Yellow Curry Meatballs Freezer Meal Recipe
Tender, flavorful meatballs bathed in a creamy and aromatic yellow curry sauce. It's a comforting combination that will transport your taste buds!
These yellow curry meatballs are one of my favorite appetizers when hosting a party any time of the year. (I put the cute little tooth picks in each one. You can also serve these meatballs, featuring a creamy curry sauce with aromatic spices, as a main dish!
Life can get hectic, and we all have those moments when time seems to slip through our fingers. That’s where this freezer-friendly delight swoops into the rescue. Flavorful meatballs bathed in a creamy and aromatic yellow curry sauce. It’s a comforting and exotic combination that will transport your taste buds to culinary heaven.
This recipe involves very minimal time to prep and make. ANYONE can make this recipe at home. It is easy to prep and requires ingredients that are usually readily available. It’s a flavorful, time-saving, and delicious solution to your mealtime dilemmas.
Why you’ll love this Delicious and Easy Yellow Curry Meatball Recipe
- Quick and Easy Prep
- Make Ahead Convenience
- Freezer-Friendly
- Family-Friendly
- Versatile Dish
- Nutritious Ingredients
How to make (and meal prep) this Yellow Curry Meatballs recipe.
Yellow Curry Meatballs Freezer Meal Recipe
Tender, flavorful meatballs bathed in a creamy and aromatic yellow curry sauce. It's a comforting combination that will transport your taste buds!
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker
- 1 Baking sheet with lip
- Parchment Paper
- 1 High speed blender/food processor
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 3 lb ground beef
- 1 cup onion finely diced
- 1 cup pear finely diced, (You can also use apples)
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Curry Sauce: Blend together
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
- 14.5 oz full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice juice of one lemon
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For serving
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Hummus
- Pickled Vegetables Optional
- Naan Bread Optional
Cilantro Lime Rice*
- 4 cups cooked rice I love Basmati
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice juice of 2 limes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro diced
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
Freezer Prep directions:
- Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling with recipe title and cooking directions.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Mix meatball ingredients together by hand and form into golf ball sized meatballs. Then place onto baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
- Cook in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes.
- Blend all curry sauce ingredients in high speed blender or food processor.
- When meatballs are finished cooking remove from oven and let cool.
- Once cool place meatballs and curry sauce into labeled gallon freezer bag and freeze for up to three months.
Slow Cooker Directions:
- Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
- Dump the contents of freezer bag into slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours.
- When meatballs are almost done, cook rice according to package. Once rice is cooked, mix in ¼ cup fresh, diced cilantro, juice of 1-2 limes, and 1 tsp salt.
- Stir meatballs, serve over cilantro-lime rice with some hummus and enjoy.
Instant Pot Directions
- Dump the contents of the freezer bag, plus ½ cup water, into the Instant Pot.
- Set to High Pressure for 8 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release.
- While meatballs are cooking, cook rice according to package. Once rice is cooked, mix in ¼ cup fresh, diced cilantro, juice of 1-2 limes, and 1 tsp salt.
- Stir meatballs, serve over cilantro-lime rice with some hummus and enjoy.
Dietary Adjustments
Make it Gluten Free:
Recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Make it Dairy Free:
Recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Make it Egg Free:
Omit egg, and make sure to finely dice the pear. The pear should be enough to bind the meatballs.
Make it Tree Nut Free:
Recipe is naturally tree nut free.
Make it Peanut Free:
Recipe is naturally peanut free.
Freezer Labels
Video
Notes
*Cook rice when curry meatballs are almost done cooking, then mix in lime juice, fresh cilantro and salt for a delicious cilantro lime rice.
Nutrition
Calories: 528kcalCarbohydrates: 21.2gProtein: 27.5gFat: 37.9g
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Equipment Needed to Make Delicious Yellow Curry Meatballs
- 1 Slow cooker
- 1 Baking sheet with lip
- 1 Gallon freezer bag
- Parchment paper
- 1 High speed blender/food processor
Ingredients for your Yellow Curry Meatballs Freezer Meal Recipe
- 3 lb Ground beef
- 1 cup Onion, diced
- 1 cup Pear, diced (You can also use apples)
- 1 Egg
- 2 tbsp Curry powder
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- Curry Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 2 tbsp Curry powder
- 6 oz can Tomato paste
- 1/4 tsp Ground turmeric
- 14 oz Full fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup Water
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice juice of one lemon
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
What to serve with your Flavorful Make-Ahead Curry Meatballs!
Sides:
- Sauteed Garlic Bok Choy
- Thai Cucumber Salad
- Coconut Jasmine Rice
Desserts:
- Mango Sticky Rice
- Coconut Tapioca Pudding
- Thai Tea Ice Cream
Mocktails:
- Thai Basil Lemonade
- Pineapple Gingerale Punch
- Coconut Lychee Cooler
Popular Substitutions and Additions
Substitutions:
- Ground Meat Variations: Instead of using ground beef, you can substitute it with ground chicken, ground turkey, or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a different flavor profile and dietary preference.
- Onion Alternatives: If you prefer a milder onion flavor or want to change things up, you can substitute diced onions with diced leeks or shallots, which can provide a slightly different aromatic dimension to the meatballs.
- Fruit Variation: While pear adds a unique sweetness, you can experiment with other fruits like apple or pineapple to alter the fruitiness of the meatballs. Diced apples, for instance, can add a pleasant tartness to balance the curry.
Additions:
- Fresh Herbs: Consider adding fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil to the meatball mixture for a burst of freshness and an extra layer of flavor. Chopped herbs can enhance the overall taste and provide a bright contrast to the richness of the curry.
- Chopped Nuts: To introduce a delightful crunch and a touch of nuttiness, add finely chopped nuts like cashews or almonds to the meatball mixture. This addition can elevate both the texture and flavor profile of the meatballs.
- Chili Heat: If you prefer some heat in your curry, you can include finely chopped chili peppers or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture. Adjust the amount to your desired level of spiciness to add an extra kick to your curry meatballs.
These substitutions and additions offer creative ways to customize your Yellow Curry Meatballs, making them suitable for various tastes and dietary preferences while maintaining their freezer-friendly nature. Enjoy experimenting with these variations!
How to Reheat and Store Yellow Curry Meatballs after cooking
Best way to store Time-Saving Yellow Curry Meatball Leftovers?
To ensure your Yellow Curry Meatballs leftovers remain fresh and safe for consumption, it’s essential to follow these recommended storage practices. Allow your Curry Meatballs to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator or freezer.
If your plan is to enjoy the leftovers within a few days, opt for an airtight container in the fridge, making sure to seal it tightly to prevent moisture loss and the absorption of unwanted odors from neighboring foods. Don’t overlook the importance of labeling the container with the date of preparation for easy tracking.
However, if you intend to store your meal for an extended period, consider using a freezer bag instead. Remove excess air from the bag, and remember to label it to help you monitor freshness when it’s time to reheat your leftovers.
How long will Yellow Curry Meatballs last in the fridge?
While properly allowing your Curry Meatballs to cool, and using the correct storage containers will ensure that your leftovers remain fresh and quality. With proper cooling and storage, you should expect that your leftovers will remain fresh for 4-5 days. Always check for spoiled food before reheating, regardless of how long it has been in the fridge.
Can I freeze Healthy Yellow Curry Meatballs after cooking?
Here’s a comprehensive guide for freezing your leftover Curry Meatballs. Begin by ensuring that the dish has cooled down completely to room temperature. Once it has cooled, take a resealable freezer bag and gently place your leftovers inside.
To make reheating a breeze later on, consider portioning the leftovers into smaller serving sizes. When sealing the bag, be meticulous about removing any excess air to prevent freezer burn. It’s vital to store the bag in the coldest part of your freezer to maintain a consistently low temperature. Also, be cautious not to stack heavy items on top to prevent any potential crushing.
If you are planning to make this recipe into a raw freezer meal, follow the steps in the recipe above, ensuring proper cooking of meatballs, in order to hold their shape in the freezer.
How to Reheat Make-Ahead Thai Yellow Curry Meatballs?
Resurrecting the delightful flavors of your Yellow Curry Meatballs can turn it into a satisfying meal once again. You have several techniques at your disposal to reheat your Meatball leftovers:
- Microwave: Place your Yellow Curry meatballs in a microwave-safe container with a lid or microwave-safe cover. Use medium heat to prevent overheating. Stir the Yellow Curry Meatballs periodically to ensure even heating. Continue microwaving in short bursts until it reaches your desired temperature.
- Stovetop: For larger portions, consider using the stovetop to reheat your Yellow Curry Meatballs. Utilize a non-stick skillet or pan over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of oil or broth to prevent sticking and maintain moisture. Place the Meatballs in the pan, covering it with a lid. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking. Reheat the Yellow Curry Meatballs until it achieves your preferred temperature.
What gives Yellow Curry its flavor?
Yellow Curry gets its flavor from a combination of aromatic spices and herbs, including turmeric, cumin, coriander, lemongrass, garlic, and ginger. Turmeric, in particular, is responsible for the vibrant yellow color and earthly flavor of this curry.
What culture is Yellow Curry from?
Yellow Curry finds its roots in Thai cuisine, specifically originating from Thailand. Thai curries are renowned for their use of fresh herbs, spices, and the distinctive inclusion of coconut milk, which imparts a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness to the dishes.
Yellow curry is one of several curry variations in Thai cooking, known for its moderate level of spice compared to its red and green counterparts. The bright yellow color comes from the turmeric, and its flavor is a delightful fusion of earthy, sweet, and aromatic notes. The fragrant blend of spices and the creaminess of coconut milk make Thai Yellow Curry a beloved and comforting dish.
What are the three types of Curry?
The world of Curry is diverse and encompasses various types, each with its distinct characteristic and origins. The three primary types of curry are Indian Curry, Thai curry, and Japanese Curry.
Indian curry is renowned for its rich and robust flavors, achieved through a complex blend of spices. Indian curry can range from mildly spiced to extremely hot and are often accompanied by naan bread or rice.
Thai Curry is known for its use of coconut milk, fresh herbs and aromatic spices. Thai curry varieties, each characterized but its color and level of spiciness.
Japanese curry is a thicker and sweeter curry variety, often served with rice and a choice of ingredients such as beef, chicken, or vegetables.
Is Yellow Curry healthy?
The healthiness of Yellow curry depends on how it’s prepared and the ingredients used in the curry. Yellow curry can be a nutritious choice when prepared with a balance of ingredients that provide essential nutrients to your system.
Yellow Curry often contains vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and onions, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Additionally, the use of lean protein such as chicken, or tofu can add protein without excess saturated fat.
What is the hottest curry?
The title of the hottest curry is often bestowed up “Vindaloo”. Vindaloo is renowned for its intense spiciness, which is achieved through the use of fiery chili peppers and an assortment of hot spices.
Chili peppers like bird’s eye chilies or Scotch bonnet peppers are often used to bring the heat, while additional spices like cayenne, red chili powder, and black pepper further intensify the fiery flavor.
The spiciness of Vindaloo can vary depending on the cook’s preferences, but it’s generally considered one of the spiciest curries in the culinary world.
What mistakes should you avoid making when prepping a Yellow Curry Meatball?
There are a few mistakes to avoid when making Yellow Curry Meatballs. Over-mixing the meatball mixture can lead to dense and tough meatballs. It’s important to mix the ingredients just enough to combine them without excessive handling.
Seasoning is crucial for flavorful meatballs. Failing to season the meat mixture adequately can result in bland meatballs.
You must allow the meatball mixture time to rest before shaping and cooking them. This rest time allows the flavor to meld, making the meatballs more flavorful.
Finally, you must avoid overcooking the meatballs, as this will result in a dry and tough meat. It’s important to cook them just until they are no longer pinned in the center.
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