Hello food enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and flavorful Asian-inspired dish, 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Gai Krapow) is just what you need. This classic Thai recipe, packed with aromatic basil, garlic, and chilies, will become your new go-to meal for weeknights when you’re short on time but still craving something exotic and hearty. In this article, I’ll show you how to whip up this savory dish in no time. Let’s dive into the world of vibrant Thai cuisine!
Introduction
20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken, also known as Pad Gai Krapow, is a staple of Thai street food and home kitchens alike. This dish is beloved for its simplicity and bold flavors, created with minimal ingredients but delivering maximum satisfaction. The combination of garlic, chilies, and Thai basil provides a burst of flavor in every bite. Plus, the dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners. If you’re a fan of easy-to-make Asian meals, you must try this Thai Basil Chicken recipe.
Related recipes you might enjoy: Sausage Balls with Red Lobster Mix.
Ingredients for 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful Thai Basil Chicken:
- ½ cup brown onion or shallot, diced
- 8 oz ground chicken
- 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ½ cup Thai basil or regular basil (see notes for substitutions)
- 1 medium red chili, roughly chopped
- 1 medium green chili, mild heat, chopped
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (low sodium and gluten-free if required)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce or Sriracha (adjust heat to your preference)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- Avocado oil for cooking
Optional for serving:
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 fried eggs
- Prawn crackers for extra crunch
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Related recipes: Check out Ultimate Cowboy Casserole with Cornbread.
How to Make 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken – Step by Step
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating some avocado oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions or shallots and sauté until soft, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the garlic and green chili, ensuring you have enough oil to release all the rich aromas. This step lays the foundation of the dish’s flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, add the ground chicken to the pan and cook it until it’s no longer pink. Stir frequently to break the chicken into small crumbles. Be careful not to overcook the chicken; it should be juicy but fully cooked through.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, add the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, maple syrup (or honey), garlic chili sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce to the pan. Stir well to combine and let the flavors meld together for about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate the Basil and Red Chili
Now, add the Thai basil and red chili to the mixture. Stir until the basil wilts but still retains its vibrant green color. If the mixture looks dry, add a splash of water to create more sauce.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the Thai Basil Chicken over a bed of steamed rice and top with a fried egg for extra creaminess. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and additional basil leaves for a beautiful, aromatic finish.
Helpful Tips for 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh Thai basil for the best flavor, though regular basil can work in a pinch. Fresh garlic and chilies elevate the dish’s taste profile.
- Adjust Heat: If you like it spicier, feel free to add more chili garlic sauce or a few extra chilies.
- Substitutions: Ground pork or beef works just as well as chicken in this dish, giving you versatility in protein choices.
- Extra Sauce: If you prefer a saucier dish, increase the amounts of soy sauce and fish sauce, or add a bit of water while cooking.
Cooking Tips for the Best Thai Basil Chicken
- Best Oil for Cooking: Use avocado oil or any high-heat oil like vegetable or peanut oil. These oils hold up better at higher cooking temperatures.
- Wok vs. Pan: If you have a wok, use it! The high sides make it easier to toss ingredients and cook them evenly.
- Perfect Rice: Use jasmine rice or another aromatic rice variety for the best flavor pairing with your Thai Basil Chicken.
Serving Suggestions for Thai Basil Chicken
To complete your Pad Gai Krapow experience, serve it with these complementary sides:
- Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber and lime salad will cut through the richness of the dish and provide a refreshing contrast.
- Fried Rice: Instead of plain steamed rice, try serving the chicken over garlic fried rice for an extra boost of flavor.
- Thai Iced Tea: A sweet and creamy Thai iced tea is a perfect drink to accompany the spiciness of this dish.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the breakdown of the nutritional info for 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken (per serving):
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Sugar: 5g
Storage and Leftovers for Thai Basil Chicken
Leftover Tips: Store your Thai Basil Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the dish moist. It can also be frozen for up to a month. Reheat in a pan or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Thai Basil Chicken
- Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil? Yes, regular basil can be used, but the flavor will be slightly different since Thai basil has a more anise-like flavor.
- How spicy is this dish? The spiciness can be adjusted to your preference. Reduce or increase the amount of chili and garlic chili sauce to control the heat level.
- What’s the best protein substitute? Ground pork, beef, or turkey can be used instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
- Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce and fish sauce are also gluten-free.
Conclusion
There you have it – a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Gai Krapow) recipe! I hope this becomes a regular part of your meal rotation, especially on those busy nights when you need something fast but still crave bold flavors. Let me know in the comments below if you’ve tried this recipe or have any personal variations. Don’t forget to check out some of our other delicious recipes, like Peanut Butter Ganache Desserts, for more culinary inspiration!
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20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken Recipe – Quick & Flavorful
Description
Hello food enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and flavorful Asian-inspired dish, 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Gai Krapow) is just what you need. This classic Thai recipe, packed with aromatic basil, garlic, and chilies, will become your new go-to meal for weeknights when you’re short on time but still craving something exotic and hearty. In this article, I’ll show you how to whip up this savory dish in no time. Let’s dive into the world of vibrant Thai cuisine!
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown onion or shallot, diced
- 8 oz ground chicken
- 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ½ cup Thai basil or regular basil (see notes for substitutions)
- 1 medium red chili, roughly chopped
- 1 medium green chili, mild heat, chopped
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (low sodium and gluten-free if required)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce or Sriracha (adjust heat to your preference)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- Avocado oil for cooking
Optional for serving:
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 fried eggs
- Prawn crackers for extra crunch
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating some avocado oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions or shallots and sauté until soft, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the garlic and green chili, ensuring you have enough oil to release all the rich aromas. This step lays the foundation of the dish’s flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, add the ground chicken to the pan and cook it until it’s no longer pink. Stir frequently to break the chicken into small crumbles. Be careful not to overcook the chicken; it should be juicy but fully cooked through.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, add the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, maple syrup (or honey), garlic chili sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce to the pan. Stir well to combine and let the flavors meld together for about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate the Basil and Red Chili
Now, add the Thai basil and red chili to the mixture. Stir until the basil wilts but still retains its vibrant green color. If the mixture looks dry, add a splash of water to create more sauce.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the Thai Basil Chicken over a bed of steamed rice and top with a fried egg for extra creaminess. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and additional basil leaves for a beautiful, aromatic finish.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh Thai basil for the best flavor, though regular basil can work in a pinch. Fresh garlic and chilies elevate the dish’s taste profile.
- Adjust Heat: If you like it spicier, feel free to add more chili garlic sauce or a few extra chilies.
- Substitutions: Ground pork or beef works just as well as chicken in this dish, giving you versatility in protein choices.
- Extra Sauce: If you prefer a saucier dish, increase the amounts of soy sauce and fish sauce, or add a bit of water while cooking.
