Name: Jerk Meatballs in Coconut Curry Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs ground pork; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs; 4 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1/4 cup sliced scallions, plus more for garnish; 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (Walkerswood recommended); 1 teaspoon ginger paste or 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 shallot, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 3 teaspoons Jamaican curry powder; 1 (14 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk; Cooked rice, as desired; Sliced scallions, for garnish

If you have a craving for something bursting with vibrant flavors, the Jerk Meatballs in Coconut Curry Sauce Recipe is a sensational dish that will definitely delight your taste buds. Combining the spicy, smoky goodness of authentic jerk seasoning with the creamy, fragrant coconut curry, these meatballs bring a perfect balance of heat and richness. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or looking for a weeknight favorite, this recipe brings warmth, excitement, and a splash of Caribbean sunshine to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with raw ground meat as the base layer, displaying a soft pink color and slightly rough texture. On top of the meat, there are several distinct sections: a pile of bright green chopped scallions in the upper right, a yellow raw egg yolk with a glossy surface on the right, a mound of light beige breadcrumbs on the upper left, a small heap of white salt sprinkled in the center, a dark brown paste with a slightly coarse texture on the lower right, and a clump of minced garlic below the center, dotted with black pepper. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients just right is key to nailing this unique dish. Each simple ingredient plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color—making sure every bite is full of delicious surprises.

Ground pork: Serves as the juicy, tender base for our savory meatballs.
Large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatball mixture firmly together.
Seasoned panko breadcrumbs: Adds a light, subtle crispness while keeping meatballs moist.
Garlic cloves: Provide that irresistible aromatic punch in both meatballs and sauce.
Sliced scallions: Bring freshness and a mild onion flavor inside and as a garnish.
Jerk seasoning: The star spice blend that gives these meatballs their bold Caribbean heat.
Ginger paste/fresh ginger: Adds a zesty warmth to balance the spices.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential to perfect seasoning across the dish.
Unsalted butter: Infuses richness and helps with sautéing the aromatics smoothly.
Olive oil: Ensures a good sear on the meatballs without burning the butter.
Shallot: Delicately sweet and tender, it forms the flavorful foundation of the sauce.
Green and red bell peppers: Add vibrant color and a subtle sweetness to the curry.
Jamaican curry powder: Intensifies the island-inspired flavors with its warm, earthy notes.
Full-fat coconut milk: Creates that luscious, creamy curry sauce that ties everything together.
Rice (optional): Perfect for soaking up every last bit of the flavorful sauce.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Jerk Meatballs in Coconut Curry Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Combine the Meatball Mixture

Start by combining ground pork, egg, seasoned breadcrumbs, minced garlic, scallions, jerk seasoning, ginger, and the perfect pinch of salt and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands to gently mix everything together just until combined—handling it carefully helps keep the meatballs tender and juicy instead of dense.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Using a spring-loaded scooper or your hands, portion out 20 to 22 meatballs. Roll each with the palms of your hands until smooth but not overly compacted. Spread them out on a baking sheet or plate to keep them ready for cooking.

Step 3: Sear the Meatballs

Warm butter and olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until sizzling. Fry the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding—about 3 minutes per side—until they’re beautifully browned and slightly crisp. Set them aside on a clean plate as you work through the batches.

Step 4: Cook the Aromatics and Vegetables

Drain out any excess grease from the pan and wipe it clean. Add another tablespoon of butter, then sauté the chopped shallot until tender and translucent. Toss in minced garlic and green and red bell peppers, cooking until softened and fragrant—a crucial step that builds the base of the sauce’s complex flavor.

Step 5: Add Spices and Coconut Milk

Sprinkle in Jamaican curry powder and stir it into the vegetables, toasting the spices briefly until their aroma fills your kitchen. Then, pour in the full-fat coconut milk and stir everything together. Let it come to a gentle boil before reducing to low heat, preparing the perfect environment for simmering.

Step 6: Simmer Meatballs in the Sauce

Carefully nestle the seared meatballs into the rich coconut curry sauce in a single layer. Spoon some sauce over each and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it all simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld while the pork reaches its ideal internal temperature of 160°F. The sauce will thicken slightly, coating the meatballs beautifully.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked through, serve these tantalizing jerk meatballs hot, with plenty of sauce spooned over rice, and sprinkle additional scallions for a fresh crunch and color contrast. Get ready to dig into a dish that’s exotic yet deeply comforting.

How to Serve Jerk Meatballs in Coconut Curry Sauce Recipe

The dish shows several browned meatballs sitting in a thick, bright yellow curry sauce. Scattered on top and around the meatballs are fresh green chopped scallions, adding a pop of color. There are also thin strips of soft red bell peppers mixed in the curry. The textures include the crispy, browned surface of the meatballs contrasted with the smooth, creamy sauce. The whole dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh sliced scallions is a simple way to add bright freshness and a touch of crunch that balances the rich, creamy sauce perfectly. Thinly sliced red chili or a squeeze of lime juice can also elevate brightness if you love a bit more zing on your plate.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which will soak up all that luscious coconut curry sauce. For more texture and a crunchy contrast, a fresh green salad or lightly sautéed greens like spinach or kale work wonderfully alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, serve the meatballs family-style on a large platter with lots of sauce ladled on top and bowls of rice on the side. You can also skewer the meatballs as appetizers, drizzling them with curry sauce for a fun finger food twist. A dollop of cooling yogurt or raita alongside helps temper the spice if needed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Jerk Meatballs in Coconut Curry Sauce Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making great next-day lunches or dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze both the meatballs and the sauce together or separately. Place them in freezer-safe containers and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the meatballs in a skillet over low heat, spooning sauce over as they heat through to prevent drying out. You can also microwave leftovers covered for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to evenly warm the sauce and meatballs.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of pork?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or beef works well too, though ground pork gives a slightly juicier, more tender meatball texture. Just be mindful cooking times as leaner meats may cook faster.

Where can I find authentic jerk seasoning?

You can usually find jerk seasoning blends at well-stocked grocery stores, Caribbean markets, or online from brands like Walkerswood. Making your own is also fun and lets you adjust the heat to your liking.

Is this dish very spicy?

The jerk seasoning does bring some heat, but it’s balanced by the creamy and cooling coconut curry sauce. You can adjust the amount of seasoning or curry powder if you prefer it milder or spicier.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

For a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based ground meat alternatives or chickpeas shaped into balls. Use vegan butter or oil, and ensure your curry powder is vegan-friendly to keep it flavorful and satisfying.

What’s the best way to serve leftover sauce?

Leftover coconut curry sauce is fantastic as a soup base, poured over roasted veggies, or mixed with grains like quinoa for a quick side. It also makes a flavorful dip or drizzle for grilled proteins.

Final Thoughts

Making the Jerk Meatballs in Coconut Curry Sauce Recipe at home is a rewarding and delicious adventure in flavor. This dish manages to feel both exotic and familiar, bringing cozy comfort and vibrant spice to your plate in every bite. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s one of those recipes that quickly becomes a beloved go-to for any occasion!