Thai Basil Ground Turkey Stir-Fry

Name: Thai Basil Ground Turkey Stir-Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves; 2 bell peppers, sliced; 1 onion, sliced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 fresh chili, sliced (optional); Cooked jasmine rice for serving

Highlighted under: World Cuisine Recipes

I absolutely love making Thai Basil Ground Turkey Stir-Fry because it’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor! The fragrant basil combined with garlic and ginger creates a delightful aroma while the ground turkey adds a healthy protein twist. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, and in just 30 minutes, I can enjoy a meal that feels like it came from a restaurant. The balance of savory soy sauce and a hint of sweetness makes every bite incredibly satisfying.

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2026-02-12T09:22:18.847Z

I remember the first time I cooked Thai Basil Ground Turkey Stir-Fry. I was looking for a quick meal that wouldn’t compromise on taste, and the vibrant colors of this dish caught my eye. The key to achieving that authentic Thai flavor is using fresh basil and a good soy sauce; they elevate the richness of the turkey. Each bite is filled with enough flavor to transport you right to Thailand!

Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to suit my taste. Adding a touch of sugar really enhances the savory notes and balances the heat from the fresh chilies. I also learned that keeping the turkey slightly undercooked before adding the veggies helps maintain its juiciness, making the stir-fry even more delightful!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Aromatic burst of fresh basil in every bite
Quick preparation means more time to enjoy
Versatile recipe that works great with different proteins

Unlocking Flavor with Fresh Ingredients

The key to a vibrant Thai Basil Ground Turkey Stir-Fry lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh Thai basil, in particular, is unique in flavor and aroma, offering a sweet and slightly peppery taste that elevates the dish. Opt for basil with deep green leaves, avoiding any with brown spots. Additionally, the combination of garlic and ginger not only adds depth but also infuses your kitchen with enticing scents that make cooking a joy.

When selecting bell peppers, look for ones that are firm to the touch and have a shiny skin, indicating freshness. The color of the peppers can also affect the dish's sweetness; red and yellow peppers are sweeter than green. Their vibrant colors not only enhance the presentation but also contribute to the nutritional value of your meal.

Techniques for Perfect Texture

To achieve the best texture in your stir-fry, it’s important to maintain high heat throughout the cooking process. This allows the ingredients to sear quickly, creating a delightful contrast between crispy vegetables and tender ground turkey. Use a wok if you have one; its shape allows for high sides that contain food while tossing, ensuring even cooking without overcrowding the pan. If you notice the turkey sticking, adding a splash of water can help deglaze without losing flavor.

Pay attention to the timing of adding vegetables. Start with the turkey, then introduce the onions and bell peppers after the meat is browned. This staggered approach ensures the meat is cooked properly, while the vegetables stay crisp. The goal is to achieve a tender-crisp texture in the veggies, so be vigilant in monitoring their doneness.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make the best Thai Basil Ground Turkey Stir-Fry!

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves
2 bell peppers, sliced
1 onion, sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 fresh chili, sliced (optional)
Cooked jasmine rice for serving

Make sure to have these ingredients ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your flavorful stir-fry.

Cook the Turkey

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Vegetables

Stir in the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.

Season the Stir-Fry

Pour in the soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar, tossing everything together to coat evenly. If using, add the sliced chili at this point for some heat.

Finish with Basil

Remove from heat and stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves, allowing them to wilt slightly in the residual heat.

Serve

Spoon the stir-fry over cooked jasmine rice and enjoy your delicious meal!

Enjoy your Thai Basil Ground Turkey Stir-Fry hot and fresh!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider serving with lime wedges or add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts on top.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Thai Basil Ground Turkey Stir-Fry is a fantastic meal prep option. You can prepare the stir-fry components in advance by chopping the vegetables and storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. The ground turkey can also be browned in advance; just reheat it before adding the veggies and sauces to save time on busy weekdays.

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the stir-fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of soy sauce or water to prevent drying out. This maintains both flavor and moisture, allowing you to enjoy the meal again.

Variations for Every Palate

Feel free to customize this stir-fry based on personal preferences or dietary needs. For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute ground turkey with crumbled tofu or tempeh, adjusting cook time as tofu typically requires less. This substitution too can absorb flavors remarkably well, especially when marinated before cooking.

You can also experiment with different vegetables, such as snap peas, carrots, or zucchini, to introduce a variety of textures and flavors. Each vegetable will adjust the taste profile, creating opportunities for creativity in your meal prep. When exploring heat levels, consider using different chili varieties or incorporating chili paste for added depth.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other proteins instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Chicken, beef, or tofu would work well in this recipe.

→ What can I substitute for Thai basil?

You can use regular basil or even mint, though the flavor will be slightly different.

→ Is this dish spicy?

It can be, especially if you add the fresh chili. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it's great for meal prep! Just reheat and serve over fresh rice.