Delicious Thai-Style Turkey Fried Rice Recipe
Buckle up, my friends. This is no ordinary recipe. When I stumbled upon this Thai-Style Turkey Fried Rice Recipe, I was blown away by the flavors and aroma that filled my kitchen. And let me tell you, it tastes just like the restaurant-style fried rice we all know and love.
Not only is this recipe mouth-wateringly delicious, but it’s also a perfect way to use up leftover turkey that might be lurking in your fridge. I promise you won’t even recognize the taste of the turkey once it’s mixed with all of these incredible flavors.
But what exactly makes this Thai-style so special? Well, it’s all in the secret ingredient – a combination of fish sauce and oyster sauce that imparts an unparalleled umami flavor to the rice. Paired with kaffir lime leaves and Thai basil, this dish will transport your taste buds to Thailand itself.
So fire up your stove and grab your wok – let’s get started on creating this unforgettable dish that you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Have you been craving Thai food lately? How about the comfort of fried rice? What if I told you there’s a way to combine those two in a mouthwatering meal? Allow me to introduce you to my Thai-Style Turkey Fried Rice Recipe.
This recipe is packed with flavor and aromatic spices that will transport your taste buds straight to Thailand. Trust me; this isn’t your average fried rice. The combination of fish sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar elevates the flavors of the jasmine rice to another level. Plus, the secret ingredient for that restaurant-style taste is added – Kaffir lime leaves!
What’s more exciting is that this dish isn’t just any fried rice; it is turkey fried rice. Ground turkey adds a new dimension of flavors to the dish while also making it healthier compared to traditional pork or chicken fried rice. Additionally, using leftover cooked turkey breast takes this dish from just an ordinary weekday dinner to comforting leftovers from Thanksgiving.
But wait, there’s more! You can customize this recipe based on your preferences and dietary restrictions. For instance, if you’re vegetarian, omitting the turkey or replacing it with plant-based protein would still give you a delicious meal. You can also substitute brown rice for jasmine rice, making this version even healthier.
Needless to say, this dish has it all – flavor, health benefits, versatility, and comfort. So why settle for anything less? Give in to your cravings and indulge in my Thai-Style Turkey Fried Rice Recipe today!
Ingredient List
This Thai-Style Turkey Fried Rice recipe is packed with delicious and authentic flavors of Thai cuisine. Be sure to gather all the ingredients before starting your cooking adventure. Here is a list of ingredients you will need:
- 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 long green chilies, seeds removed, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp peanut oil
- 1 2/3 cups leftover turkey, cooked and diced
- 7 oz (200 g) pkg green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red capsicum, seeded and sliced thinly
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- 4 kaffir lime leaves, stem removed and sliced thinly
- A small bunch of Thai basil leaves, sliced thinly
By using these fresh ingredients, the flavors and taste of your Thai Fried Rice will be elevated to another level!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all our ingredients in order, let’s get cooking some Thai-Style Turkey Fried Rice! Grab your apron, turn up the heat and let’s get started!
Cooking the Rice
First things first, let’s get the Jasmine rice ready. Rinse 1 ½ cups of Jasmine rice with water until it runs clear. Drain the rice and place it in a pot with 2 ¼ cups of water. Add a pinch of salt and bring the water to a boil. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
Preparing the Turkey
While the rice is cooking, let’s prepare our turkey. Heat oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add 1 pound of ground turkey to the pan and cook it until it has browned. Use a wooden spoon to break up any large chunks of meat.
Stir-Frying
Once the turkey is cooked, move it over to one side of the pan and add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to the other side. Add 3 cloves of finely chopped garlic, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh ginger and 2 green chilies with seeds removed, finely chopped to the pan. Stir fry this delicious mixture for around 30 seconds until fragrant.
Vegetables
Time now for a splash of color in this dish! Add 1 red capsicum finely sliced and ½ a cup of sliced green beans. Keep stir-frying for another minute until these are mostly cooked through.
The Secret Ingredient
Of course, everyone wants their Thai-Style Turkey Fried Rice to taste like that authentic restaurant style flavour right? The secret ingredient we recommend is adding 3 kaffir lime leaves. Trust us on this one, you won’t be sorry!
Flavorsome Sauces & Seasoning
Now is time to introduce some sauces to elevate flavors: add 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Keep stir-frying until combined.
Finishing Touches Before Plating
Stir in your cooked Jasmine rice into your frying pan with everything else so far. Keep stirring everything together until its all hot again. Lastly, stir in ½ cup Thai basil roughly sliced (about 1 oz) and season with salt to taste.
Congratulations on finishing this flavorful dish! Serve it hot with a little splash of lime juice on top and garnish it with some cilantro leaves or more fresh Thai basil sprigs!
Substitutions and Variations
Do you want to switch things up and add your own twist to this Thai-style turkey fried rice recipe? Don’t worry, there is plenty of room for that.
Firstly, if you can’t find kaffir lime leaves or Thai basil in your local grocery store, you can substitute them with regular lime zest and Italian basil, respectively. While these substitutes will not provide the exact same flavor profile, they come close enough to offer a tasty alternative.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian version of this dish, you can easily swap out the ground turkey for tofu or just by adding more vegetables such as carrots and peas; it’ll still turn out delicious.
Another variation would be to add some red curry paste when frying the onion and garlic. This will make for a spicier and more flavorful dish. You can also use leftover chicken instead of turkey.
For those of you who prefer brown rice over jasmine rice, feel free to use brown rice instead. Just remember that brown rice takes longer to cook, so make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the stir-fry.
There’s also ample opportunity to explore further with spices: add a pinch of cinnamon or coriander seeds in your cooking process – this will impart an exotic flavor which complements the primary ingredients beautifully.
Regardless of how you choose to mix it up, there are plenty of ways to customize this dish to suit your preferences while retaining that restaurant-style taste.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing the Thai-Style Turkey Fried Rice, you have plenty of options to choose from. This is a dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a few other flavorful sides for a complete meal.
To start, I recommend garnishing the fried rice with a lime wedge and fresh Thai basil. These will bring out the flavors of the dish and add an extra level of freshness to your meal.
For a side dish, I suggest serving this turkey fried rice with roasted green beans or red capsicum. The simple flavors in these dishes pair well with the complex flavors in the Thai-style fried rice.
If you’re looking to turn this into a more substantial meal, you can also serve the fried rice on a bed of brown rice. This will make it even more filling while adding fiber and nutrients that are beneficial for your health.
To drink, try pairing the Thai-Style Turkey Fried Rice with a cold beer or a crisp white wine. The lightness of these beverages will balance out the bold flavors in the dish making it easy to enjoy more than one serving.
Whatever way you choose to serve and pair this dish, you’ll end up with restaurant-style turkey fried rice that tastes amazing and is sure to impress your friends and family.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
There’s nothing quite as convenient as being able to prep a meal ahead of time, especially when your days are packed with work or other commitments. Luckily, this Thai-Style Turkey Fried Rice Recipe is perfect for making in advance as it stores well thanks to its hearty ingredients.
To make-ahead: If you want to save some precious cooking time in the morning, you can cook the rice a day or two before you plan on making this turkey fried rice. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge and heat it up when needed. You can also chop up all of your vegetables and other ingredients beforehand and set them aside so that everything is prepped and ready to go.
Storing: Once cooked, this Thai-Style Turkey Fried Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, keep in mind that with each passing day the rice will become drier and more firm due to absorbing moisture from the other ingredients.
Reheating: When reheating this dish, you have a few options depending on what equipment is available to you. For best results, we recommend reheating it in a microwave as it’s extremely fast and efficient. Alternatively, you can also opt for reheating it over medium-low heat in a large frying pan with peanut oil – this way will help make the rice moist again. Remember if you’re reheating from frozen, thaw your fried rice overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Whether you’re planning on making this for leftovers or meal-prep, this delicious turkey fried rice taste like restaurant-style just by following proper storage and reheating instructions.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want your Thai-style turkey fried rice to taste restaurant-style, there are a few key tips that can make all the difference. Here are my top tips for perfect results:
First and foremost, make sure you use the right kind of rice. Jasmine rice is the best option for this recipe because it has the perfect texture and flavor for Thai cuisine. Brown rice or leftover rice will also work great but might change the flavor slightly.
Another tip to keep in mind is to use high heat when frying the ingredients. This will help them cook quickly and evenly, giving your dish a nice charred flavor. Use a large frying pan or wok if you have one, as this will help ensure everything is cooked properly.
When it comes to seasonings, don’t be afraid to add more fish sauce or soy sauce if needed. These sauces are what give this dish its distinct Thai flavor, so it’s important not to skimp on them. However, be careful not to overdo it either, as too much can make the fried rice taste too salty.
If you’re using leftover turkey instead of ground turkey, make sure to cut it into small pieces before adding it to the pan. This will help ensure that it cooks evenly and blends well with the other ingredients.
Finally, don’t forget about garnishes! Lime wedges, Thai basil, and kaffir lime leaves are all great options for adding some brightness and freshness to your finished dish. Sprinkle some on top before serving for an extra pop of flavor.
Follow these tips and you’ll be sure to impress your friends and family with your delicious Thai-style turkey fried rice!
FAQ
Before wrapping up this Thai-Style Turkey Fried Rice recipe article, I would like to address some commonly asked questions. As any recipe, you may have a few doubts about the ingredients or instructions. Therefore, in this section, I’ll be answering some of the most frequent inquiries that people have about making this delicious dish. So, let’s dive into it!
What makes Thai fried rice different?
When it comes to fried rice, the type of rice used can greatly affect the outcome of the dish. Thai fried rice typically features fragrant jasmine rice, while Chinese fried rice is made with long grain white rice. One significant difference between the two is the use of soy sauce. Soy sauce is a staple in Chinese cuisine, but not necessarily in Thai dishes. Instead, Thai fried rice often features unique blends of flavors, such as fish sauce or oyster sauce, to achieve the desired taste.
What is the secret ingredient to restaurant fried rice?
When it comes to giving my dishes that extra oomph, my secret weapon is butter. Trust me, it’s what the top chefs use to jazz up their fried rice at hibachi restaurants. I’ve been using it in my cooking for some time now, and I can tell you, it’s a game-changer. Not only does it add a rich layer of flavor, but it also helps to give my rice that crispy, golden-brown finish that makes my taste buds dance with joy. So, if you want to take your dishes to the next level, don’t be afraid to reach for that stick of butter. Your taste buds will thank you later.
What gives Chinese fried rice it’s flavor?
When it comes down to making savory fried rice, incorporating the right sauces is crucial to achieving that mouth-watering taste. The three sauces that reign supreme are soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. The key is to add these sauces steadily and in small doses, making sure you keep trying and testing the rice as you go along. It’s easy to get carried away, so be sure to keep your focus on the overall taste, ensuring that the flavor of the rice, meat, and veggies are not eclipsed by too much sauce. Don’t be shy to explore and experiment with varying amounts of each sauce to find just the right combination. With a little mindfulness and attention to detail, you are sure to create the perfect fried rice.
How do you make fried rice taste like a restaurant?
For an authentic restaurant-style rice, it’s recommended to stir the rice in a pot over high heat for approximately 5 minutes before cooking. This technique helps to keep the grains separate and less sticky, resulting in a more authentic taste.
Bottom Line
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In conclusion, this Thai-Style Turkey Fried Rice recipe is a must-try for all culinary explorers out there. With its unique blend of ingredients, it promises to satisfy your taste buds and take you on a flavor journey. The secret ingredient of fish sauce and the fragrance of Thai basil and kaffir lime leaves lend the dish its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
What’s more appealing about this recipe is that it’s so easy to customize based on personal preferences or what’s available in your pantry. You can use leftover turkey or cooked turkey breast, swap jasmine rice with brown rice, or even add red curry paste for more heat.
This recipe also saves us from wasting leftover meats while offering a way to use them in an exciting way. It tastes like restaurant-style Thai fried rice but can be cooked at home with minimum effort. Plus, it serves as a great meal prep option that can be stored in fridge/freezer for later consumption.
So, gather up your ingredients and give this flavorful recipe a try. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you for it. Serve it with a garnish of Thai basil and lime wedge, and there you have it – the perfect Thai-style Turkey Fried Rice!
Thai-Style Turkey Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 long green chilies, seeds removed, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 red capsicum, cut into 1cm cubes
- 200 g thin green beans, cut into 2cm lengths
- 4 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced (see notes)
- 4 cups cooked cooled jasmine rice (1 1/3 cups (265g, uncooked)
- 3 cups roughly chopped cooked turkey
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free tamari (see notes)
- 1/2 cup Thai basil (see notes or use regular basil)
- lime wedge, to serve
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, chilli, ginger and sugar, then cook for a further 1 minute until the mixture is fragrant and the sugar has dissolved. Add the chopped capsicum, beans and kaffir lime leaves, then stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are just tender. Add the cooked rice, chopped turkey, fish sauce and tamari, then stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Stir in the basil, then serve the rice in bowls with lime wedges to squeeze.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.