Thai Meatballs with Peanut Satay Dipping Sauce

Name: Thai Meatballs with Peanut Satay Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (85% lean recommended; substitute turkey or chicken if desired); 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated; 1 small Thai bird’s eye pepper or jalapeño, minced (optional); 4 scallions, finely diced; Zest of ½ lime (reserve remaining limes for serving); ¼ cup fresh Thai basil and mint, finely chopped (regular basil is fine); 3 tablespoons coconut milk (preferably full-fat, Thai Kitchen brand recommended); Tiny drizzle of honey or pinch of sugar (optional); Sea salt, to taste; Neutral oil or coconut oil for cooking; ½ cup creamy peanut butter (unsalted preferred); 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat or lite); Juice of 1 lime; Sea salt, to taste; Fresh Thai basil; Chopped cilantro; Lime wedges; Steamed rice; Bamboo skewers

Serve these as party bites on skewers and watch them disappear within minutes, or pile them on top of jasmine rice or rice noodles for a proper meal.

byJill Nammar

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Thai cuisine is a vibrant and exciting blend of flavors, and these meatballs with peanut satay dipping sauce capture the essence of a delicious and unique Southeast Asian culinary tradition.

When I first tried making Thai meatballs at home, I was skeptical they’d come close to the ones from my favorite Thai spot downtown. But this recipe? It’s become my go-to for everything from Friday night dinners to impressing guests.

The magic of Thai cooking lies in how it balances sweet, sour, spicy, and savory in every bite. These meatballs hit all those notes with fresh ginger, fiery bird’s eye chilies, and handfuls of fragrant Thai basil and mint.

I’ve switched to grass-fed beef for these, though ground turkey or chicken works beautifully too if you’re watching your red meat intake. The best part? They cook under the broiler in minutes, which means less time cooking and more time eating. No babysitting a frying pan required. When done, you just put them on some bamboo skewers and you have yourself a lovely presentation.

But let’s talk about this peanut sauce – it’s honestly good enough to eat with a spoon (I’ve been caught doing exactly that). Three main ingredients – peanut butter, coconut milk, and lime juice – transform into something that’s simultaneously rich and bright. The lime cuts through the creaminess, giving the sauce that signature Thai twang.

Serve these as party bites on skewers and watch them disappear within minutes, or pile them on top of jasmine rice or rice noodles for a proper meal. Either way, they’re a delicious first step into Thai cooking that doesn’t require a cabinet full of special ingredients or hours in the kitchen.

Thai Favorite: How to Make Pad-See-EwStep by Step Guide to Making Thai Meatball Skewers with Peanut Satay Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Satay Sauce

In a large bowl, combine creamy peanut butter with coconut milk.

Stir vigorously until a smooth, creamy consistency is achieved. Initially, the mixture may appear lumpy, but continuous stirring will smooth it out.

Add freshly squeezed lime juice and sea salt to taste. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, add ground beef, grated ginger, minced pepper, finely diced scallions, lime zest, finely chopped basil and mint, coconut milk, honey or sugar (optional), and sea salt.

Mix gently by hand until just combined—avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.