Thai Turkey

Thai Turkey Recipe - A Delicious and Authentic Dish from Thailand

Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Thai Turkey is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of Thai cuisine with the lean protein of ground turkey. This dish is perfect for those looking for a healthy and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare.

History

Thai Turkey is a fusion dish that combines traditional Thai flavors with ground turkey, a lean and versatile protein. The dish is inspired by the bold and aromatic flavors of Thai cuisine, which often includes ingredients such as coconut milk, fish sauce, and red curry paste.

Ingredients

1 (14 oz (397 g)) can of coconut milk
1 – 2 tbsp of fish sauce
2 tbsp of honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp of red curry paste
1 – 2 tbsp of olive oil
2 lb (907 g) of ground turkey
1 large onion, diced
0.5 lb (227 g) of sweet potatoes, cubed just larger than the size of a pea
0.5 cup of rinsed frozen green peas
3 leaves of sage, chiffonade
3 leaves of thai basil, chiffonade
4 cups of cooked brown rice

How to prepare

In a pot, simmer coconut milk, sauce, honey, Thai red curry paste, and cubed sweet potato until tender, about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, brown turkey and onions in oil until almost done. Then, add peas, sage, and basil.
Add the turkey mixture to the coconut mixture.
Serve over brown rice, and top with fried onions and chopped peanuts.

Variations

For a spicier dish, add more red curry paste or chopped Thai chilies.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground turkey with tofu or tempeh.
Add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the ground turkey and onions before adding them to the coconut milk mixture to ensure that they are cooked through and have a nice caramelized flavor.

- Feel free to adjust the amount of red curry paste and fish sauce to suit your taste preferences. You can also add more or less brown sugar depending on how sweet you like your dishes.

- Top the dish with fried onions and chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Thai Turkey is best served over cooked brown rice, topped with fried onions and chopped peanuts. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the coconut milk mixture until the sweet potatoes are tender to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Brown the ground turkey and onions separately before combining them with the coconut milk mixture to ensure that they are cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute ground chicken or pork for the ground turkey in this recipe.

- If you don't have fish sauce, you can use soy sauce or tamari as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Thai Turkey can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the dish in a pot or microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Thai Turkey in a large serving bowl over a bed of brown rice, topped with fried onions and chopped peanuts. Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or Thai basil for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Thai Turkey pairs well with a crisp and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of steamed jasmine rice. For a complete meal, serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh fruit salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Thai Turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in a pot or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Thai Turkey contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish primarily come from the brown rice and peas. One serving of Thai Turkey contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the coconut milk, olive oil, and ground turkey. One serving of Thai Turkey contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

The protein in this dish comes from the ground turkey. One serving of Thai Turkey contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Thai Turkey is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This dish contains fish sauce and peanuts, which are common allergens. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Thai Turkey is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Thai Turkey is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the bold flavors of Thai cuisine with the lean protein of ground turkey. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Thai Turkey. It was a warm summer day, and I was walking through the bustling streets of Bangkok, Thailand. The air was filled with the fragrant smells of street food vendors cooking up a storm. As I walked past one particular vendor, I caught a whiff of a delicious aroma that made my mouth water.

Intrigued, I stopped in my tracks and watched as the vendor expertly cooked up a dish of Thai Turkey. The combination of tender turkey meat, vibrant herbs, and spicy chilies looked irresistible. I knew I had to try it for myself.

I approached the vendor and struck up a conversation. Through a mix of broken English and hand gestures, I managed to convey to him that I wanted to learn his recipe for Thai Turkey. To my surprise, he agreed to teach me.

We spent the afternoon together, him showing me the ins and outs of preparing the dish. I watched as he pounded fresh herbs and spices in a mortar and pestle, creating a fragrant paste that would serve as the base for the marinade. He then marinated the turkey meat in this paste, allowing it to soak up all the flavors.

As the sun began to set, we fired up the grill and cooked the marinated turkey to perfection. The meat was tender and juicy, with a perfect balance of heat from the chilies and sweetness from the herbs. I took my first bite and was transported to a world of bold and exotic flavors.

I thanked the vendor for his generosity and made a promise to myself to recreate this dish at home. Back in my own kitchen, I set to work experimenting with different ingredients and techniques until I finally perfected my own version of Thai Turkey.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, each time bringing back memories of that fateful day in Bangkok. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with its unique and delicious flavors.

Today, whenever I make Thai Turkey, I am reminded of the beauty of travel and the joy of discovering new cuisines. This recipe has become a staple in my repertoire, a reminder of the incredible experiences that food can bring.

As I sit down to enjoy a plate of Thai Turkey, I am grateful for the kindness of that street food vendor and the passion he instilled in me for cooking. I may have stumbled upon this recipe by chance, but it has since become a cherished part of my culinary journey.