Turkey Thai Basil Fried Rice

Easy to Prepare: This Thai basil fried rice recipe is straightforward and simple, requiring only some chopping and a quick stir-fry in the pan. It’s perfect for those busy weeknight dinners when you need a dish that’s easy to whip up, especially since it uses ground meat.

Versatile: This dish can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. You can easily switch out the ground turkey for other proteins like chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, or even eggs. The vegetables can also be substituted with whatever you have on hand.

Detailed instructions: The detailed instructions in this recipe, ranging from how to marinate the turkey to the precise way to prep the vegetables, ensure a foolproof cooking process even for beginners. 

Full of Flavor: Marinated turkey, the aromatic flavors of fresh basil, and the savory blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce, make this Thai basil fried rice recipe incredibly tasty. The optional birdseye chili can kick the spice level up a notch, or be left out for a milder taste.

Crowd-Pleaser: This Thai basil fried rice is a dish that will impress at any gathering. Its vibrant flavors, coupled with its versatility to cater to different dietary preferences, make it a surefire hit with everyone.

Healthier Option: By using lean ground turkey as the protein, this dish becomes a healthier alternative to traditional fried rice recipes. Plus, the addition of fresh vegetables and Thai basil leaves boosts its nutritional content.

Making this incredible Thai basil fried rice recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:

Step 1: Marinating the Turkey

To marinate the turkey, combine it with soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger and minced garlic in a bowl. 

Mix well, ensuring the protein is well-coated with the marinade. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to seep in. 

In the meantime, you can start preparing the other ingredients.

Start by grating some fresh garlic and ginger. These will add a wonderful aromatic base to your dish. You can also finely chop some chilies if you like a bit of heat - adjust the spice level according to your taste. Set this bowl aside.

Next, wash and trim the green beans, cutting them into small pieces. Do the same with carrots, dicing them small. Combine these vegetables and set them aside.

Dice some onions and set them aside separately.

Rinse the sweet Thai basil leaves gently under cold water. Separate the leaves from the stems, discarding the stems. Roughly chop the leaves and set them aside.

If you’re using day-old jasmine rice (which often yields the best results for a fried rice recipe), break up any large chunks with your hands. If you’re using fresh rice, ensure it’s cooled before proceeding.

Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Start by heating a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a couple of tablespoons of oil.

Once the oil is hot, add the garlic, ginger, and chilies, cooking them for 2-3 minutes until they’re fragrant. Be aware that cooking chili will create spicy fumes, so ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated.

Next, add your marinated turkey. As it cooks, it may release some water - that’s perfectly normal. Keep cooking and breaking it up until all the liquid has evaporated, and the turkey starts to brown.

Add the diced onions at this stage, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. Follow with the carrots and beans, combining everything well. Cook for about 5 minutes.

Now, add the rice. Toss it well with the other ingredients, breaking up any large chunks. Cook for 3-4 minutes until every grain of rice is coated with the stir-fry mixture.

Pour in your prepared sauce, stirring well to ensure every component of the dish is well-coated. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Finally, turn off the heat and stir in the chopped Thai basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the leaves, enhancing their flavor.

And voila! Your Thai Basil Fried Rice is ready to be served.

This delicious Thai basil fried rice recipe is so flavorful and easy to make, you'll want to try out some of these delicious variations! Here are some great ideas:

Protein Swap: If you’re not a fan of turkey, feel free to swap it out for another protein source. Beef, pork, shrimp, or chicken breast all work well in this dish. Simply marinate the protein of your choice in the same way as the turkey for a different, but equally tasty, take on this recipe.

Vegetable Medley: For a more colorful and nutritious dish, add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and onions. Just make sure to stir fry them in the wok before adding the rice. This variation not only enhances the taste but also increases the nutritional value of the dish.

Tofu Delight: For a vegetarian version of this Thai basil fried rice recipe, substitute the turkey with tofu. This substitute provides a good source of protein while maintaining the delicious flavor of the dish. Don’t forget to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before marinating!

Spice It Up: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of birdseye chili or add a few dashes of hot sauce. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds. This will give your Thai basil fried rice a fiery kick that’s sure to satisfy spice lovers.

Egg-cellent Addition: For a more traditional Thai fried rice, add a couple of scrambled eggs into the mix. The eggs add extra protein and give the dish a classic Asian flavor.

Don’t forget to visit your local Asian grocery store to get fresh Thai basil leaves to enhance the flavor!

If you have leftovers, allow the Thai fried rice to cool down at room temperature, but remember not to leave it out for more than two hours, as bacteria can start to grow. Once cooled, transfer the leftover rice to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will last for up to 5 to 7 days in the fridge.

To reheat, you can use either a microwave or a pan. If using a microwave, sprinkle a little bit of water on the rice before reheating to prevent it from drying out. If using a pan, add a small amount of oil and stir fry the rice over medium heat until it is heated through. Remember to stir continuously to ensure that the heat is evenly distributed.

As for freezing, it is generally not recommended for fried rice. The reason behind this is that the texture of the ingredients, particularly the rice, vegetables and protein can change when frozen and then thawed, losing their crunch and becoming soft.

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