authentic thai basil chicken recipe

authentic thai basil chicken recipe

The Best authentic thai basil chicken recipe

I’ve always been fascinated by the simplicity and depth of Thai cuisine, and one dish that has become a staple in my household is the authentic Thai basil chicken recipe. This dish is a masterclass in balancing flavors, textures, and aromas to create a truly unforgettable experience.

The key to this recipe lies in its use of fresh herbs like Thai basil, which adds a distinct anise flavor that complements the savory and slightly spicy notes of the dish. When cooked to perfection, the chicken is tender, juicy, and infused with the essence of Thailand.

My family loves this recipe for its bold flavors and versatility – we often serve it with steamed vegetables, stir-fried noodles, or even as a topping for rice bowls. What I appreciate most about this recipe is its ease of preparation and adaptability to various dietary needs.

It’s a great option for weeknight meals or special occasions alike. Not only does it delight our taste buds, but it also provides a much-needed break from the monotony of processed foods.

As an added bonus, this recipe is relatively healthy, with lean protein from chicken and plenty of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. In short, Thai basil chicken is a culinary gem that never fails to impress.

Authentic Thai Basil Chicken

Authentic Thai Basil Chicken

4.6 from 1336 votes

Thai Basil Chicken or Gai Pad Kraprow is a popular Thai stir-fry dish made with ground chicken, Thai basil, and a spicy chili 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 Sauce

2 tbsp vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 Thai chilies, finely chopped
1 shallot, thinly sliced
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sugar

For the Stir-Fry

1 lb ground chicken
1 cup Thai basil leaves
2 green onions, chopped
1 tbsp vegetable oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Prepare all ingredients before cooking.
2Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
3Add minced garlic, chopped chilies, and sliced shallot.
4Stir-fry until fragrant and shallots begin to soften, approximately 2 minutes.
5Add ground chicken to the wok.
6Break it up with a spatula and stir-fry until it is no longer pink and starts to brown, approximately 5-7 minutes.
7Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar.
8Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
9Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil into the wok.
10Add the Thai basil leaves and green onions.
11Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the basil leaves are wilted and the green onions are slightly softened.
12Remove from heat.
13Transfer the Thai Basil Chicken to a serving plate.
14Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice.
15Garnish with additional Thai basil leaves and green onions if desired.
16Enjoy your meal.

🔧Equipment

Wok or large skillet
Spatula
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 100mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 5g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier dish, increase the number of Thai chilies. For a milder dish, remove the seeds from the chilies before chopping.

This authentic Thai basil chicken recipe has become a staple in our household for good reason – it’s incredibly flavorful, easy to prepare, and adaptable to various dietary needs.

Whether you’re serving it as part of a family gathering or just need something quick on weeknights, this dish never fails to impress.

And with proper storage and reheating techniques, you can enjoy it for days to come.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Thai Basil Chicken

Q: What is Thai basil?

Thai basil is a type of herb that belongs to the mint family. It has large leaves with purple flowers and a distinctive anise or licorice flavor. In Thai cuisine, it’s often used as a garnish or added towards the end of cooking to preserve its flavor and aroma.

Q: Can I substitute regular basil for Thai basil?

No, you shouldn’t substitute regular basil for Thai basil as it has a different flavor profile. Regular basil has a milder taste than Thai basil and won’t provide the same depth of flavor in your dish.

Q: What type of protein can I use in place of chicken?

You can use shrimp, pork, beef, or tofu as alternatives to chicken in this recipe. Simply adjust the cooking time according to your protein’s thickness and adjust the seasonings accordingly.

Q: How do I store leftover Thai basil chicken?

Store leftover Thai basil chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. When reheating, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the fish sauce?

No, you shouldn’t omit fish sauce entirely as it provides umami flavor essential to Thai cuisine. However, you can reduce or omit it if you’re not comfortable with fish-based products.

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