syrup or coconut sugaroptional
  • 1/2 tspsea saltto taste
  • 1/2 red onion
  • 1/2 red bell pepper

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Stand mixer (optional)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Prepare the red curry sauce: in a saucepan combine 1 can coconut milk, 2 Tbsp red curry paste, 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup or coconut sugar (optional), and ½ tsp sea salt (or to taste). Bring to a full boil, then reduce heat to low so the sauce maintains a gentle simmer while you prepare the rest of the recipe. Stir occasionally.
  2. Make the meatball mixture: in a mixing bowl combine 1 lb ground turkey, 1 well-beaten egg, 2 Tbsp liquid aminos, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 Tbsp fresh ginger (peeled and grated), 2 green onions (finely chopped), ¼ cup tapioca flour (add more if needed), and ½ tsp sea salt. Use your hands or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to mix until well combined. If the mixture feels too wet to form, add additional tapioca flour 1 Tbsp at a time until it holds together.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 to 3 Tbsp avocado oil and heat until the oil is hot and shimmering.
  4. Form meatballs from the turkey mixture, compacting them lightly so they hold together. Place them in the hot skillet without overcrowding (work in batches if necessary).
  5. Brown the meatballs: let them cook untouched for 2 to 3 minutes to develop a crust, flip and brown the next side for 2 to 3 minutes, then roll or flip to an additional side and cook about 1 minute more. The meatballs should be browned on all sides but may not be fully cooked through. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.
  6. In the same skillet, add the ½ red onion (sliced or chopped) and ½ red bell pepper (sliced or chopped). Sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  7. Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the onions and bell pepper. Pour the warmed red curry sauce over everything and stir gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a full boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (add a little more sea salt to taste). Serve the meatball curry warm with your choice of side.

Notes

Notes
*Depending on the brand of ground turkey you use, you may need to add more tapioca flour to get the meatballs to hold together. Start with 1/4 cup and go up to 2/3 cup if needed. You can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of tapioca flour.