Thai Basil Ground Turkey Stir-Fry (20-Minute Dinner)

This Thai Basil Ground Turkey Stir-Fry is the ultimate weeknight dinner — bold, savory, and ready in just 20 minutes. Juicy ground turkey is stir-fried with garlic, fresh chili, soy sauce, and vibrant red peppers, then finished with fragrant Thai basil for an irresistible aroma and flavor. Served over jasmine rice, it’s a lighter, protein-packed take on a Thai classic that still delivers the depth and punch you love.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m a huge fan of quick skillet dinners that taste like they came straight from a restaurant kitchen. This dish reminds me of the satisfying, no-fuss meals I turn to after a long day, much like my Asian Turkey Power Bowls with Sesame Slaw. It’s fresh, colorful, and full of flavor, but it takes less than half an hour from fridge to table.

Bold flavors in minutes

The combination of garlic, chili, soy, and fresh basil is intensely aromatic — and because ground turkey cooks so quickly, the flavor infuses beautifully in no time.

Light but satisfying

Much like my Turkey & Zucchini Skillet Bake, this stir-fry delivers lean protein and fresh vegetables without leaving you feeling heavy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground turkey – Lean and mild, perfect for absorbing bold flavors.
• Olive or avocado oil – For quick stir-frying.
• Garlic cloves – Thinly sliced or minced.
• Fresh red chili – Thai bird’s eye chili for heat, or milder chili if preferred.
• Red bell pepper – For sweetness and crunch.
• Low-sodium soy sauce – Salty umami base.
• Oyster sauce – Adds rich depth.
• Fish sauce – Traditional salty-sweet note.
• Brown sugar or honey – Balances the savory flavors.
• Fresh Thai basil leaves – The star herb for its unique flavor.
• Cooked jasmine rice – To serve.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients

Thinly slice 4 garlic cloves and 1–2 fresh red chilies. Slice 1 red bell pepper into thin strips. Rinse and pat dry 1 cup Thai basil leaves.

2. Stir-fry the turkey

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart, for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned.

3. Add aromatics

Stir in garlic and chili. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Add vegetables and sauce

Add bell pepper strips and cook for 1 minute to retain crunch. Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp fish sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Toss well to coat the turkey.

5. Add basil

Turn off heat and stir in Thai basil leaves until just wilted. The residual heat will release their fragrance without overcooking.

6. Serve

Spoon over warm jasmine rice. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil or sliced chili if desired.

Print

Pro Tips for the Best Thai Basil Stir-Fry

• Use fresh Thai basil for the most authentic flavor — regular basil can be substituted but will taste sweeter.
• If you like extra sauce, double the soy, oyster, and fish sauce mixture.
• For meal prep, keep the rice and stir-fry separate until serving.

Variations

Low-carb option

Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of jasmine rice.

Extra veggie version

Add snow peas, baby corn, or mushrooms for more texture and nutrients.

Spicy-sweet twist

Swap fresh chili for sweet chili sauce if you prefer more sweetness and less heat.

Serving Suggestions

This stir-fry pairs well with a light cucumber salad or steamed edamame for a balanced meal.

Nutrition Snapshot

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	340
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	3g
Fat	12g

FAQ – Thai Basil Ground Turkey Stir-Fry

Conclusion

This Thai Basil Ground Turkey Stir-Fry is quick, vibrant, and incredibly flavorful — the perfect 20-minute meal for busy nights. Whether you serve it over jasmine rice or a low-carb base, it’s a healthy dinner that will keep you coming back for more.