Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)

Pad Krapow Gai, also known as Spicy Thai Basil Chicken, is a popular Thai dish known for its vibrant flavors and aromatic herbs. It is a stir-fry dish that features tender chicken, fresh Thai basil leaves, garlic, chilies, and a savory sauce made with fish sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar.

Thai cuisine is known for its balance of flavors, combining spicy, sweet, salty, and tangy elements. Pad Krapow Gai exemplifies this balance, with the spiciness coming from Thai chilies and the aromatic sweetness from Thai basil leaves. The dish is typically served with jasmine rice, which helps to mellow the spiciness and absorb the flavorful sauce.

To prepare Pad Krapow Gai, the chicken is thinly sliced and stir-fried in a hot wok or skillet with garlic and Thai chilies. The combination of garlic and chilies creates a fragrant and spicy base for the dish. The sauce, made with fish sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar, adds depth of flavor and a savory umami taste. The sauce is added to the stir-fried chicken and then the dish is finished with a generous handful of fresh Thai basil leaves and sliced red bell peppers. The basil leaves add an aromatic and slightly peppery flavor to the dish.

Pad Krapow Gai is a versatile dish that can be adjusted to suit personal preferences. The level of spiciness can be adjusted by adding more or fewer Thai chilies. Some variations of the dish may include additional ingredients like onions, green beans, or mushrooms, depending on regional and individual preferences.

This flavorful and aromatic Thai dish has gained popularity worldwide for its bold flavors and simple yet satisfying preparation. It is commonly found in Thai restaurants and is also a favorite choice for home cooking due to its ease of preparation and the availability of ingredients. Spicy Thai Basil Chicken offers a delightful combination of heat, fragrance, and savory flavors, making it a beloved dish for Thai food enthusiasts and anyone seeking an exciting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 Thai chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• Jasmine rice, for serving
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and chopped Thai chilies to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the sliced chicken to the wok and stir-fry until it is cooked through and lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar until well combined.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the wok and stir-fry for another minute to coat the chicken evenly.
6. Add the sliced red bell pepper to the wok and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the peppers are slightly softened.
7. Remove the wok from the heat and stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the basil leaves.
8. Serve the Spicy Thai Basil Chicken over steamed jasmine rice and garnish with lime wedges on the side.

Enjoy this authentic Thai recipe bursting with flavors of garlic, chili, and fragrant Thai basil. The combination of spicy and savory flavors makes this dish a delicious and satisfying choice for a flavorful meal. Serve it with jasmine rice to balance the heat, and squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish for an extra tangy kick. Bon appétit!