How to Make Thai-Style Stir-Fried Chicken with Holy Basil
If you're craving a delicious and fragrant dish, Thai-style stir-fried chicken with holy basil is the perfect choice. This simple yet flavorful recipe highlights the unique taste of holy basil, also known as “bai kaprao” in Thailand, which adds an aromatic touch to the dish. Follow these steps to create an authentic Thai meal at home.
Ingredients
To make Thai-style stir-fried chicken with holy basil, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 cups fresh holy basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare your stir-fried chicken:
1. Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Heat the Oil
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and chopped chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Make sure to break up any clumps for even cooking.
4. Add the Holy Basil
Once the chicken is cooked, add the holy basil leaves to the pan. Stir-fry for an additional minute, allowing the basil to wilt and infuse the dish with its distinct flavor.
5. Final Adjustments
Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add a little more fish sauce or sugar to balance the flavors.
6. Serve
Remove from heat and serve the stir-fried chicken hot over jasmine rice. Garnish with additional basil leaves or sliced chilies if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Stir-Fried Chicken
- For the best flavor, use fresh holy basil. It has a unique aroma and taste that dried basil cannot replicate.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add more Thai chilies or even a bit of chili paste.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
This Thai-style stir-fried chicken with holy basil is not only quick to make but also packed with flavor. Enjoy this dish as part of your weeknight dinner or impress your guests at a special gathering. Happy cooking!