So it’s Meatball Monday and have I got a great low carb meatball recipe for you guys! This was actually supposed to get posted last week, but I was having server issues and couldn’t post anything for a few days. On top of that, the entire post got deleted in the server switch and I had to start from scratch.
Mentally, I was too frustrated to even try rewriting it at the time, so I took a little blogging break for the week. Lest you think I was just lounging by the pool the whole time though (well, there may or may not have been some pool lounging, but even then my brain was smoking from all that thinking about working!) I was very busy behind the scenes, and on a project I’m excited to share with you guys very soon!
For now, let’s talk meatballs!
This recipe is really a complete low carb meal, though the meatball definitely remains the star. Loaded with delicious low carb veggies (baby corn, bok choi, eggplant, YUM), it’s very filling! Don’t shy away from the baby corn either, the entire can has only 4g net carbs due to the high fiber and low sugar content.
This dish is pretty versatile – the sauce is so delicious that you could replace the meatballs with any protein, or omit them altogether, and serve it as a veggie side, or if you’re vegetarian just add even more veggies or suitable vegetarian protein and you’re good to go. Or even skip the veggies, and just eat the meatballs and sauce like a Thai version of Swedish meatballs! There is no end to the combinations you could make here.
[pinterest text=”Thai Red Curry Meatballs (low carb and gluten free) – ibreatheimhungry.com” layout=”horizontal” image=”https://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/thaimeatballs2small-632×950.jpg”]
As always, I tried to jam a lot of flavor into the meatballs themselves, so that even if you go naked (the meatballs, not you) they will still taste great!
PrintThai Red Curry Meatballs – Low Carb and Gluten Free
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A Thai inspired low carb and gluten free meatball recipe that the entire family will love!
Ingredients
For the meatballs
- 1.5 lbs ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup almond flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 tsp red curry paste
For the Sauce
- 2 cups eggplant, peeled and chopped into cubes
- 4 cups bok choi, chopped
- 1 can baby corn, drained and sliced into 1 inch pieces
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil
- 2 Tbsp red curry paste (in the asian section of most grocery stores)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar substitute
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce
- 1/4 cup almond milk (vanilla, unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (garnish, optional)
Instructions
To make the Meatballs:
- Combine all of the meatball ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly and form into 16 meatballs. Saute in a nonstick pan with just a little bit of coconut oil if necessary, until golden brown on all sides – about 3 – 4 minutes per side should do it. Remove from pan onto a paper towel-lined plate while you make the sauce.
To make the sauce:
- Heat coconut oil in a large saute pan. Add the curry paste and cook for about one minute. Add the eggplant and saute for about 2 minutes. Add the bok choi and baby corn and cook for another 2 minutes, or until bok choi leaves are wilted. Pour the coconut milk and almond milk into the pan and bring to a simmer. Add the fish sauce, sweetener, and meatballs to the pan. Stir, and simmer gently for about five minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked to your liking. Remove from the heat and serve with a generous amount of fresh chopped cilantro.
Notes
Approximate nutrition information:
per “naked” meatball: 95 calories, 7g fat, .4g net carbs, 8g protein
per serving with sauce and veg: 567 calories, 43g fat, 6.25g net carbs, 38g protein
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs, 1 cup vegetables with sauce
[pinterest text=”Thai Red Curry Meatballs (low carb and gluten free) – ibreatheimhungry.com” layout=”horizontal” image=”https://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/thaimeatballsfeaturedsmall.jpg”]
Love meatballs?!?! (Of course you do!) Check out some of these other IBIH Meatball Monday Favorites: General Tso’s Meatballs, Carolina BBQ Meatballs, Loaded Nacho Meatballs, and Jalapeno Popper Meatballs, just to name a few! Or type meatballs into the search bar for a complete list!
For more great recipes, download your copy of The Gluten Free Low Carber today!
Johanna says
Hmmm… Any ideas for an eggplant substitute? My desperate attempts to like it haven’t worked yet. I’ll have to think on that to keep the substantial ‘side’ aspect to keep the meal as filling. I’ll be making this as soon as I can get to the stores. Luckily my son is a follow meatball/curry lover so he too will appreciate this!
Holly says
This might be a silly question.. but can I buy canned bok choy and canned baby corn in a regular grocery store?
Mellissa Sevigny says
You can get canned baby corn in the asian section of the average grocery store, but the bok choy I usually get in the produce dept!
Elissa says
I made this last night while cooking for the week (I think I was feeling exotic as I made this and the satay meatballs) :) I used the baking splenda for the sweetener and added 2 Tbsp. but it was way too sweet. Next time I will scale the sweetener down. I also didn’t have enough ground turkey so I mixed the 4oz. of ground turkey that I did have (left over from cooking the satay meatballs) and I chopped up some chicken breasts in small pieces, added the seasoning for the meatballs and browned it in coconut oil before adding it to the sauce. This was REALLY good.
Mellissa Sevigny says
I love this dish Elissa and want to include it in one of the week long meal plans soon since it’s got everything you need for a complete meal! I like your chopped chicken breast idea – way to make it work for you and thanks for sharing! :)
Kaitlin V says
Okay. This settles it. You are my foodie spirit animal. Seriously, your blog, specifically Meatball Monday, has revolutionized my low carb/GF cooking AND my life. As a wife and author busy with a day job, I can’t thank you enough for your delicious, healthy, and wholesome recipes. Not to mention your wit and gorgeous photography. I’m a fan for life!
Mellissa Sevigny says
Welcome Kaitlin and thanks so much! :)
Anne Marie says
What would be a alternative to almond flour that won’t alter the flavor of the meatballs?
Mellissa Sevigny says
If you aren’t worried about gluten you can replace it with bread crumbs, or parmesan cheese, or just omit it altogether and they would be a little denser but still good!
Peter says
I think this looks amazing. I like to make my own curry paste, though. I find the flavor you get beats anything out of a jar.
Mellissa Sevigny says
I’ve never made my own curry paste, guess I’ll have to put that on my list of things to try soon, thanks Peter! :)
Lia says
I made these today and they are amazing! Thank you so much for all the meatball recipes! They are always a hit at my house!
Mellissa Sevigny says
Thanks Lia, glad you liked this one! I loved that creamy sauce that’s both spicy and a little sweet with the meatballs! I will probably make these again soon myself!
Shawn @ I Wash You Dry says
Wow, these look fantastic! I am loving your selection of different meatball flavors, what a fun way to switch things up! :)
Mellissa Sevigny says
Thanks Shawn, I’m having a blast coming up with all of these different meatball recipes. I’m convinced there is nothing that can’t be made into a meatball and I’m determined to prove it! :)
buttoni says
OMG these sound utterly delicious! I have everything on hand and will do these, but with grass-fed ground beef I think. Mmmmm. Can’t wait!