First Step: Prepare ingredients: Begin by gathering all ingredients: mince the garlic, grate the ginger, finely chop the lemongrass and coriander, and remove seeds from the chillies before chopping. Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F) for conventional or 200°C (390°F) for fan-forced ovens. Prepare a baking tray rack and lightly spray it with oil to aid cooking and browning.

Second Step: Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork or chicken mince with minced garlic, grated ginger, lemongrass paste, chopped chillies, kaffir lime leaves (if using), finely chopped coriander, sugar, fish sauce, panko breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix the ingredients gently with clean hands or a spoon until just combined to avoid dense meatballs. If the mixture feels too wet (especially with chicken mince), gradually add more breadcrumbs until the consistency is manageable.

Third Step: Shape the meatballs: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll into uniform meatballs approximately 3 cm (1.25 inch) in diameter. This size ensures even cooking and a tender bite. Place the formed meatballs on the prepared baking rack, spacing them evenly to allow heat circulation during baking.

Fourth Step: Bake the meatballs: Generously spray the arranged meatballs and rack with oil spray to promote browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway if desired, until golden brown outside and cooked through but still juicy inside. An internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) indicates safe cooking.

Fifth Step: Prepare the dipping sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine sweet chilli sauce, minced garlic, and lime juice in a small bowl. Let the dipping sauce rest for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Adjust lime juice for preferred acidity.

Final Step: Serve and garnish: Remove the meatballs from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with extra fresh coriander leaves and sliced chillies, if desired. Serve the warm Thai meatballs alongside the tangy sweet chilli dipping sauce. These meatballs pair perfectly with jasmine rice, vermicelli noodle salad, or fresh Asian-style salads for a complete and satisfying meal.