Description
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.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 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 1/2 lime (reserve remaining limes for serving)
- 1/4 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
For the Peanut Satay Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (unsalted preferred)
- 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat or lite)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Sea salt, to taste
For Serving:
- Fresh Thai basil
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Steamed rice
- Bamboo skewers
Instructions
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.
Step 3: Shape Meatballs
- Preheat the broiler on high.
- Line a large baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly coat with cooking spray or neutral oil.
- Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking.
- Form meat mixture into round balls about the size of large marbles or walnuts. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Cook Meatballs
- Place meatballs under the broiler and cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Meatballs should be cooked through yet juicy. Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
Step 5: Serve
- Put meatballs on bamboo skewers, 4-5 on each
- Serve meatballs warm, with peanut satay sauce on the side.
- Garnish with fresh Thai basil, chopped cilantro and lime wedges.
- Pair with steamed rice and chopped salad for a complete meal.
Notes
Substitute chicken or turkey for beef for a leaner option.
Adjust the spice level to your preference by reducing or omitting the pepper.
Peanut sauce can be prepared ahead and refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins