Thai-Inspired Turkey Basil Stir-Fry
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this aromatic Thai-Inspired Turkey Basil Stir-Fry. Featuring lean ground turkey sautéed with vibrant veggies like crunchy red bell peppers and sweet onions, this dish is infused with a delightful balance of tangy lime juice, savory fish sauce, and fragrant basil. Perfectly spicy from Sriracha and slightly sweetened with agave nectar, it’s a wholesome, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly meal that can be on your table in under 30 minutes. Serve it hot as a satisfying standalone dish or pair it with jasmine rice for a heartier option!
6
Servings
57
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh lime juice
2 (tablespoons)
Fish sauce
1 (tablespoon)
Sriracha sauce
1 (tablespoon)
Soy sauce
1 (tablespoon)
Agave nectar
1 (tablespoon)
Onion
1 (cut into slivers)
Red bell pepper
1 (cut into thin strips)
High smoke point oil
2 (teaspoons)
Garlic cloves
2-3 (sliced)
Basil leaves (or Thai basil)
1-2 (cups, chopped)
Lean ground turkey
1.5 (lbs)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, Sriracha, soy sauce, and agave nectar to create the stir-fry sauce. Set aside.
2
Prepare the vegetables by cutting the onion into thin slivers and the red bell pepper into strips. Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves.
3
Heat a wok or a large heavy frying pan over high heat for about 1 minute. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of high smoke point oil (like avocado or peanut oil).
4
Allow the oil to heat for about 45 seconds or until it shimmers. Quickly add the sliced garlic and sauté for less than a minute until fragrant—do not let it burn. Remove the garlic from the oil and discard.
5
Add the onion slivers and bell pepper strips to the wok. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened, then transfer to a bowl.
6
If the wok seems dry, add an additional teaspoon of oil. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes or until the turkey is well browned and any liquid has evaporated.
7
Return the cooked vegetables to the wok with the turkey. Stir to combine and cook for about 1 minute.
8
Add the chopped basil and continue to cook for another minute until the basil starts to wilt.
9
Pour the stir-fry sauce over the turkey and vegetable mixture, stirring to ensure even distribution. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce is mostly absorbed and everything is heated through.
10
Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
3g
Carbs
5g
Protein
0.33g
Fiber
0.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thai-Inspired Turkey Basil Stir-Fry?
It is a quick, aromatic dish featuring lean ground turkey, red bell peppers, and onions, flavored with a blend of lime juice, fish sauce, Sriracha, and fresh basil.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
How long does it take to prepare this meal?
The dish is a quick weeknight option that can be prepared and served in under 30 minutes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Is the Thai-Inspired Turkey Basil Stir-Fry paleo-friendly?
Yes, with its focus on lean protein and fresh vegetables, it is considered paleo-friendly.
What are the primary ingredients for the sauce?
The stir-fry sauce consists of lime juice, fish sauce, Sriracha sauce, soy sauce, and agave nectar.
Can I substitute the ground turkey?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground chicken, pork, or beef for the turkey.
What type of oil is recommended for stir-frying?
A high smoke point oil like avocado or peanut oil is recommended for the high-heat cooking process.
Why is the garlic discarded after sautéing?
The garlic is sautéed briefly to infuse the oil with its fragrance and then removed to prevent it from burning during the high-heat stir-fry.
What kind of basil should I use?
You can use either fresh Italian basil leaves or authentic Thai basil for this recipe.
How spicy is this stir-fry?
The dish has a moderate spice level due to the Sriracha sauce, but you can adjust the amount to suit your preference.
What should I serve with this dish?
It can be served alone as a low-carb meal or paired with jasmine rice for a heartier option.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 57 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 3 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use a different sweetener than agave nectar?
Yes, honey or coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for agave nectar.
What vegetables are included?
The recipe calls for one onion cut into slivers and one red bell pepper cut into thin strips.
How do I prepare the turkey for cooking?
The turkey should be added to the hot wok and broken apart with a spatula until browned and the liquid has evaporated.
When do I add the basil?
The chopped basil is added toward the end of the cooking process and cooked for about one minute until it begins to wilt.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, or carrots would be great additions to this stir-fry.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe contains no dairy ingredients.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this stir-fry?
Yes, the cooked stir-fry can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Is a wok necessary for this recipe?
While a wok is ideal for stir-frying, a large heavy frying pan will also work well.
What is the purpose of fish sauce in this recipe?
Fish sauce provides a deep, savory umami flavor that is essential for an authentic Thai-inspired taste.
How much fiber is in the recipe?
There is approximately 0.33 grams of fiber per serving.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the turkey with crumbled firm tofu and use a vegan fish sauce alternative.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent meal prep option as it is quick to make and holds its flavor well when reheated.