Get ready to transform your meal prep game with these irresistible Thai Meatball Meal Prep Bowls that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Bangkok! Imagine tender, perfectly spiced turkey meatballs nestled on a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, packed with authentic Thai flavors that will make your coworkers jealous during lunch break. This recipe isn't just a meal - it's a culinary escape that combines convenience, nutrition, and explosive taste in one simple dish that can be prepared in under 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon red curry paste
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice
- Cucumber slices for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped cilantro, fish sauce, lime juice, and red curry paste. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Using wet hands, form the meat mixture into uniform meatballs approximately 1-inch in diameter. This should yield about 16-20 meatballs.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Turn the meatballs halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- While meatballs are cooking, prepare the jasmine rice according to package instructions. For meal prep, fluffy and slightly cooled rice works best.
- Once meatballs are cooked, remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to retain moisture.
- Divide the cooked jasmine rice evenly among 4 meal prep containers.
- Place 4-5 meatballs in each container on top of the rice.
- Garnish each container with fresh cucumber slices for added freshness and crunch.
- Allow meals to cool completely before sealing containers. These can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- When ready to eat, reheat in microwave for 1-2 minutes until thoroughly warm.
Tips
- Use wet hands when forming meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking and ensure uniform size.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a small amount of grated garlic or ginger to the meatball mixture.
- Invest in a meat thermometer to precisely check the internal temperature of meatballs.
- If you prefer a crispier exterior, you can briefly broil the meatballs for 1-2 minutes after baking.
- To maintain moisture, avoid overcooking the meatballs - they should be just cooked through.
- For added authenticity, consider a quick dipping sauce made with lime juice, fish sauce, and a touch of honey.
- These meal prep bowls can be frozen for up to 2 months - just separate rice and meatballs before freezing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 490kcal
Carbohydrates: 70g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 80mg
