Craving a quick, flavorful, and authentic Thai dish? Look no further than this recipe for fragrant minced chicken with soybean paste and holy basil. This simple yet incredibly satisfying meal is packed with umami-rich flavors from the fermented soybean paste, balanced by the bright, peppery bite of fresh basil. It's the perfect weeknight dinner solution, requiring minimal ingredients and even less cooking time. The bold combination of savory chicken, pungent paste, and aromatic herbs creates a culinary experience that's both exciting and comforting.
This incredibly versatile dish can be served with steamed rice, noodles, or even as a flavorful topping for salads. Ready to experience the deliciousness for yourself? Let's dive into the easy step-by-step instructions that will guide you through creating this stunning Thai-inspired minced chicken dish.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- Minced chicken thighs
- Green chili peppers
- Orange-red chili peppers (Karen chili)
- Basil leaves
- Garlic
- Soybean paste
- Oyster sauce
- Seasoning powder
- Granulated sugar (or banana sugar)
- Dark soy sauce
- Cooking oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients & Aromatics
- Wash and pick fresh basil leaves.
- Cut chili peppers diagonally.
- Chop garlic.
Step 2. Cook the Chicken & Sauce
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add chili peppers and stir-fry until softened.
- Add minced chicken thighs and stir-fry until cooked.
- Season with soybean paste, oyster sauce, seasoning powder, and sugar.
- Add dark soy sauce for color.
- Stir-fry everything together well.
Step 3. Add Basil & Finish
- Add basil leaves and stir-fry until wilted. Increase heat to high at the end for a quick stir-fry.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve hot with rice.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Use fresh, homegrown ingredients for the best flavor and aroma.
- Don't use too much oil.
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your preference.
- Don't over-season; aim for a mild and balanced flavor.
- High heat at the end prevents basil from turning black.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the soybean paste?
While fermented soybean paste (Tao-chio) gives the dish its unique flavor, you can try a small amount of shrimp paste or even a dark soy sauce for a similar salty umami taste. Adjust to your preference as they are more salty than Tao-chio.
2. What type of basil should I use?
Holy basil (Thai basil) is best for its distinct licorice-like flavor and aroma. If unavailable, regular sweet basil can be used but the taste will be quite different.
3. How can I make it spicier?
Add sliced chilies (bird's eye chilies are great!) to the pan along with the garlic and ginger. You can also add a dash of chili garlic sauce at the end.
This fragrant minced chicken with soybean paste and basil recipe is a testament to the simplicity and deliciousness of Thai cuisine. Enjoy this quick and flavorful meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. We hope you savor every bite of this easy-to-make, yet incredibly satisfying dish!