Name: Jerk Meatballs in Coconut Curry Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp jerk seasoning; 1 egg; 1/4 cup chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk; 2 tbsp curry powder; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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Introduction

Jerk Meatballs in Coconut Curry Sauce offer a delicious fusion of spicy Caribbean flavors with creamy, fragrant curry. This dish is perfect for a comforting meal that’s both bold and satisfying. Easy to prepare, it brings exciting twists to classic meatballs.

The image shows a dish with seven dark brown, crispy meatballs arranged on top of a bed of white rice. The rice lies near the center of a shallow white plate, surrounded by a thick, bright orange curry sauce that fills the edges of the plate. Fresh green cilantro leaves and thin red chili slices are sprinkled over the meatballs and rice, adding pops of color and texture. The sauce has small droplets of oil, contributing to the rich look. The overall presentation is vibrant and inviting, with the combination of white, orange, brown, green, and red colors on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp jerk seasoning
1 egg
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk
2 tbsp curry powder
1 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, jerk seasoning, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
Step 3: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned on the outside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, add the coconut milk, curry powder, chicken broth, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, until thickened.
Step 6: Gently add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped Scotch bonnet peppers to the meatball mixture.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Serve over steamed rice or with warm flatbread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Fresh lime juice added at the end brightens the flavors wonderfully.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with two main layers: on the left side, a generous portion of white rice with some light green garnish on top, and on the right side, six browned meatballs covered in bright yellow sauce with visible small green herbs and pieces of red vegetables mixed in; one meatball is cut open showing a textured grayish inside. The dish is garnished with chopped green onions scattered over the sauce and rice. A metal fork rests on the edge of the bowl. A woman's hand holds the bowl from the bottom right corner. The background features a white marbled texture with a folded white and yellow striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Cooking them just before adding to the sauce ensures they stay tender.

Is this recipe spicy?

The jerk seasoning gives the dish a mild to moderate spice level, but you can adjust the heat by adding more seasoning or hot peppers based on your preference.