Name: Spicy Thai Basil Ground Turkey
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1.33 lb. 93% lean ground turkey; 1/2 onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp. fresh ginger, minced; 2 tbsp. low sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos); 2 tsp. Asian garlic chili paste (like sambal oelek); 1/2 cup Thai basil; 1 lime, juice only

By Kristen Mccaffrey on Jan 9, 2017

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253 CALORIES 6g CARBS 13g FAT 30g PROTEIN

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Spicy Thai Basil Ground Turkey Recipe

This Spicy Thai Basil Ground Turkey will rival your favorite Thai takeout but is made at home with healthier ingredients and ready in less time than it takes to order take-out. Plus it's low carb, Whole30 friendly, Paleo and gluten-free.

Here's a really easy Thai dish that you can make in less than 20 minutes! The other night we were both really craving take-out after a particularly stressful work day and decided to make the healthier choice is make some kind of takeout at home. I was craving Thai so I was planning on making these Thai Basil Beef Bowls but quickly realized I was all out of ground beef. Luckily I had some ground turkey in the freezer and whipped up this quick turkey version instead. And it came out amazing. The sauce is savory and spicy and the Thai basil adds just the right amount of freshness to the dish. Everything is finished with some fresh lime juice. Normally I serve it over this cauliflower coconut rice, which is delicious. You could also reach for lettuce wraps, brown rice, or quinoa.

Looking for more take-out dishes at home? Try this Lightened Up Cashew Chicken, Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein, Sesame Chicken with Broccoli, or Sesame Beef.

The Recipe

Spicy Thai Basil Ground Turkey

PREP TIME: 5 Min

COOK TIME: 15 Min

TOTAL TIME: 20 Min

Dinner

22 Comments

Diets:

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Ingredients

SERVINGS:

UNITS: US METRICS

1.33 lb. 93% lean ground turkey
1/2 U onion, diced
3 U garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp. fresh ginger, minced
2 tbsp. low sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
2 tsp. Asian garlic chili paste (like sambal oelek)
1/2 cup Thai basil
1 U lime, juice only

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Nutritional Facts

Serving Size: 6 oz.

Amount Per Serving

Calories 253

Calories from Fat 116

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 13g

20%

Saturated Fat 3g

17%

Monounsaturated Fat 0g

Polyunsaturated Fat 0g

Cholesterol 112mg

37%

Sodium 478mg

21%

Total Carbohydrate 6g

Dietary Fiber 1g

Sugars 2g

Protein 30g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.

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Instructions

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Add the turkey and onion to a hot nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Brown and break up the larger chunks as you go until no longer pink.

Add in the garlic and ginger.. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the soy sauce, chili paste, and basil. (For a sweeter option, add 1-3 tsp. sugar as well) Cook for 30 seconds and remove from heat. Taste and season as needed with additional soy or chili sauce. Squeeze lime juice over top.

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Nutritional Facts

Serving Size: 6 oz.

Amount Per Serving

Calories 253

Calories from Fat 116

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 13g

20%

Saturated Fat 3g

17%

Monounsaturated Fat 0g

Polyunsaturated Fat 0g

Cholesterol 112mg

37%

Sodium 478mg

21%

Total Carbohydrate 6g

Dietary Fiber 1g

Sugars 2g

Protein 30g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.

† SmartPoints™ calculated by Slender Kitchen; Not endorsed by Weight Watchers International, Inc.

† We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

22 Comments

On Spicy Thai Basil Ground Turkey

Paul Simon

February 9, 2020 - 10:24

This looks good. Haven't tried it. Perplexed on the 1/2 cup of Thai basil. Is that whole leaves? Chopped up? I'm growing Thai Basil in my Aero Garden not sure I have a 1/2 cup and I was going to up the recipe to 6 servings. Please explain how you measure a 1/2 cup of the basil. Thanks!

BRENDA PASIEKA

September 17, 2019 - 11:51

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Ive made this a few times and always is to dry. It needs more of a sauce to it. Last night I did add a water/cornstarch with the soy and the chili sauce. Turned okay

Tanya

August 6, 2019 - 20:28

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This was so easy to make and taste DELICIOUS!

Dianne

May 22, 2019 - 15:33

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Absolutely delicious. I added chopped water chestnuts for crunch, and served it over cilantro cauliflower rice.
Would be equally delicious as a lettuce wraps with a sweet chili sauce.
A perfect WW meal!

Kristen Mccaffrey

May 23, 2019 - 06:58

So glad to hear you enjoyed it and I love the idea of adding water chestnuts - yum!

Diane

March 11, 2019 - 16:48

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I made this recipe with tofu for those who want to omit the meat and it was wonderful. I added some broccoli, cabbage, onions, and sliced carrots plus wonderful Thai basil and some slices of lemon grass. I used some mushroom soy sauce that I got at my Asian grocery store along with the thai basil and some fresh lemon grass. I served it with brown rice and it was a real winner. It was as food as I have at my fav. Thai restaurant.

Kristen Mccaffrey

May 23, 2019 - 06:58

That sounds amazing!! Love all the veggies and the idea of using tofu.

Tamara Willis

January 29, 2019 - 08:42

Can I use regular basil?

Kristen Mccaffrey

January 29, 2019 - 09:29

Regular basil will work just fine :)

Grace

December 11, 2018 - 17:21

Hi! Do you chop up the basil or use the leaves whole?

Kristen Mccaffrey

December 11, 2018 - 17:52

Chopped! I will update the ingredient list to include that. Thanks!

Ashley

October 29, 2018 - 07:43

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Is Thai Basil a spice? or do you make it on your own? I cant find anything when I google it.

Jordan

November 27, 2018 - 09:39

It is an herb that you would use fresh. Unlikely that your regular grocery store has it. We've found it at an Asian food market before, but we grow it in our garden now since it's so hard to find. :-/ It definitely does taste different than the "normal" basil you would find at the store. I love Thai food, so it was worth it for us to grow it.

Veronica

August 28, 2018 - 17:10

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This was a HUGE hit with my husband. He said he would have paid money in a restaurant for it. Thanks for a super easy and very tasty recipe!

Kristen Mccaffrey

May 23, 2019 - 06:59

Those are my favorite responses to meals! So happy to hear you enjoyed it.

Vicki

August 7, 2018 - 17:47

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I was looking for inspiration for my ground turkey meat and came across this recipe. I talked my husband into trying it. He has recently been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and has chosen to go onto a low carb diet. He continues to voice concern about getting bored with the meals I usually make and refuses to try cauliflower sides that imitate rice. I made this tonight and he raved about it. It is excellent and so easy. Thank you so much. He even liked the cauliflower. That, for a person who hates cauliflower, is high praise indeed.

Kristen Mccaffrey

May 23, 2019 - 07:00

Love this!! Always fun to get our family members to try things they usually wouldn't :)

Jody Goldman

March 11, 2017 - 07:01

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Another delicious recipe. I brought it for lunch during the week.

Nelly Steele

January 29, 2017 - 13:34

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Delicious! eveyrone loved it and easy to prepare

Saundra Contreras

January 16, 2017 - 20:22

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Made this for dinner with ground turkey breast. Didn't have scallions so I just used red onion. I also added half a head of grated cabbage and skipped the asparagus. Served it with green beans on the side. It was so good!!