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Quick Spicy Thai Basil Ground Turkey Stir Fry Recipe with Jasmine Rice

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A fast, flavorful stir fry featuring lean ground turkey, fresh Thai basil, and a spicy, savory sauce served over fragrant jasmine rice. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh Thai basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2–3 red Thai chilies, thinly sliced (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil with high smoke point)
  • 2 stalks green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Jasmine Rice: Rinse 1 cup (185 grams) of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rinsed rice with 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) water in a pot or rice cooker. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it rest covered for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
  2. Prep Ingredients: While rice cooks, mince garlic cloves, thinly slice red chilies and onion, and roughly chop Thai basil leaves. Chop green onions for garnish.
  3. Heat the Oil: Place your wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Let it get hot but not smoking—when oil shimmers, it’s ready.
  4. Cook Aromatics: Add minced garlic, sliced chilies, and onions to the hot oil. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and onions soften but don’t brown.
  5. Add Ground Turkey: Crumble 1 pound (450 grams) of ground turkey into the pan. Stir frequently, breaking up clumps, and cook until no longer pink—about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Season the Stir Fry: Pour in 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (if using), and 1 teaspoon brown sugar. Stir well to coat the turkey evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Finish with Basil: Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped Thai basil leaves and green onions. The residual heat wilts the basil just right.
  8. Serve: Plate the stir fry over a bed of warm jasmine rice. Add lime wedges on the side to squeeze over for a fresh burst of acidity.

Notes

If fresh Thai basil is unavailable, sweet basil can be used as a substitute though flavor will differ. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free or omit it. Avoid burning garlic to prevent bitterness. If stir fry feels dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth while cooking. Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain high heat and proper searing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai basil stir fry, ground turkey recipe, spicy stir fry, quick dinner, jasmine rice, Thai cuisine, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/quick-spicy-thai-basil-ground-turkey-stir-fry-recipe-with-jasmine-rice/