How to Make the Perfect Spicy Thai Basil Ground Turkey
Thai · Easy · 20 min · 4 servings
This spicy Thai basil ground turkey dish is a bold and aromatic dairy free dinner inspired by the classic pad krapow gai. It is ready in under 20 minutes and delivers restaurant-level flavor with pantry staples.
Why this recipe works
This Spicy Thai Basil Ground Turkey recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 390 calories with 30g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 pounds ground turkey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves
- 2 whole red chilies, thinly sliced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Aromatics
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced red chilies, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey
Add the ground turkey and cook over high heat for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Pour in the soy sauce and fish sauce, tossing everything together to coat the turkey evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly.
Step 4: Finish with Basil
Remove the skillet from heat and immediately fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt them perfectly. Serve over steamed jasmine rice.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground turkey → ground chicken or ground pork for equal results
- fresh Thai basil → regular Italian basil in a pinch, though the flavor will differ
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Cooking on medium heat instead of high heat prevents the caramelization that defines this dish
- Adding the basil while still on the heat causes it to turn brown and bitter
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 390 calories, 30g protein, 28g carbs, 16g fat, 2g fiber.
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