Pad King Gai, or Thai Chicken and Ginger Stir-Fry, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that showcases the best of Thai cuisine. This quick and easy recipe delivers a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. The tender chicken is infused with the fragrant aroma of ginger and garlic, complemented by the sweetness of soy sauce and a touch of fiery chili. This recipe is a family favorite, passed down through generations with a few modern twists. It's a testament to the simplicity and versatility of Thai cooking, requiring minimal ingredients yet delivering maximum flavor.
Forget complicated Thai takeout menus! This recipe makes authentic Pad King Gai achievable even for beginner cooks. The perfect blend of textures and tastes makes this stir-fry irresistible, and the ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and experience the joy of creating this incredible dish from scratch. Ready to learn how to make this amazing Thai stir-fry? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- wok or large frying pan
Ingredients
- Chicken
- Young Ginger: half (if using regular ginger)
- Onion
- Mushrooms (Thai variety)
- Spring Onion
- Dark Soy Sauce
- Oyster Sauce
- Fish Sauce
- Sugar: a little
- White Pepper: a little
- Garlic
- Oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Remove the tough outer layer, leaving a light layer. You don't need to peel it completely.
- Slice thinly.
- If using dried mushrooms, soak them in hot water until softened. Trim off the tough stems.
- Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the chicken with dark soy sauce, white pepper.
- Combine oyster sauce, fish sauce, and a little sugar.
Step 2. Stir-fry the aromatics and chicken
- Heat oil in a wok or large frying pan. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add onions and cook until softened.
- Add mushrooms and cook for about a minute.
- Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through.
Step 3. Add Sauce and Finish
- Add the stir-fry sauce and cook until thickened.
- Stir in spring onions just before serving.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve hot with rice.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- For a less intense ginger flavor, use half the amount of young ginger.
- If using regular ginger, use only half the amount.
- You can use a mix of fresh and dried mushrooms for a varied texture.
Nutrition
- Calories: 400-500
- Fat: 20-30gg
- Carbs: 30-40gg
- Protein: 30-40gg
FAQs
1. Can I substitute chicken with other protein?
Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or beef work well. Adjust cooking time accordingly; shrimp cooks faster, while beef may need longer.
2. What if I don't have all the ingredients?
Don't worry! You can omit or substitute some ingredients. For example, if you don't have fish sauce, you can use soy sauce instead, but the flavor will be slightly different. Adjust the chili to your spice preference.
This Pad King Gai recipe is a testament to the delicious simplicity of Thai cooking. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures of this quick and easy stir-fry, perfect for any occasion. Now go forth and impress your family and friends with your newfound Thai culinary skills!