Fried Rice With Curried Meatballs
A flavorful fried rice dish with curried meatballs and vibrant vegetables, perfect for a comforting, spicy meal that appeals to both meat lovers and rice enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked rice ⓘ
- 1/2 pound ground pork or ground turkey ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 5 teaspoons curry powder, divided ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots, halved lengthwise and sliced ⓘ
- 1 small zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced ⓘ
- 2 medium garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 2 medium scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook rice in boiling salted water until tender.
- In a large bowl, combine ground pork or turkey, bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon curry powder, and salt.
- Mix and roll into 1-inch meatballs.
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add meatballs and brown them well.
- Add sliced carrots to the skillet.
- Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in zucchini, minced garlic, and scallions.
- Cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Push vegetables and meatballs to one side of the pan.
- Add remaining 4 teaspoons curry powder to the empty side of the pan.
- Add cooked rice and cook for an additional 5 minutes, mixing well.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use day-old rice as it helps to prevent mushiness. You can substitute ground pork or turkey with chicken or beef for a different flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using plant-based ground meat or omit the meatballs entirely and add more veggies, like bell peppers or peas. Adjust the curry powder to your taste if you prefer milder or spicier dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Fried Rice With Curried Meatballs with a side of cucumber salad or steamed broccoli for a fresh contrast. Garnish with extra scallions or cilantro for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Sweet And Sour Chops for a complete meal that is sure to impress. Consider serving a light soup as a starter to balance the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fried Rice With Curried Meatballs contains roughly 647 calories, with 29g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (120% of the Daily Value), iron (81% of the Daily Value), and protein (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2369mg per serving (103% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just cook them before serving. You can also freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months; thaw before cooking.
What other vegetables can I use in this recipe?
Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables! Bell peppers, peas, or even spinach work well. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on the vegetables you choose to ensure everything is tender and properly cooked.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add some chopped fresh chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture or directly into the frying pan. You can also use a spicier curry powder or add cayenne pepper to taste during cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).