Craving an explosion of authentic Thai flavors? Look no further than Pad Kra Pao Gai, the iconic Thai basil chicken stir-fry that's a staple on street food stalls across Thailand. This fiery and fragrant dish is surprisingly easy to recreate at home, offering a delicious and satisfying meal in minutes. The vibrant combination of minced chicken, fiery chilies, fragrant garlic, and the essential Thai basil leaves creates a symphony of taste that will leave you wanting more. Its simple yet complex profile allows the fresh basil to shine through, offering a uniquely fresh and herbaceous counterpoint to the savory heat.
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this step-by-step guide to making the most authentic Pad Kra Pao Gai you've ever tasted. We'll walk you through each ingredient and technique, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and textures, resulting in a dish that's as close to the street food experience as possible, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Tools Needed
- Frying pan
- Knife
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: 1
- Thai chilies: 4 (or to taste)
- Garlic cloves: 4 (or to taste)
- Holy basil leaves: a good bunch
- Light soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: a tiny bit
- Dark soy sauce: a squirt
- Oil: 1 tablespoon + for deep frying eggs
- Eggs: 1 or more
- Rice: null
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients & Fry Eggs
- Deep fry the eggs until set. Do not flip; spoon hot oil over the top.
- Slice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- Finely chop the chilies and garlic. (Smash garlic cloves before peeling for easier chopping)
- Remove holy basil leaves from the stems.
Step 2. Stir-fry Chicken & Season
- Heat oil in a pan over high heat. Add garlic and chilies, stir-fry for a few seconds.
- Add chicken and stir-fry continuously for about a minute.
- Add light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and dark soy sauce. Add a little water if it gets dry.
Step 3. Add Basil & Finish
- Add holy basil. Turn off the heat immediately and stir continuously to prevent overcooking.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve over hot rice, topped with the fried egg.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Use as many or as few chilies and garlic cloves as you like to adjust the spiciness and garlicky flavor.
- Don't overcook the holy basil, as this will reduce its flavor.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the chicken with other proteins?
Absolutely! Pork, beef, tofu, or even shrimp work well. Adjust cooking time as needed for different proteins.
2. What if I don't have Thai basil?
While Thai basil is ideal for its unique flavor, regular sweet basil can be used as a substitute, though the taste will be slightly different.
So there you have it – your very own plate of authentic Pad Kra Pao Gai, ready to transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Thailand. Enjoy the satisfying blend of savory, spicy, and fragrant flavors. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with this delicious and easy-to-make dish!