Thai Basil Chicken - Authentic Thai Recipe

Craving a taste of Thailand? Thai Basil Chicken, also known as "Pad Krapow Gai," is a popular Thai street food that’s packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make at home. This spicy, fragrant dish combines tender chicken with fresh basil and a medley of aromatic ingredients, making it a go-to for Thai food enthusiasts and health-conscious eaters alike.

Ingredients

Main Components

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
• 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 Thai chilies, minced (adjust to taste)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Optional Additions for Personalization

• 1 egg per serving, fried
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
• Jasmine rice or rice noodles for serving
• Lime wedges for garnish

Preparation

1. Slice the Chicken: Thinly slice the chicken breast or thighs into bite-sized pieces.
2. Chop Vegetables: Slice the onion and red bell pepper. Trim and cut green beans if using.
3. Mince Aromatics: Mince the garlic and Thai chilies. Adjust the amount of chilies based on your heat preference.

Cooking Process

1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Cook the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and Thai chilies to the pan. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.
4. Incorporate Vegetables: Add the sliced onion and red bell pepper (and green beans if using). Stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Season the Dish:

• • Add soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar to the pan.
  • Stir everything together, allowing the sauces to coat the ingredients evenly.
  6. Add Thai Basil:
  • Toss in the fresh Thai basil leaves.
  • Stir until the basil is wilted and well incorporated into the dish, about 1 minute.

  Seasoning and Tasting

  • Adjust Flavors:
  • Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
  • Add more fish sauce for saltiness, sugar for sweetness, or chilies for extra heat.
  • Balance:
  • Aim for a balance of salty, sweet, and spicy flavors.

  Serving and Presentation

  • Serve with Jasmine Rice or Rice Noodles:
  • Spoon the Thai Basil Chicken over warm jasmine rice or rice noodles for a complete meal.
  • Garnishing:
  • Top each serving with a fried egg for extra richness.
  • Garnish with lime wedges for a zesty finish.

  Health Benefits

  Thai Basil Chicken is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits:

  • High in Protein:
  • Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
  • Fresh Ingredients:
  • The use of fresh vegetables and herbs ensures you get a good dose of vitamins and minerals.
  • Low in Carbs:
  • When paired with a moderate amount of rice or served with vegetables, it can be a low-carb option.

  Conclusion

  Ready to impress your taste buds? Thai Basil Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Thailand right into your kitchen. With its easy preparation and tantalizing flavors, it's a perfect choice for home cooks and Thai food enthusiasts alike. Try making it today and enjoy a wholesome, delicious meal that’s sure to become a household favorite.

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