How to Make Thai Chicken with Basil (Pad Krapow Gai)
If you’re in the mood for a delicious and aromatic dish that will tantalize your taste buds, look no further than Thai Chicken with Basil, commonly known as Pad Krapow Gai. This popular Thai street food is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. Here’s how to make it at home!
Ingredients
To make a savory Pad Krapow Gai, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 Thai bird chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Pad Krapow Gai:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering and prepping all your ingredients. Mince the garlic and chop the bird chilies. If you prefer a milder dish, you can adjust the amount of chilies used. Set the Thai basil leaves aside for later.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and chopped chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the ground chicken to the pan. Break it up with a spatula and stir-fry until it is cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to cook everything evenly.
Step 4: Season the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Add the Basil
Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the Thai basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the basil, infusing your dish with a fragrant aroma.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your Pad Krapow Gai over a bed of warm jasmine rice. For an authentic touch, top it off with a fried egg if desired. Enjoy this delectable Thai meal!
Tips for the Perfect Pad Krapow Gai
To enhance your cooking experience and optimize the flavor of your Pad Krapow Gai, consider these tips:
- Use fresh Thai basil for the best flavor; it is key to this dish.
- If you can't find Thai bird chilies, serrano or jalapeño can be a good substitute.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or green beans for more color and nutrition.
- Adjust the sauces to suit your taste; some prefer it saltier or more savory.
This Pad Krapow Gai recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your craving for Thai cuisine. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or a delightful dinner, this dish is a perfect way to bring the taste of Thailand to your kitchen.