Spicy Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao)

Spicy Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao) Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish, Spicy Basil Chicken, also known as Pad Kra Pao, is an excellent choice. This classic Thai dish is a symphony of spicy, savory, and aromatic flavors that comes together in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something fast yet utterly delicious. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering meal!

Ingredients

• 350 g Chicken mince (thigh/breast), about 12oz (or chicken small dices)
• 1 cup Basil leaves (Thai Holy Basil/Sweet/Italian Basil)
• 4-5 cloves Garlic
• 4-5 Bird’s eye chilies
• 2 Eggs
• ¼ tsp Black pepper
• 1-2 tbsp Vegetable oil

For the Stir Fry Sauce:

• 1 tsp Light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp Fish sauce
• ½ tsp Dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Brown/white sugar

Directions

1. Prep the Ingredients:
   • Start by finely chopping the garlic cloves and bird’s eye chilies. Set them aside for later use.
   • In a small mixing bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: light soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar. Mix well and set aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
   • Heat a pan over medium heat and drizzle in the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the chopped garlic and stir for a few seconds.
   • Add the chopped chilies to the pan and continue stirring for another few seconds, allowing the aromatics to release their flavors.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • Add the minced chicken to the pan and stir-fry over medium-high heat. Continue cooking until the chicken changes color.
   • Pour in the stir-fry sauce mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the chicken is evenly coated and becomes glossy.
4. Add the Basil and Seasoning:
   • Toss in the basil leaves and sprinkle the black pepper over the chicken. Stir everything together for about 1 minute, just until the basil wilts. Remove the pan from heat.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the Spicy Basil Chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice. For an authentic touch, top each serving with a crispy fried egg.

Additional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Calories: 350 kcal per serving
• Servings: 2 servings

Tips for the Perfect Pad Kra Pao

• Basil: Thai Holy Basil is traditional and gives the most authentic flavor, but Sweet or Italian Basil can be used as alternatives.
• Heat Level: Adjust the number of bird’s eye chilies to suit your spice tolerance.
• Eggs: A crispy fried egg with runny yolk is a must! It adds richness and balances the spicy flavors.

Enjoy this Spicy Basil Chicken for a taste of Thailand right in your kitchen. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your weeknight rotation. Happy cooking!

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