This vibrant stir-fry, featuring tender minced chicken, crisp-tender winged beans, and the fragrant punch of holy basil, is a flavor explosion in every bite. It's a quick and easy weeknight meal that's both healthy and satisfying, perfect for those looking for a delicious and authentic Southeast Asian taste. The combination of earthy winged beans, savory chicken, and the unique peppery-licorice notes of holy basil creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This dish is surprisingly versatile; adjust the spice level to your liking, and feel free to add other vegetables to personalize it further.
Ready to create this culinary masterpiece? Follow our easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions below to learn how to make this incredible Holy Basil Chicken with Winged Beans. From prepping the ingredients to mastering the perfect stir-fry technique, we'll guide you through every stage, ensuring a delicious result every time.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Knife
- Mortar and pestle (optional for pounding garlic and chilies)
Ingredients
- Winged beans
- Minced chicken (pork or beef can be substituted)
- Bird's eye chili
- Thai garlic (pounded)
- Holy basil leaves
- Oyster sauce
- Soy sauce
- Dark soy sauce
- Sugar
- Cooking oil
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Start Cooking
- Cut the winged beans into small pieces. Avoid cutting them too small or too big.
- Heat a pan and add a little cooking oil.
Step 2. Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
- Add the pounded chili and garlic to the hot oil and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the minced chicken and stir-fry until cooked.
- Add the winged beans and a little water.
Step 3. Season and Finish the Dish
- Season with oyster sauce, soy sauce, white sauce, and a little dark soy sauce for color.
- Add a little sugar and continue to stir-fry until the ingredients are combined.
- Add the holy basil leaves and stir-fry until wilted.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve hot.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Dried chilies, pounded with garlic, can be used instead of fresh chilies.
- You can substitute pork or beef for chicken.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 350-450
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbs: 15-25g
- Protein: 25-35g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the winged beans?
Yes! Other crunchy vegetables like green beans, snow peas, or even broccoli florets would work well.
2. How do I adjust the spiciness?
Control the amount of chili flakes or bird's eye chilies added. Start with less and add more to your preferred level of heat.
3. What if I don't have fresh holy basil?
Dried holy basil can be used, but the flavor will be slightly less intense. Thai basil is a reasonable substitute, although the flavor profile will differ somewhat.
This Stir-fried Minced Chicken with Holy Basil and Winged Beans is a delightful dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine. Its quick preparation time makes it perfect for a busy weeknight, yet the incredible taste will impress even the most discerning palates. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal, and don't hesitate to experiment with different vegetables and spice levels to create your own unique variation.