This Easy Thai Basil Chicken, also known as Pad Krapow Gai, is a quick and tasty dish. It features juicy chicken stir-fried with fresh Thai basil, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor.
Whip this up in no time, and you’ll have dinner sorted! I love serving it over rice—it’s a simple yet satisfying meal that can make a weeknight feel special. Plus, the aroma is simply mouthwatering! 🍚🌿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: Ground chicken is perfect here, but you could also use ground turkey or pork if you prefer. If you need a vegetarian option, crumbled tofu or tempeh can work just as well.
Thai Red Chilies: These give the dish its heat. If they’re hard to find, jalapeños or any mild chili can be a substitute. Just adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance!
Fresh Thai Basil: Essential for this recipe, its unique flavor really stands out. If you can’t find it, holy basil or sweet basil may work, but the taste will differ slightly. Dried basil won’t be as effective in this dish.
Oyster Sauce: This adds a nice depth of flavor. For a vegetarian version, use a mushroom oyster sauce or soy sauce instead.
How Do You Get the Perfect Stir-Fry?
Stir-frying correctly is key for keeping your chicken juicy and your veggies crunchy. Here are some tips to make it easier:
- High Heat: Make sure your pan or wok is hot! This helps to quickly sear the chicken and veggies, locking in flavors.
- Prep Ingredients: Have everything chopped and ready before starting. Stir-frying goes fast, and you don’t want to scramble to prepare ingredients mid-cook.
- Don’t Overcrowd: If you’re making a big batch, consider cooking in batches. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of frying, which affects texture.
- Order Matters: Add ingredients based on cooking times. Start with garlic and chilies, then add veggies, followed by the protein.
With these insights, you’re all set to make a delicious Easy Thai Basil Chicken! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe (Pad Krapow Gai)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 Thai red chilies, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- Steamed jasmine rice, for serving
- 2 fried eggs (optional but recommended)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick meal that’s packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before you add anything else; this helps create a nice sear on the chicken and veggies!
2. Stir-Fry the Aromatics:
Next, add the minced garlic and sliced Thai red chilies to the hot oil. Stir-fry these for about 30 seconds until you can smell their wonderful aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Add the Vegetables:
Now, toss in the diced onion and chopped green beans. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the green beans start to soften but still have a bit of crunch. This will add a colorful texture to the dish!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Time to add the main ingredient! Add your ground chicken to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it turns from pink to fully cooked, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Stir regularly for even cooking.
5. Season the Dish:
Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix everything well to ensure that the chicken and veggies are evenly coated with the sauces. Let this cook for another 1-2 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
6. Add the Basil:
Remove the pan from heat and add in the fresh Thai basil leaves. Stir them in until they just wilt from the heat—this will preserve their vibrant flavor!
7. Serve:
Your delicious Pad Krapow Gai is now ready! Serve it over a bed of steamed jasmine rice. For a little bit of added indulgence, top each serving with a fried egg.
8. Garnish:
If you like, garnish your dish with extra Thai basil leaves and sliced fresh chilies for some extra flavor and heat. Enjoy!
Experience the burst of flavors in this Easy Thai Basil Chicken! It’s a wonderful way to bring a taste of Thailand to your kitchen!
FAQ for Easy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)
Can I Use Other Proteins Besides Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, especially for tofu, which may need to be sautéed until golden.
Is There a Way to Make This Dish Less Spicy?
Yes, if you’re sensitive to heat, you can reduce or omit the Thai red chilies. Alternatively, you can use milder peppers like bell peppers or a small amount of sweet paprika to maintain flavor without the spice.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a pan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, simply heat it up and serve with freshly cooked jasmine rice for a quick meal.
Feel free to ask more questions to ensure your Easy Thai Basil Chicken turns out delicious!
