These healthy Thai-style meatballs are irresistibly delicious, with the refreshing zest of lime and a spicy kick from chili. We've added umami and a subtle sweetness with coconut aminos, and you'll get beneficial medium-chain fatty acids from the coconut oil and MCT oil. They're perfect for meal prepping, as you can freeze them or cook them in the oven.

About this recipe

These Thai-style Asian meatballs are a delightful dish that stays light and refreshing, thanks to fragrant herbs and a tangy kick of lime. We created this recipe because we wanted a natural way to incorporate protein and healthy fats into our everyday meals. You can easily adjust the spice level and herbs to suit your taste, making it a perfect choice for those on a diet, or anyone following a low-carb or gluten-free lifestyle. When I actually made them, I found the process to be surprisingly easy—and they're even impressive enough to serve when entertaining guests!

Ingredients (2 servings)

  • Ground pork (preferably pasture-raised, lean) 300g
  • Onion 1/2 (minced)
  • Cilantro 2 bunches of leaves (roughly chopped) *reserve a little for garnish
  • Ginger 1 piece (grated or minced)
  • Garlic 1 clove (minced)
  • Rice flour (or potato starch) 2 teaspoons
  • Lemongrass (minced, or 1 teaspoon dried) 1 teaspoon
  • Salt A pinch (about 1/4 teaspoon)
  • Coconut aminos* 2 teaspoons
  • Coconut oil** 1 tablespoon (for cooking)
  • Lime 1 (juice)
  • Coconut aminos (for sauce) 1 tablespoon
  • MCT oil*** 1 tablespoon (or olive oil)
  • Chili pepper 1 (sliced, adjust to your spice preference)
  • Ginger (for sauce) 1 teaspoon (minced)
  • Salt A pinch (to taste for sauce)
  • Green leafy vegetables (lettuce or baby greens) as desired (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Finely mince the onion, cilantro, ginger, garlic, and lemongrass. In a bowl, combine the ground pork, rice flour, salt, and 2 teaspoons of coconut aminos.
  2. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until sticky (about 2-3 minutes). This is the trick to making them hold together well. You'll find it becomes easier to handle as you work it with your hands.
  3. Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions and roll them into bite-sized balls. Wetting your hands slightly will make rolling easier.
  4. Heat coconut oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Place the meatballs in the pan and cook, turning them occasionally, until golden brown all over (approximately 8 minutes). Adjust cooking time based on the size of your meatballs. Once browned, reduce heat to low and cook through.
  5. To make the lime chili sauce, combine lime juice, 1 tablespoon of coconut aminos, MCT oil, sliced chili, minced ginger, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix well. Adjust the spiciness with the amount of chili.
  6. Arrange green leaves on a plate, then place the meatballs on top. Garnish with the remaining cilantro and serve with the lime chili sauce.

Nutrition & Health Benefits

Featuring protein-rich ground pork as our main ingredient, this recipe is a fantastic way to fuel up on medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) from coconut oil and MCT oil, which your body easily converts into energy. The lime provides a refreshing burst of vitamin C, while cilantro and ginger bring wonderful antioxidant properties and help support healthy digestion. We love using coconut aminos because they are lower in sodium than traditional soy sauce; their rich umami flavor and gentle sweetness make it easy to cut back on salt without sacrificing taste. Plus, by using rice flour, we've made sure this dish is completely gluten-free!

Recipe Variations

  • You can also make this dish lighter and delicious with ground chicken or a mix of ground meats. Adding ground fish will give it a fluffier texture.
  • If you don't like spicy food, omit the chili and add finely diced red bell pepper for color instead.
  • Baking in the oven (at 200°C for about 12-15 minutes) results in a dish with less oil. These meatballs can also be frozen, making them a convenient make-ahead meal.
  • If you can't find coconut aminos, you can substitute them with low-sodium soy sauce or fish sauce. If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can enjoy a different aroma by using green shiso or Italian parsley instead.

Summary

These healthy Asian meatballs feature a lime chili sauce that adds a refreshing kick. They were surprisingly easy to make and turned out to be a flavor the whole family will love. We highly recommend giving this dish a try when you're looking to incorporate a good balance of protein and healthy fats into your diet. Our geefee team will continue to share quick, easy, and wholesome recipes with you.

* Coconut aminos: A seasoning made from aged coconut sap. * Please choose between coconut oil and MCT oil based on your cooking needs (heating) and personal preference.