Meatball noodle bowl with herbs and chili sauce

30-Minute Dinners

Thai Chili Turkey Meatball Noodle Bowls

Tender turkey meatballs, rice noodles, herbs, and vegetables in a sweet-spicy chile-lime sauce.

Prep20 min
Cook18 min
Total38 min
Cost$3.65

Directions

  1. Shape the meatballs

    Mix turkey, egg, panko, scallions, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. Form about 20 small meatballs.

  2. Cook

    Bake at 425°F for 12 to 15 minutes until browned and 165°F.

  3. Cook noodles

    Prepare rice noodles according to package directions, rinse briefly, and drain well.

  4. Make the sauce

    Whisk sweet chili sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons water.

  5. Build

    Toss noodles with half the sauce. Add meatballs, pepper, cucumber, herbs, remaining sauce, and peanuts.

Why this works

Why it worksSmall turkey meatballs stay tender because they cook quickly.
Why it worksRice vinegar and lime sharpen the sweet chile sauce.
Why it worksFresh herbs make the bowl taste lighter than a typical noodle takeout dish.

Swaps & notes

Easy swaps

  • Use ground chicken or pork.
  • Use soba noodles instead of rice noodles.
  • Replace peanuts with sesame seeds.

Cook notes

  • Do not compress the meat mixture while shaping.
  • Rinse rice noodles only briefly so they do not become cold and waterlogged.

Storage

Refrigerate meatballs and noodles up to 4 days. Store herbs and sauce separately.

Questions

Can I make the meatballs ahead?

Yes. Shape them up to a day ahead or freeze raw meatballs on a tray.

Is this very spicy?

It is mild to medium. Add sambal or sriracha for more heat.

Can I serve it cold?

Yes. It works well as a chilled noodle bowl.

Thai Chili Turkey Meatball Noodle Bowls
Screen stays awake when supported.
1. Shape the meatballsMix turkey, egg, panko, scallions, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. Form about 20 small meatballs.
2. CookBake at 425°F for 12 to 15 minutes until browned and 165°F.
3. Cook noodlesPrepare rice noodles according to package directions, rinse briefly, and drain well.
4. Make the sauceWhisk sweet chili sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons water.
5. BuildToss noodles with half the sauce. Add meatballs, pepper, cucumber, herbs, remaining sauce, and peanuts.