How to Make Thai-Style Chicken Stir-Fry with Holy Basil
Thai-style chicken stir-fry with holy basil, also known as 'Pad Krapow Gai,' is a beloved dish that captures the essence of Thai cuisine. This savory stir-fry is quick to prepare and packed with flavors, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Follow this simple recipe to enjoy a taste of Thailand at home.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely sliced (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup fresh holy basil leaves
- Steamed jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients and cutting the chicken into thin slices. This will allow for quick cooking and tenderness. Mince the garlic and slice the chilies as finely as possible to release their flavors.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a large, heavy skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot but not smoking.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Chilies
Add the minced garlic and sliced chilies to the pan. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the sliced chicken to the skillet. Stir-fry until the chicken is fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure that the chicken is browned and no longer pink in the center.
Step 5: Add the Sauces
Once the chicken is cooked, pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir everything together, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 6: Incorporate Holy Basil
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the fresh holy basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the basil, releasing its aromatic flavor.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your Thai-style chicken stir-fry hot over a bed of steamed jasmine rice. For added flair, garnish with extra basil or sliced chilies if desired.
Tips for Perfecting Your Stir-Fry
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a bit of sugar for 15 minutes before cooking.
- If holy basil is unavailable, Thai basil can be used, but the flavor will differ slightly.
- Adjust the number of chilies based on your spice tolerance; you can always add more to taste.
This flavorful Thai-style chicken stir-fry with holy basil is not only easy to make but also deliciously satisfying. Enjoy making this dish for family and friends, and experience a wonderful burst of Thai flavors at home!