Jerk Meatballs In Coconut Curry Sauce Recipe
This flavorful recipe features juicy pork meatballs seasoned with spicy Jamaican jerk seasoning, simmered in a rich and creamy coconut curry sauce. Perfectly balanced with aromatic spices, tender bell peppers, and a touch of heat, these Jerk Meatballs in Coconut Curry Sauce offer a delicious fusion of Caribbean flavors that can be served alongside rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Author: Naya
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 20-22 meatballs (serves 4-6) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying and Simmering
- Cuisine: Caribbean/Jamaican
- Diet: Halal
For the Meatballs:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground pork
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 cup sliced scallions, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (such as Walkerswood)
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste or 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Browning:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Coconut Curry Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 teaspoons Jamaican curry powder
- 1 (14 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
For Serving:
- Rice, as desired
- Sliced scallions for garnish
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground pork, egg, seasoned panko breadcrumbs, finely minced garlic, sliced scallions, jerk seasoning, ginger paste or grated ginger, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything gently using your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs: Using a medium spring-loaded scooper or your hands, portion out the mixture into about 20-22 evenly sized meatballs. Roll each gently between your palms until just smooth and place them on a baking sheet or plate.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once sizzling, add the meatballs in batches without overcrowding the pan. Fry each side for about 3 minutes until browned and lightly crisp. Transfer cooked meatballs to a clean plate or baking sheet and repeat until all are browned.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Carefully discard excess grease from the skillet and wipe the pan clean. Return the skillet to medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Add the finely chopped shallot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until tender. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Bell Peppers and Toast Spices: Add thinly sliced green and red bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly. Sprinkle in the Jamaican curry powder and stir continuously to toast the spices for about 1 minute, enhancing their flavor and aroma.
- Add Coconut Milk and Simmer: Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and stir the sauce to combine all ingredients well. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting to keep it warm and slowly infuse flavors.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Gently add all browned meatballs into the coconut curry sauce in a single layer. Spoon sauce over each meatball, cover the skillet with a lid, and let everything simmer together for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F, ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy.
- Serve: Serve the jerk meatballs hot with the rich coconut curry sauce spooned over. Accompany the dish with steamed rice and garnish with additional sliced scallions if desired. Enjoy this fragrant, hearty Caribbean-inspired meal!
Notes
- For best flavor, use authentic Jamaican jerk seasoning such as Walkerswood.
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to maintain tenderness.
- If you prefer less heat, adjust the amount of jerk seasoning accordingly.
- Ensure the internal temperature of pork meatballs reaches 160°F for safety.
- Full-fat coconut milk adds richness; light versions may alter flavor and texture.
- The curry powder used is Jamaican style, which differs slightly from Indian curry powder in flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 meatballs with sauce and 1 cup cooked rice
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: jerk meatballs, coconut curry sauce, Jamaican recipes, Caribbean food, pork meatballs, spicy meatballs, curry sauce, comfort food