Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Turkey Meatballs with Creamy Coconut Peanut Sauce recipe?
This recipe features tender turkey meatballs seasoned with fennel and red pepper flakes, served with a rich coconut peanut sauce and blanched broccolini.
What are the primary ingredients in the turkey meatballs?
The meatballs consist of ground turkey, chicken broth, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How do you make the creamy coconut peanut sauce?
In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, natural-style peanut butter, honey, and salt; simmer for 3 minutes, then add lemon juice and cook for another 5 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe makes approximately 16 meatballs, which can be served as a meal or appetizers.
What side dish is recommended for this recipe?
The meatballs are traditionally served alongside blanched broccolini.
How long should the meatball mixture be chilled?
The mixture should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.
What size should the turkey meatballs be shaped into?
Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls, which is roughly 1 1/2 ounces each.
What is the cooking method for these meatballs?
The meatballs are broiled on a baking sheet for about 7-8 minutes until golden brown.
How should the fennel seeds be prepared?
The fennel seeds should be toasted and crushed until they are coarsely ground before being added to the meat.
What kind of peanut butter is best for the sauce?
Natural-style peanut butter is recommended for this creamy coconut sauce.
Is there honey in the coconut peanut sauce?
Yes, the sauce includes 2 teaspoons of honey for a hint of sweetness.
What adds a citrusy note to the dish?
Fresh lemon juice is added to the sauce, and additional lemon can be used for serving.
What garnishes are suggested for this dish?
Garnish the meatballs with chopped cilantro and optional crushed red pepper flakes.
How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the baking sheet?
Lightly coat the baking sheet with olive oil and drizzle more olive oil over the meatballs before broiling.
Can I make the meatballs spicy?
Yes, the recipe uses ground red pepper flakes in the meat and optional crushed red pepper flakes as a garnish.
What type of chicken broth is suggested?
Low sodium chicken broth is used, and homemade broth is preferred.
How much coconut milk is needed for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of coconut milk from a well-shaken can.
Is dried oregano used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano is included in the ingredient list.
How long does the sauce simmer in total?
The sauce simmers for a total of 8 minutes over medium heat.
Can these meatballs be served as an appetizer?
Yes, they are described as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a nourishing dinner.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dinner option.
What tool can I use to portion the meatballs?
You can use two spoons or a 1 3/4-inch ice cream scoop to ensure even sizing.
What is the approximate weight of each meatball?
Each meatball should weigh approximately 1 1/2 ounces.
How is the broccolini prepared?
The broccolini should be blanched before being arranged on the serving plate.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick or needs more flavor?
You can adjust the seasoning with more salt or add more lemon juice to taste.
Is the coconut milk shaken before use?
Yes, the recipe specifies using coconut milk from a well-shaken can for consistency.
What is the final step before serving?
Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil, spoon over the peanut sauce, and garnish with cilantro.
Are the red pepper flakes in the meatballs ground?
The recipe suggests ground red pepper flakes for the meatball mixture.
What kind of salt is used in the recipe?
Kosher salt is used both in the meatball mixture and the sauce.
How much cilantro is used for the garnish?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of roughly chopped cilantro for the sauce and additional chopped cilantro for serving.