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Garlic-Chili Chicken Meatballs with Coriander-Ginger Rice

Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Resting time for meatballs 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 480kcal

Description

These Garlic-Chili Chicken Meatballs served over fragrant Coriander-Ginger Rice are a flavorful and aromatic weeknight dinner. Tender meatballs crisped to perfection pair beautifully with herbaceous rice, enhanced with fresh lime, garlic, and ginger, delivering a balanced, bright, and satisfying meal ready in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 300 g ground chicken
  • 2 cloves garlic 1 clove for meatballs, 1 for rice purée
  • 1 tbsp chili oil plus extra to serve
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 3 tbsp breadcrumbs
  • 2 handfuls fresh coriander leaves
  • 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger grated
  • 0.5 piece lime zest and juice
  • 200 g cooked rice preferably jasmine or basmati

Instructions

Prepare Meatballs

  • In a bowl, mix together ground chicken, 1 grated garlic clove, chili oil, egg, black pepper, and salt until just combined.
  • Shape the mixture into 20 small meatballs and set aside to rest for 10 minutes.

Prepare Coriander-Ginger Purée

  • In a blender, combine coriander leaves, grated ginger, remaining garlic clove, lime zest and juice, 1 tbsp coconut oil, 1 tbsp water, and salt and pepper.
  • Blend until smooth, adding more water if needed to achieve a pourable consistency.

Cook Meatballs

  • Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the meatballs and cook for 6–7 minutes, turning to brown evenly and ensuring they are cooked through.
  • Remove from heat and spoon some pan juices over the meatballs.

Prepare Rice

  • Warm the cooked rice and fold in the coriander-ginger purée.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or lime as needed.

Assemble and Serve

  • Serve the rice on plates and top with meatballs.
  • Drizzle with extra chili oil and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Notes

  • Resting the meatballs helps them hold their shape during cooking.
  • Adjust chili oil and lime juice to taste for heat and acidity.