Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)

Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)

Background and History

Pad Krapow Gai, commonly known as Spicy Thai Basil Chicken, is a beloved Thai dish known for its bold, aromatic flavors. This stir-fry dish combines the heat of Thai bird’s eye chili peppers with the sweet and savory notes of oyster sauce, creating a mouthwatering fusion that’s a staple of Thai street food.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) ground chicken or thinly sliced chicken breast
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2-5 Thai bird’s eye chili peppers, minced (adjust to your desired spice level)
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Jasmine rice, for serving

Serves: 4

Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Instructions

  • Heat vegetable oil in a wok or a large skillet over high heat.
  • Add minced garlic and Thai chili peppers. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
  • Add ground chicken (or sliced chicken breast) and stir-fry until it’s no longer pink, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks.
  • In a small bowl, mix oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Pour this sauce over the chicken and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and add fresh Thai basil leaves. Toss everything together until the basil wilts from the residual heat.
  • Serve the Spicy Thai Basil Chicken over jasmine rice and enjoy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Fiber: 1g

Notes

  • Adjust the number of Thai chili peppers to control the spiciness. Be cautious; they can be extremely hot.
  • Thai basil leaves provide an authentic flavor, but you can use Italian basil as an alternative.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or green beans for extra crunch and color.

Allergy Warning

  • Check for potential allergens in the sauces used in the recipe, and exercise caution accordingly.
Lysander Rothwell
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Lysander Rothwell, a passionate Food Enthusiast, shares his culinary adventures and expertise on his website. With a flair for exploring diverse cuisines and flavors, Lysander offers insights, recipes, and tips to inspire fellow food lovers. Through his engaging content, he aims to celebrate the joy of cooking and eating, inviting readers to embark on delightful culinary journeys with him.