thai holy basil recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best thai holy basil recipe

I’m so excited to share my Thai Holy Basil recipe with you all! This dish is a staple in our household, and for good reason. It’s a classic Thai recipe that’s both flavorful and nutritious.

The combination of sweet basil, chilies, and fragrant lemongrass creates a truly unique taste experience that will leave you wanting more. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. Whether I’m serving it as a main course or as a side dish, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. I love how the aroma of the holy basil fills the kitchen as it cooks, transporting me to the bustling streets of Bangkok.

My kids adore helping me prepare the dish, especially when we get to pound the chilies together in a mortar and pestle. It’s become a fun family tradition that we all look forward to every time we cook it up. In this recipe, I’ll be sharing my secrets for achieving that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and sour flavors that makes this dish so addictive.

With its bold flavors and simple preparation, Thai Holy Basil is an ideal recipe for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick weeknight meal. So grab your wok or large skillet and let’s get cooking!

Thai Holy Basil Chicken

4.6 from 1140 votes

Thai Holy Basil Chicken is a fragrant and spicy stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken, aromatic holy basil, and a savory sauce. This dish is typically served with steamed jasmine rice.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinade

500g chicken breast, sliced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp white pepper

For the Stir-Fry

3 tbsp vegetable oil
10 cloves garlic, minced
10 shallots, thinly sliced
1-2 Thai chilies, sliced
2 cups Thai holy basil leaves
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup chicken stock

For Serving

Steamed jasmine rice

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a mixing bowl, combine chicken slices, soy sauce, vegetable oil, cornstarch, and white pepper.
2Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
3Set aside for 15 minutes.
4Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
5Add the marinated chicken and cook until the chicken is no longer pink and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
6Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
7In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
8Add the minced garlic, sliced shallots, and sliced chilies.
9Sauté until fragrant and the garlic turns slightly golden, about 2-3 minutes.
10Add the holy basil leaves to the wok and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the leaves are wilted and fragrant.
11Be careful not to burn the basil.
12Return the cooked chicken to the wok.
13Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar.
14Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
15Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is well coated.
16Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer.
17Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens.
18The dish should have a glossy appearance and the chicken should be tender and flavorful.

🔧Equipment

Wok or large skillet
Mixing bowl
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 100mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 10g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: Adjust the number of chilies based on your spice preference. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice for the best experience.

I love how versatile this recipe is – whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or main course, it’s always a winner with my family and friends. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it freezes; simply portion out individual servings into freezer bags or containers and thaw as needed for future meals.

This makes it perfect for meal prep or batch cooking. If you’re looking for more ideas on how to serve Thai Holy Basil, try pairing it with some steamed jasmine rice or noodles for an easy weeknight meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Thai Holy Basil Chicken

1. What is Thai Holy Basil?

Thai Holy Basil is a type of herb native to Southeast Asia, known for its distinctive flavor and aroma.

2. What is the difference between Thai Holy Basil and regular basil?

The most notable difference between Thai Holy Basil and regular basil is its stronger flavor profile, which is often described as slightly spicy and earthy.

3. Can I use fresh or dried Thai Holy Basil in this recipe?

Both fresh and dried Thai Holy Basil can be used in this recipe; however, fresh is generally preferred for its more vibrant flavor.

4. How do I store leftover Thai Holy Basil?

You can store leftover Thai Holy Basil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 6 months.

5. Can I make Thai Holy Basil without chilies?

Yes, you can omit the chilies if you prefer a milder version of the dish; however, keep in mind that the heat level will be significantly reduced.

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