Coconut Curry Vegan Meatballs & Rice (Vegan + Gluten-Free)

These creamy Coconut Curry Vegan Meatballs served with jasmine rice are an easy gluten-free vegan dinner made with store-bought meatballs, broccoli, coconut milk, and red curry paste. A comforting plant-based meal packed with bold flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.

This is the ultimate cozy plant-based dinner recipe, yet light enough to enjoy all year round. Made with store-bought vegan meatballs, fluffy jasmine rice, tender broccoli, and a rich Thai-inspired coconut lime curry sauce, this easy weeknight meal is comforting, flavorful, and comes together with minimal effort.

Using store-bought vegan gluten-free meatballs makes this recipe extra simple while still delivering a satisfying texture and savory flavor. It’s the perfect gluten-free vegan dinner for busy nights, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving something flavorful and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy weeknight dinner recipe
• Creamy and flavorful coconut curry sauce
• Vegan and gluten-free
• Uses convenient store-bought vegan meatballs
• Great for meal prep
• Ready with simple pantry ingredients
• Comforting yet light

Ingredients

Jasmine rice. Soft, fragrant rice that pairs perfectly with the creamy coconut curry sauce. You may use another kind of rice, but I like the jasmine rice in this dish.

Vegan meatballs. These plant-based meatballs add a savory, hearty texture while making this recipe incredibly easy and convenient, while adding some plant-based protein. If you can’t find this particular brand, you may use another- just make sure they are also gluten-free if need be. If you can’t find vegan meatballs at all- making you’re own would also work OR you may use tofu instead. Read more on that below.

Broccoli florets. Adds freshness, texture, and vibrant green color to the dish.

Olive oil. Used to cook the meatballs & sauté the garlic,

Garlic. Adds flavor to the coconut curry sauce.

Ground ginger. Brings that subtle Thai spice that complements the coconut milk and curry paste so well. I used this brand.

Coconut milk. Creates the creamy, rich base for the curry sauce. I like to use full fat coconut milk, but you may also use lite coconut milk.

Red curry paste. Adds that mildly spiced Thai-inspired flavor. This red curry paste is a good one.

Lime juice. Brightens and adds a delicious zing to the sauce while balancing the richness of the coconut milk. Use fresh squeezed or pure bottled lime juice for the best flavor.

Liquid Aminos/Tamari soy sauce. Adds umami flavor and saltiness to deepen the flavor of the curry sauce. I like to use liquid aminos, but a gluten-free soy sauce/tamari would also work.

Salt & pepper. Enhances and balances all of the flavors in the recipe.

Tapioca flour + water. Tapioca flour/starch is combined with water and used to lightly thicken the curry sauce. You may also use cornstarch.

Fresh cilantro. Adds freshness and a bright finishing touch before serving.

Products Used In This Recipe

How To Make Coconut Curry Vegan Meatballs & Rice

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Add the water and jasmine rice to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.

Step 2: Cook the Vegan Meatballs

Cook the vegan meatballs in olive oil according to package instructions until heated through and lightly crisped on the outsides. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

Steam or sauté the broccoli florets until tender-crisp and vibrant green.

Step 4: Make the Coconut Curry Sauce

Heat olive oil in the same skillet you cooked the meatballs in, over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant and starts to turn golden.

Stir in the ground ginger and red curry paste. Cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.

Add the coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.

In a small bowl, whisk together the tapioca flour and water to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Add the cooked vegan meatballs to the curry sauce and toss gently to coat. Heat for about 5 minutes.

Serve over the cooked jasmine rice with the cooked broccoli and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This recipe reheats beautifully for easy lunches and meal prep dinners.

Tips For The Best Coconut Curry Vegan Meatballs

• Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest sauce.
• Lightly crisp the vegan meatballs on the outside for better texture & flavor.
• Add extra curry paste if you like a deeper flavor or more heat.
• Fresh lime juice makes the flavors pop.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli so it stays bright and tender.

Easy Variations

Add More Vegetables

This curry also tastes delicious with:

• Bell peppers
• Snap peas
• Mushrooms
• Carrots
• Spinach

Make It Spicier

I prefer my spice level to be very mild. If you like more heat, you can add:

• Chili flakes
• Sriracha

Switch The Grain

Instead of jasmine rice, try:

• Brown rice
• Quinoa
• Rice noodles
• Cauliflower rice

Frequently Asked Questions

Are vegan meatballs gluten-free?

Some varieties may be gluten-free, but a lot aren’t. Always check the package label to confirm. I used these meatballs.

Can I use tofu instead of meatballs?

Absolutely! Cooked tofu would be delicious in this meal. Remove the tofu from the package and drain the liquid. Tear the tofu into chunks. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the tofu for about 8–10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on multiple sides. Remove and set aside while you make the sauce, the add back to the sauce and simmer 10-20 minutes. Prepare the rest of the recipe as directed.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors develop even more after sitting, making it perfect for meal prep and easy leftover lunches.

Is red curry paste spicy?

It has mild to moderate heat depending on the brand use. I used this one, which is very mild. You can adjust the amount of spice to your preference.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, although the broccoli may soften slightly after thawing.

Let me know how you like this easy, Thai-inspired meal down below in the comments section, as well as giving it a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ so that others can discover an easy plant-based weeknight dinner! Tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest!

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