Have you ever stumbled into a dish that feels like a whirlwind romance? That’s how I felt when I first tried Thai Basil Chicken. It’s a symphony of flavors that doesn’t just dance on your taste buds—it throws a full-on fiesta. Quick to whip up, this meal is like a flash of culinary genius that’s somehow both comforting and electrifying—like finding a new favorite song on a rainy day.
Steps
- Prepare all your ingredients before beginning the cooking process, as the stir-fry will come together quickly.
- In a bowl, mix the chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, white sugar, and brown sugar until thoroughly combined.
- Heat a large skillet on high heat, then add the oil. Add the chopped chicken and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until it starts to change color.
- Incorporate the shallots, garlic, and chopped chilies into the skillet. Continue cooking on high until the juices in the pan start to caramelize, approximately 2 to 3 more minutes.
- Add a tablespoon of the sauce mix to the skillet and cook while stirring until it begins to caramelize, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the remaining sauce, stirring to deglaze the pan. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, another 1 or 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Mix in the sliced basil and stir until it wilts, about 20 seconds. Serve the dish hot with cooked rice.
Ingredients
- ? cup of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons of fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon of white sugar
- 1 teaspoon of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 pound of skinless, boneless chicken thighs, chopped roughly
- ¼ cup of sliced shallots
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of minced Thai chilies, Serrano, or other hot peppers
- 1 cup of very thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
- 2 cups of hot cooked rice
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1430 | Total Fat: 60g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 312mg | Sodium: 2364mg | Total Carbohydrate: 118g | Dietary Fiber: 2g | Total Sugars: 12g | Protein: 100g | Vitamin C: 62mg | Calcium: 198mg | Iron: 12mg | Potassium: 1340mg
FAQ
- What is Thai Basil Chicken?
- Thai Basil Chicken, also known as Pad Krapow Gai, is a flavorful stir-fry dish. It features finely chopped or ground chicken cooked with a mix of chile peppers, garlic, and shallots, all seasoned with a sweet and salty sauce and garnished with fresh basil. It’s a staple in Thai cuisine, popular both in restaurants and as street food.
- Are Thai Basil and Sweet Basil the Same?
- No, Thai basil and sweet basil are not the same. Thai basil has a slightly spicy flavor with hints of licorice or anise, whereas sweet basil, also known as Italian basil, has a sweet and peppery taste. Holy basil, another variety, has a pepper and clove-like flavor.
- What Ingredients are Needed for Thai Basil Chicken?
- The main components include a sauce made from chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugars. Chicken thighs are finely chopped, and shallots, garlic, and hot chile peppers add depth and heat. Fresh basil, preferably Thai or holy basil, is used for a signature aromatic finish.
- How Do You Make Thai Basil Chicken?
- Begin by preparing all ingredients. Stir-fry minced chicken in a hot skillet with oil, then add shallots, garlic, and chilies. Incorporate a small portion of the sauce and let it caramelize. Add the remaining sauce, scrape up any caramelization, and coat the chicken. Finally, remove from heat and stir in basil until wilted. Serve hot with rice.
- Can I Use Regular Basil Instead of Thai Basil?
- Yes, you can substitute regular sweet basil if Thai or holy basil isn’t available. While the flavor will be slightly different, sweet basil still complements the dish’s sweet, salty, and spicy notes well.
Tips
- Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Before starting the cooking process, ensure all ingredients are prepped as the dish comes together quickly. This will help maintain the flow and prevent overcooking.
- Use High Heat for Stir-Frying: A very hot wok or skillet is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavors. This high heat allows for quick cooking and caramelization, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Adjust Spice Level to Taste: Customize the heat of the dish by choosing your preferred type and amount of hot peppers. You can finely chop them for an extra kick or use milder peppers for a less spicy version.
- Consider Basil Varieties: While Thai basil is traditional, sweet basil can be a convenient substitute without significantly compromising the flavor. Rolling and slicing the basil into thin ribbons helps distribute its flavor evenly throughout the dish.
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Wok: A high-quality, non-stick skillet or wok that can withstand high heat is essential for stir-frying the ingredients quickly and evenly.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for finely chopping or mincing the chicken, shallots, garlic, and chilies.
- Cutting Board: A durable cutting board specifically for preparing the ingredients.
