Image Credit: Andrei Kravtsov from Getty Images
A quick, flavour-packed alternative to takeaway you can make at home.
If you love takeaway but want something quicker, cheaper, and easier to make at home, this one’s for you. This Thai basil mince is inspired by Phat Kaphrao and comes together in about 10 minutes. It’s flexible, full of flavour, and perfect for busy weeknights when you still want a proper meal.
Why this recipe works
Fakeaways are popular for a reason. They give you the flavours you crave without the wait, the cost, or the guesswork.
It’s also adaptable. You can use whatever mince you have on hand, adjust the heat to your taste, and take shortcuts where needed without sacrificing flavour.
Ingredients
This recipe is intentionally simple. No long prep, no obscure ingredients. Recipe serves 2.
For the sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar (white or brown, both work)
For the mince
- 250g of turkey mince (chicken, pork, or beef also work)
- 1 heaped teaspoon chicken stock powder (optional, but recommended)
- 2 teaspoons crushed garlic (jar garlic is fine)
- Chilli flakes, to taste
- A splash of oil
To finish
- Spring onions, roughly chopped (about a cup worth)
- 1 packet Thai basil leaves, roughly chopped (about a cup worth)
- Long grain white rice (rice cooker or packet rice)
- Fried egg, to serve
Image Credit: Mashuk from Getty Images
Method
- Start the rice
Put your rice on first so it’s ready when everything else is done. Packet rice works just as well if you’re short on time. - Mix the sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Set aside. - Prep your greens
Roughly chop the spring onions and Thai basil. No need to be precise. - Cook the mince
Heat a pan over medium heat with a splash of oil. Add the mince and cook until it starts to brown. (Note: if using turkey mince, this will take a little longer than other options). - Add flavour
Stir through the garlic, chilli flakes, and chicken stock powder. The mince will release a bit of liquid. Let it cook until the mince is fully cooked through. - Add the sauce
Pour in the sauce and stir to coat everything evenly. Let it bubble for a few minutes so the flavours soak in. - Finish
Turn the heat off and stir through the basil and spring onions. You want them just wilted, not overcooked. - Serve
Spoon the mince over rice and top with a fried egg.
Done.
Easy swaps and shortcuts
- Turkey mince is our go-to because it absorbs the sauce well and stays juicy without drying out, but other mince alternatives work well too.
- Use packet rice to save time
- Adjust chilli to suit your heat tolerance
- If you don’t have Thai basil, regular basil will still work
A good fakeaway doesn’t need to be complicated. Simple ingredients, bold flavours, and a few smart shortcuts can give you a satisfying meal faster than ordering in.
Your wellbeing, your way
Cooking at home doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. Small, realistic swaps like this can make weeknight meals easier and more enjoyable.
And when cooking isn’t on the cards, WHEREFIT also gives you access to a wide range of nutrition and healthy meal options, from meal delivery services to nutrition apps, making it easier to support your wellbeing in ways that suit your lifestyle.