Craving a flavorful and fiery dish that's quick to make? Look no further than this Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry recipe! This vibrant dish bursts with the aromatic spices of Thai cuisine, offering a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Tender chicken pieces are expertly stir-fried with an abundance of fresh vegetables, all coated in a rich and intensely flavorful curry paste sauce. It's the perfect weeknight meal for those short on time but big on flavor. The vibrant colors alone will make your mouth water!
Forget complicated recipes and lengthy cooking times; this Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry is surprisingly easy to prepare. The ingredients are readily available, and the steps are straightforward, making it accessible to even novice cooks. Ready to create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen? Let's dive into the step-by-step process and whip up this incredible Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry.
Tools Needed
- Mortar and pestle
- Pan
- Bowl
Ingredients
- Peppercorns: 1 teaspoon
- Lime peel: 2 grams
- Basil flowers: 2 grams
- Dried ginda chili
- Dried cayenne chili
- Salt
- Galangal: 10 grams
- Lemongrass: 10 grams
- Garlic
- Onion
- Shallots
- Fresh chili peppers
- Shrimp paste
- Chicken: 600-800 grams
- Soybean oil
- Egg yolks
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Young pepper: 15 grams
- Basil leaves
- Fish sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Chicken seasoning powder: 1/2 tablespoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Aromatic Curry Paste
- Pound peppercorns, lime peel, and basil flowers until crushed. (Add chili peppers, salt, galangal, lemongrass, garlic, onion, and shallots and pound until fine. Add fresh chilies and shrimp paste lastly)
Step 2. Stir-fry the Chicken and Season
- Heat the pan, add oil, then add the curry paste and stir-fry over low heat until fragrant.
- Add chicken and stir-fry until partially cooked, then add kaffir lime leaves and sliced galangal.
- Add mortar washing water (water used to rinse the mortar after preparing the curry paste) and simmer until chicken is tender.
- Season with fish sauce and chicken seasoning powder.
Step 3. Add Vegetables and Simmer
- Add vegetables (young pepper, kaffir lime leaves, chili peppers), stir-fry until cooked.
Step 4. Finish with Basil and Serve
- Increase heat, add basil leaves and stir-fry until cooked.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Don't add too much lime peel; it can be bitter.
- Check dried chilies for mold before using them.
- Use low heat when stir-frying the curry paste to prevent burning and bitterness.
- If storing curry paste in the refrigerator, don't add shrimp paste until after cooking.
- Using free-range chicken with thick skin results in soft, bouncy, and crispy skin.
- Stir frequently to prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! Start with less curry paste and add more to taste. You can also adjust the amount of chili flakes or use a milder curry paste.
2. What can I substitute for chicken?
Tofu, shrimp, or beef are all great substitutes. Adjust cooking time as needed depending on the protein you choose.
This Spicy Thai Stir-Fried Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious and satisfying meal that's ready in minutes. The vibrant flavors and ease of preparation make it perfect for a busy weeknight or a fun weekend dinner. So grab your ingredients and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!