Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) is a standout Thai dish, celebrated for its bold spice and rich aroma. This stir-fry brings together tender chicken, sharp shallots, fiery Thai red chili, and the star ingredient - fragrant basil leaves. Simple to make and ready in under 30 minutes, it's an ideal choice for a quick yet delicious lunch or dinner.
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Served traditionally over steamed rice varieties like white, jasmine, or basmati, Thai Basil Chicken promises a satisfying and complete culinary experience. The dish distinguishes itself with its unique blend of flavors and the use of either holy basil or Thai sweet basil, lending it an authentic Thai essence.
Globally acclaimed, this dish is a regular in Thai street food scenes, restaurants, and home cooking. Its ease of preparation makes it perfect for various dining scenarios, from a swift dinner to a comforting family meal, or even a last-minute dish for gatherings. Enjoy the convenience and delightful taste of Thai Basil Chicken, a testament to the allure of Thai cuisine.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
For this Thai Basil Chicken recipe, the ingredients are readily available Asian staples, often found in most Asian grocery stores. Here's what you'll need:
- Chicken: Opt for ground or finely chopped boneless chicken, which is protein-rich and great for soaking up the flavors of aromatics and seasonings.
- Aromatics: Combine shallots and garlic for a savory base, and Thai red chili for a spicy kick. Adjust the chili quantity to suit your heat preference.
- Fish Sauce: A key player in authentic Thai flavor, fish sauce adds a unique salty depth and umami. For an alternative, try oyster sauce or Worcestershire sauce, which slightly alters but still enriches the dish's traditional taste.
- Soy Sauce: This adds a rich and savory depth, perfectly complementing the other flavors.
- Basil Leaves: Traditional Thai holy basil imparts a distinctive peppery, herbal note. Alternatively, Thai sweet basil offers a gentler, somewhat sweet taste. If Thai basil isn't available, regular basil can suffice, though with a different flavor profile.
- Brown Sugar: A dash of sweetness to balance the savory and spicy notes.
- Black Pepper: Introduces a subtle, warm heat that gently builds with each bite.
- Oil: Choose your preferred cooking oil for richness and even cooking. For added depth, sesame oil is an excellent choice, offering a unique, nutty flavor.
- Salt: An essential seasoning that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken at Home?
Dive into the vibrant world of Thai cuisine with our Thai Basil Chicken recipe. Follow along with our step-by-step photos and video to effortlessly bring this aromatic and flavorful dish to life in your kitchen. Let's get started!
Discover a Variety of Asian and Stir Fry Dishes:
- Chicken Stir Fry
- Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Teriyaki Chicken
- Orange Chicken
- Szechuan Chicken
- General Tso's Chicken
- Kung Pao Chicken
- Shrimp Stir Fry
- Tofu Stir Fry
- Vegetable Stir Fry
Thai Basil Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless Chicken, ground, or chopped
- 2 Shallots, chopped
- 2 tbsp Garlic, minced
- 3 Thai Red Chili, chopped, reduce the quantity for less heat
- 2 tsp Oil
- 3 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- ¼ cup Water, to deglaze
- 1½ tsp Fish Sauce
- ½ tsp Black Pepper, powder
- Salt, to taste
- 1 handful Basil Leaves, Thai sweet basil or holy basil
Instructions
To Make Thai Basil Chicken
- Heat a wok over high heat and add oil. Once hot, sauté shallots, garlic, and Thai red chili until they become fragrant.
- Add the ground or finely chopped chicken to the wok. Stir-fry until the chicken is completely cooked.
- Next, pour in ¼ cup of water or broth to deglaze the wok. Add fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt to season. Stir everything well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Lastly, add the basil leaves, stirring them into the chicken mixture. Continue cooking just until the basil wilts. Your Thai Basil Chicken is now ready to be served and enjoyed.
To Serve
- Enjoy the Thai Basil Chicken with a choice of white, brown, or jasmine rice, and complement it with a fried or sunny-side-up egg for a complete and delightful meal.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- High Heat Cooking: Cook on high heat for a quick sear, retaining the crispness of aromatics and chicken. Fast stir-frying helps preserve texture and avoids overcooking.
- Advance Preparation: Chop shallots, garlic, Thai red chili, and basil leaves in advance. Have your sauces and spices ready. This pre-preparation ensures a seamless cooking experience.
- Spice to Taste: Thai Basil Chicken is known for its heat. Control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of Thai red chili to suit your taste. Start with less and increase as needed.
- Avoid Overcooking Chicken: Cook chicken until it’s just white and done. Overcooking leads to dryness and toughness, while the right cooking time keeps it juicy and tender.
- Late Addition of Basil: Add basil leaves at the end of cooking to maintain their fresh flavor and aroma. Cook them just until they wilt for the best taste.
- Flavor Balancing: Continually taste and adjust the dish with fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt for a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and salty elements.
- Serve Hot: Enjoy Thai Basil Chicken fresh off the stove for the most vibrant flavors.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
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Serving Suggestions
Enjoy Thai Basil Chicken with these delectable pairings:
- Rice Varieties: Complement it with jasmine, basmati, coconut, brown, or white rice for a balanced meal.
- Sunny Side Up Eggs: Top with a sunny side up egg for added richness and texture.
- Sauteed Vegetables: Add a healthy touch with sauteed broccoli, asparagus, bok choy, green beans, or snap peas.
- Cucumber Salad: Offer a refreshing cucumber salad for a cool, tangy contrast to the dish's spiciness.
- Spring Rolls: Serve crispy spring rolls as an appetizer or side, enhancing the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Tom Kha Soup: For an authentic Thai dining experience, add a bowl of Tom Kha Soup.
Storage Suggestions
Store any leftover Thai Basil Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. It's ideal when enjoyed hot, fresh from the wok.
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