Whip up a quick and flavorful dish with this 20-Minute Thai Basil Chicken, also known as Pad Gai Krapow. Bursting with savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors, this dish is a perfect go-to for anyone craving authentic Thai cuisine at home.
Introduction to Thai Basil Chicken
Thai Basil Chicken, also known as Pad Gai Krapow, is a famous stir-fry dish that originates from Thailand. Featuring bold flavors, it balances the sweetness of basil with the savory umami notes of soy and oyster sauce. Often served over a bed of steamed rice and accompanied by a fried egg, it is a quick and hearty meal that appeals to lovers of Asian cuisine and Thai street food.
Whether you’re a fan of spicy dishes or prefer mild heat, this recipe can easily be customized to suit your taste. The star of the dish is the Thai basil (also known as holy basil), which gives this stir-fry its distinct, aromatic flavor. If you’re new to Thai cooking, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Thai Basil Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering Pad Gai Krapow at home:
- ½ cup brown onion or shallot, diced or roughly chopped
- 8 oz ground chicken (substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ½ cup Thai basil leaves (or substitute with regular basil)
- 1 medium red chili, roughly chopped (adjust for heat)
- 1 medium mild green pepper, chopped
- Avocado oil for cooking
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (gluten-free if necessary)
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or 2 teaspoons honey)
- 1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce (or Sriracha, adjust for spiciness)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 cup uncooked rice (for serving)
- 2-3 stalks green onions, for garnish
- 2 fried eggs, for serving
- Sesame seeds, prawn crackers, and extra basil for garnish
Optional substitutions:
- Gluten-free soy sauce can be substituted to make this dish gluten-friendly.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms.
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken – Step by Step
Step1: Prepare Ingredients
Finely chop the garlic cloves and green pepper. These will add a punch of flavor and heat to your stir-fry. If you like extra heat, you can leave the seeds in the peppers.
Step2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a tablespoon of avocado oil in a wok or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onions or shallots and sauté for a few minutes until translucent. Add the chopped garlic and green chili, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step3: Cook the Chicken
Add the ground chicken to the pan. Break up the chicken into small pieces and cook until it is no longer pink. Be sure not to overcook the chicken so it remains juicy. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of water.
Step4: Add Sauces and Basil
Once the chicken is cooked through, reduce the heat and add the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic chili sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Add the Thai basil and chopped red chili. Stir until the basil begins to wilt but retains its bright green color.
Step5: Serve and Garnish
Serve the Thai basil chicken over steamed rice, and top with a fried egg for added richness. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and extra basil leaves. Add prawn crackers on the side for a crunchy complement.
Helpful Tips for Thai Basil Chicken
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Pad Gai Krapow is as flavorful and delicious as possible:
- Use Fresh Basil: Thai basil has a unique, slightly spicy flavor, so it’s best to use fresh Thai basil if you can find it. Regular basil works too, but the flavor will be different.
- Adjust the Heat: You can easily control the spice level by adjusting the amount of red chili and garlic chili sauce. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less and add more to taste.
- Keep It Juicy: To avoid dry chicken, cook it just until it’s done, and add a little water if the mixture looks too dry.
Cooking Tips for the Best Thai Basil Chicken
Achieving restaurant-quality Pad Gai Krapow at home is easy if you follow these cooking techniques:
- High Heat for Stir-Fry: Stir-frying at high heat ensures that the ingredients cook quickly without becoming soggy. A hot wok is perfect for this dish.
- Balance the Flavors: Thai cuisine is all about balancing sweet, salty, and spicy. Taste your dish as you go, and feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Use a Garlic Press: To save time, use a garlic press to quickly crush the garlic. This helps release more flavor into the dish.
Serving Suggestions for Thai Basil Chicken
Thai Basil Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture of jasmine rice complements the bold flavors of the stir-fry.
- Prawn Crackers: For a crunchy side, prawn crackers are the perfect addition.
- Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing cucumber salad will balance the spicy and savory notes of the dish.
- Thai Iced Tea: For a refreshing drink, serve this dish with traditional Thai iced tea or a chilled coconut water.
Nutritional Information
Thai Basil Chicken is a flavorful yet nutritious dish that can be part of a balanced diet. The ground chicken provides lean protein, while the basil adds antioxidants. This dish is low in carbs and can be made gluten-free with the right substitutions.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 840mg
Storage and Leftovers for Thai Basil Chicken
Pad Gai Krapow stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Storage: Place the chicken and rice in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave the dish or stir-fry it in a pan for a few minutes until warmed through. Add a splash of water to keep the chicken moist.
If freezing, store the chicken (without rice) in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Thai Basil Chicken
1. Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
Yes, you can substitute regular basil for Thai basil. However, the flavor will be slightly different as Thai basil has a more peppery and licorice-like taste.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version of this dish.
3. How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can be easily adjusted. If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the amount of red chili and garlic chili sauce. You can even omit them entirely for a milder version.
4. Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes, this recipe works well with ground turkey, pork, or beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through.
Related Recipes for Thai Basil Chicken Lovers
Looking for more flavorful dishes like this Thai Basil Chicken? Check out these recipes on Optimal Recipes:
Conclusion
Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Gai Krapow) is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something bold and spicy. This recipe offers a delicious combination of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Try this recipe at home, and let us know how it turns out! Share your own variations or favorite additions in the comments below. Enjoy your cooking adventure with Pad Gai Krapow!
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Thai Basil Chicken Recipe – Quick 20-Minute Pad Gai Krapow
Description
Whip up a quick and flavorful dish with this 20-Minute Thai Basil Chicken, also known as Pad Gai Krapow. Bursting with savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors, this dish is a perfect go-to for anyone craving authentic Thai cuisine at home.
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown onion or shallot, diced or roughly chopped
- 8 oz ground chicken (substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ½ cup Thai basil leaves (or substitute with regular basil)
- 1 medium red chili, roughly chopped (adjust for heat)
- 1 medium mild green pepper, chopped
- Avocado oil for cooking
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (gluten-free if necessary)
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or 2 teaspoons honey)
- 1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce (or Sriracha, adjust for spiciness)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 cup uncooked rice (for serving)
- 2–3 stalks green onions, for garnish
- 2 fried eggs, for serving
- Sesame seeds, prawn crackers, and extra basil for garnish
Optional substitutions:
- Gluten-free soy sauce can be substituted to make this dish gluten-friendly.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Finely chop the garlic cloves and green pepper. These will add a punch of flavor and heat to your stir-fry. If you like extra heat, you can leave the seeds in the peppers.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a tablespoon of avocado oil in a wok or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onions or shallots and sauté for a few minutes until translucent. Add the chopped garlic and green chili, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the ground chicken to the pan. Break up the chicken into small pieces and cook until it is no longer pink. Be sure not to overcook the chicken so it remains juicy. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of water.
Step 4: Add Sauces and Basil
Once the chicken is cooked through, reduce the heat and add the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic chili sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Add the Thai basil and chopped red chili. Stir until the basil begins to wilt but retains its bright green color.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Serve the Thai basil chicken over steamed rice, and top with a fried egg for added richness. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and extra basil leaves. Add prawn crackers on the side for a crunchy complement.
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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- Use Fresh Basil: Thai basil has a unique, slightly spicy flavor, so it’s best to use fresh Thai basil if you can find it. Regular basil works too, but the flavor will be different.
- Adjust the Heat: You can easily control the spice level by adjusting the amount of red chili and garlic chili sauce. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less and add more to taste.
- Keep It Juicy: To avoid dry chicken, cook it just until it’s done, and add a little water if the mixture looks too dry.
