Red Thai Curry Meatballs and Gnocchi
- 1 hour ago
- 5 min read
Looking to break out of your dinner rut? These Red Thai Curry Meatballs with Gnocchi offer a bold, fusion twist on comfort food that’s ready in under 30 minutes! Pair this spicy-savory dish with this crunchy cucumber salad for the perfect refreshing balance.
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Having a Little Fun on Curry Night
I’ll admit it—over the past few years, I’ve become a huge fan of a good curry, but sometimes I want to do something a little different. I’ve experimented with different vegetables, sauce combinations, and spices. Curries always seem to bring out the creative cooking in me.
This recipe for Red Thai Curry Meatballs with Gnocchi was born out of that exact desire to shake things up. By swapping rice for pillowy, shelf-stable gnocchi, you get a fusion dish that feels both sophisticated and incredibly cozy.
Oh, and the meatballs! Amazing!
It was the meatballs, actually, that provided the inspiration. I knew I wanted to make meatballs, and not the usual meatballs. I’m also trying to cook from my pantry. So when I saw a bit of Red Thai curry paste left along with some Trader Joe’s red Thai curry sauce, the idea started to gel.
The gnocchi gave the dish a whole different vibe of comfort food. They worked really well with the mini meatballs I made. It was a bowl full of cuteness. Adding the broccoli gave it freshness, and voila, a new dish - Red Thai Curry Meatballs with Gnocchi.
If you haven’t used red curry paste, it is a complex combination of red chilies, lemongrass, and other flavors. It does have a bit of heat, but it isn’t crazy. I find it more of a warming heat than a burn-your-mouth-off. If you want to give it a try, I highly recommend the Trader Joe’s Red Thai Curry Sauce as a jumping-off point. It has a lot of flavor, is easy to prepare, and lets you try red Thai curry without investing in a paste you may never use again.
Why You’ll Love Making These Red Thai Curry Meatballs and Gnocchi
Fusion Magic: The way the spicy, aromatic Thai sauce clings to the Italian-style gnocchi is pure bliss. It is even better the next day when the flavor seeps into the gnocchi.
Meal Prep Friendly: If you decide to use the gnocchi, I found the ready-to-eat gnocchi super easy. They only take a couple of minutes to cook. Of course, you can use dried or frozen as well.
Quick & Reliable: Using a pre-made simmering sauce and baking the meatballs ensures a stress-free weeknight win.
Ingredient Spotlights
Ground Turkey: A lean protein that acts as a perfect canvas for the bold curry flavors. I use ground turkey, but you could use ground beef or pork as well.
Red Thai Curry Paste: This is the "secret sauce" inside the meatballs. If you aren't used to using it, you may want to start with 1 teaspoon, cook a small bit, and then add more if you'd like. I find two heaping teaspoons bring just enough flavor and heat for me.
Gnocchi: These "Italian dumplings" soak up the curry sauce beautifully, providing a unique texture compared to standard noodles or rice. They also bring a sense of comfort to the dish.
Variations
The beauty of this dish is its flexibility!
Switch the Sauce: You can use any curry sauce or simmering sauce you like, such as a Butter Chicken sauce or Tikka Masala. You could even use tomato sauce if you aren't a fan of curry sauces!
Veggie Power: I love the crunch of broccoli crowns, but you can add whatever vegetables you like to this curry. Red bell peppers or snap peas would be fantastic additions.
Low Carb: Skip the gnocchi and serve the meatballs and veggies on their own or over cauliflower rice. A perfect way to enjoy these flavors.
What You Need to Make Red Thai Curry Turkey Meatballs with Gnocchi
Tools
Baking tray - I use the small ones unless I’m making meatballs for a crowd.
Large pot (for boiling gnocchi)
Microwave-safe plate (for taste-testing)
Ingredients (Shopping List)
Ground Turkey
Red Thai Curry Paste
Breadcrumbs
Egg
Kosher Salt
Garlic Powder
Shelf-stable Gnocchi
Trader Joe's Red Thai Curry Sauce (or your favorite brand)
Broccoli Crowns, cut into bite-sized pieces
Here’s the Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How should I store leftovers of my Red Thai Curry Meatballs and Gnocchi?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. In fact, the gnocchi often tastes better the next day as it absorbs the sauce!
Can I freeze the Red Thai Curry Meatballs and Gnocchi?
Yes! The meatballs and sauce freeze well for up to 3 months. However, gnocchi can sometimes become slightly mushy after freezing and thawing, so for the best texture, I recommend making the gnocchi fresh.
What is the safe cooking temperature for the meatballs?
Any ground meat should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Baking them at 350°F for 10-15 minutes usually does the trick, but always check the largest meatball with a thermometer.
How do I reheat my Red Thai Curry Meatballs and Gnocchi?
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water, milk, or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge.
What if the sauce is too spicy?
If you find the bottled sauce has too much kick, you can thin it out and mellow the heat with a bit of coconut milk or heavy cream. You could also add a dash of sugar to counteract the spice.
Join the Conversation!
I’d love to hear how your meatballs turned out—did you stick with the gnocchi or try them over rice? Leave a comment below and let’s swap kitchen wins!
As the creator of Appetite for Life, Jen Vondenbrink combines years of culinary passion and experience with a mission to help others find joy and confidence in the kitchen. Whether she is developing savory weeknight meals or indulgent baked treats, every recipe is meticulously crafted and kitchen-tested to ensure reliable, delicious results for her readers. Jen is dedicated to sharing these proven techniques and practical tips so that every home cook can achieve professional-quality results in both cooking and baking.
This is so easy and I love the combo of meatballs and gnocchi.