Thai Basil Chicken Recipe (Pad Krapow Gai)

Short Description

Thai Basil Chicken, also known as Pad Krapow Gai, is a classic Thai street food dish that perfectly balances bold flavors and aromatic ingredients. This quick and easy stir-fry features tender ground chicken, fragrant Thai basil, and a savory-sweet sauce, all served over steaming jasmine rice. With its spicy kick and umami depth, this dish is a must-try for anyone craving authentic Thai flavors at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Authentic Flavors: Combines traditional Thai ingredients for a restaurant-quality experience.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste preference.
• Minimal Ingredients: Uses simple, readily available components.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Lean protein, fresh basil, and aromatic spices make this a wholesome meal.

Ingredients

• Ground chicken
• Thai basil leaves
• Garlic cloves
• Thai bird’s eye chilies
• Shallots
• Fish sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Soy sauce
• Dark soy sauce
• Sugar
• Water
• Vegetable oil
• Cooked jasmine rice
• Fried egg (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Mince the garlic and slice the shallots. Remove the stems from the Thai bird’s eye chilies and finely chop them. Pick fresh Thai basil leaves from the stems.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together fish sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and a little water. Set aside.
3. Heat the Oil: In a large pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
4. Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic, chopped chilies, and sliced shallots to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Cook the Chicken: Add ground chicken to the pan. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until no longer pink.
6. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Stir in Thai Basil: Turn off the heat and add the fresh Thai basil leaves. Stir until the leaves are wilted and fully incorporated.
8. Serve: Spoon the Thai Basil Chicken over cooked jasmine rice. Optionally, top with a crispy fried egg for extra richness.

Variations

• Protein Options: Substitute ground turkey, pork, or tofu for a different take.
• Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based protein and replace fish sauce with soy sauce.
• Spice Level: Adjust the number of Thai chilies to control the heat.
• Additional Veggies: Add bell peppers, green beans, or baby corn for more texture and flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent dryness.

FAQs

How spicy is Thai Basil Chicken?

It can be quite spicy, but you can control the heat by adjusting the number of Thai bird’s eye chilies used.

Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?

While Thai basil has a distinct anise-like flavor, regular basil can be used as a substitute if necessary.

What can I serve with Thai Basil Chicken?

Steamed jasmine rice is traditional, but you can also pair it with brown rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all sauces used are gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can cook the chicken mixture ahead of time and reheat before serving.

What’s the best oil to use for stir-frying?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best.

Why add a fried egg on top?

A crispy fried egg adds richness and texture to the dish, making it even more delicious.

Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?

Yes, finely dice or thinly slice chicken breast for a slightly different texture.

How do I make this dish less salty?

Reduce the amount of fish sauce and soy sauce, or add a splash of water to balance the flavors.

What’s the difference between dark soy sauce and regular soy sauce?

Dark soy sauce is thicker and slightly sweeter, adding color and depth to the dish.

Conclusion

Thai Basil Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying meal that brings the essence of Thai street food right into your kitchen. With its perfect balance of spice, savory sauce, and aromatic basil, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Try it today and enjoy the vibrant tastes of Thailand in every bite!

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