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Versatile Thai Basil Chicken Mixture for Meal Prep

Meal prepping is a game-changer when it comes to saving time and eating well throughout the week. But here’s the thing—meal prepping doesn’t have to mean eating the same thing every day. The key is prepping smart. Instead of making one dish and having it on repeat, I like to prep versatile components like marinades, condiments, roasted veggies, or, in this case, a flavorful chicken mixture that can be used in multiple recipes. This way, you’re not stuck with the same meal every day, but you’re still set up for success with minimal effort.

This Versatile Thai Basil Chicken Mixture is one of my go-to meal preps, inspired by the bold and aromatic flavors of Thai cuisine. What’s great about this mixture is that it’s packed with protein and flavor, making it a perfect building block for various dishes like Thai Basil Chicken Burgers, Rice Paper Dumplings, and Chicken Puffs.

Ingredients Breakdown

• Chicken mince: This lean protein soaks up all the flavors from the aromatics and sauces. Chicken mince works great here, but you could also use pork or turkey if preferred.
• Basil: Authentic Thai basil is key in traditional Thai cooking, known for its slightly peppery, anise-like flavor. In this mixture, the basil provides a fragrant herbal freshness, which is central to Thai cuisine. If Thai basil isn’t available, regular Italian basil works, but the flavor will differ slightly. You can add a little star anise or fennel seeds to compensate for the lost flavor (optional)
• Garlic and ginger: These are staples in many Southeast Asian dishes, bringing warmth and a punch of aromatic flavor to the chicken mixture.
• Chilies: Thai cooking often incorporates spicy chilies to balance the flavors of sweet, salty, and sour. You can adjust the heat level depending on your preference. Thai bird’s eye chilies pack quite a punch, but use whatever spicy chilies you prefer.
• Soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce: This trio of sauces forms the umami base of the dish. The combination brings in saltiness, depth, and a bit of sweetness, typical of Thai basil chicken dishes.
• Sesame oil: While not traditionally used in Thai cooking, it adds a rich, nutty aroma to the mix. You can adjust the quantity or omit it for a more authentic flavor.

Inspiration from Thai Basil Chicken

This Thai Basil Chicken Mixture is loosely inspired by the classic Thai dish, Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry). While the flavors and ingredients are similar, there are a few key differences. Traditional Thai basil chicken usually starts by frying the garlic, chilies, and basil stems in hot oil to release their full aromatic potential. Since this recipe is designed as a versatile meal-prep mix, I skip that step and mix everything together for convenience. This method creates a milder, more subtle flavor, but it’s perfect for adding to burgers, dumplings, or puffs where you want to balance other textures and ingredients.

Why Meal Prepping Works

According to a study by the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, meal prepping can save up to 6 hours a week in cooking time. Additionally, people who meal prep are 33% more likely to stick to their dietary goals. When you’re prepared, you’re less likely to reach for convenience foods or takeout. Plus, meal prepping saves money and reduces food waste by helping you use ingredients more efficiently.

The key to meal prep success is versatility. Prepping a base mixture like this one ensures that your meals are exciting and varied throughout the week. With just a little planning, you can turn this single mixture into a variety of different meals, keeping things interesting and flavorful.

Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness

One of the best parts about meal prepping is that it allows you to cook once and eat for days. Here’s how to properly store your Thai Basil Chicken Mixture to ensure maximum freshness and food safety:

• In the Fridge: The raw chicken mixture can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure it’s tightly sealed in an airtight container or wrapped well in plastic wrap. Always keep your fridge temperature at or below 4°C (40°F) to prevent bacterial growth.
• In the Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the mixture. You can freeze it for up to 2 months if stored properly. A helpful trick is to divide the mixture into smaller portions based on the recipes you plan to make. This way, you can thaw just what you need without repeatedly freezing and thawing the entire batch, which can lead to contamination.
• Avoid Refreezing: Never refreeze raw chicken after it has been thawed. Thawing and refreezing create the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply. By freezing in smaller portions, you’ll prevent waste and ensure food safety.
• Thawing: When you’re ready to use the mixture, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing on the counter as this can allow the outer layer to reach unsafe temperatures while the inside remains frozen.

The Versatile Thai Basil Chicken Mixture Recipe

This recipe makes a large batch of 700g of chicken mince and is designed to be your go-to meal-prep protein throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 700g Chicken mince
• 2 Spring onions, finely chopped
• 6 cloves Garlic, minced
• ½ inch Ginger, minced
• ½ cup Basil, finely chopped
• 4 Spicy chilies, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp Soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp Fish sauce
• 1 tbsp Sesame oil
• Salt, to taste
• 1 Egg, to bind (optional)

Prepare the Chicken Mixture

1. Combine the Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken mince, spring onions, garlic, ginger, basil, chilies, soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, and salt.
2. Add the Egg:
   If the mixture feels a bit too wet, add the egg to help bind everything together.
3. Store or Use Immediately:
   You can store this mixture in the fridge or freezer, as described above. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw and follow the specific recipe directions for burgers, dumplings, or puffs.

How to Use This Base Mixture: 3 Delicious Recipes

This versatile base mixture is the cornerstone of three distinct, flavorful dishes. Each recipe highlights different textures and cooking methods, so you can switch things up throughout the week.

1. Thai Basil Chicken Burgers

These burgers are juicy, spicy, and full of bold flavors. Topped with a creamy Kewpie mayo coleslaw and a fried egg, these burgers are the perfect gourmet twist on a classic favorite.
Check out the full recipe here.

2. Thai Basil Chicken Rice Paper Dumplings

Wrapped in crispy rice paper, these dumplings are light, flavorful, and perfect for a snack or appetizer. They’re easy to assemble, and the dipping sauce takes it to another level.
Check out the full recipe here.

3. Thai Basil Chicken Puffs

The savory chicken mixture wrapped in flaky puff pastry is a delightful, textural adventure. These puffs are ideal for picnics, parties, or as a tea-time snack.
Check out the full recipe here.

Meal Prep Without the Monotony

This Versatile Thai Basil Chicken Mixture makes meal prepping easy, flavorful, and most importantly—never boring. With a base mixture like this, you have the flexibility to enjoy different flavors and textures every day of the week. You can feel good knowing that you’re saving time, sticking to your goals, and making the most out of your ingredients. Whether you’re whipping up a quick burger or preparing dumplings for an afternoon snack, this mixture is your ticket to stress-free and exciting meals. Let me know in the comments what you make from this mixture!