Basil chicken

basil_chicken

Thai cuisine is known for its use of bold, aromatic flavors and fresh ingredients, making it a popular choice for food lovers all around the world. One dish that has become a staple in Thai households is Thai Basil Chicken, or Pad Krapow Gai. This savory and spicy dish features juicy, tender chicken breast stir-fried with garlic, chili peppers, and a generous helping of fresh Thai basil.

The star of the show in this recipe is the fragrant and flavorful Thai basil, which is a variety of basil commonly used in Southeast Asian cooking. Thai basil has a slightly peppery taste and spicy aroma that pairs perfectly with the stir-fried chicken and chili peppers. In soups, curries, and stir-fries, Thai basil is an essential ingredient that adds a distinctive flavor to any dish.

Along with the Thai basil, the other ingredients used in this recipe are basic staples found in many Thai restaurants and kitchens. Boneless chicken breast is the protein of choice, but you can also use boneless chicken thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian version. The dish is seasoned with garlic, chili peppers, fish sauce, and soy sauce for a bold, umami-packed flavor.

To achieve the perfect texture and tenderness of the chicken, it is essential to marinate it in cornstarch and soy sauce for about 10 to 15 minutes before stir-frying. This not only adds flavor to the meat but also helps to keep it moist and tender.

To prepare the dish, start by heating up a wok or large skillet over high heat with some cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and chili peppers and stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant. Then, add the marinated chicken and continue to stir-fry until it is cooked through and browned on the outside. Lastly, toss in the Thai basil and seasonings and stir-fry for another minute or two until everything is well combined.

Thai Basil Chicken can be enjoyed on its own as a quick weeknight meal or served with steamed rice for a more filling option. This dish is also perfect for meal prepping as it can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and reheated for later use.

Overall, Thai Basil Chicken is a simple yet satisfying dish that showcases the bold and delicious flavors of Thai cuisine. It’s a go-to recipe for many home cooks and foodies, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of cooking know-how, you can create this delicious and savory dish in your own kitchen in no time.

Thai Basil Chicken Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, chopped into small pieces
  • 2 cups of fresh Thai basil leaves
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 small red chilies, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup of water

Instructions:

  1. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Add vegetable oil, garlic, and chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. Add chopped chicken and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.

  4. Add fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

  5. Add 1/2 cup of water and stir well. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for 1-2 minutes.

  6. Turn off the heat and add fresh Thai basil leaves. Stir well to combine.

  7. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Notes:

  • If you can’t find fresh Thai basil, you can substitute regular basil or even mint.
  • This dish is meant to be spicy, but you can adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of chilies.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers and onions if you like.