How to make Pad Kra Prao Gai (Thai Basil Chicken) at home
In summary, Pad Kra Pao Gai, also known as Thai Basil Chicken, is a popular Thai dish that mince chicken stir-fried with garlic, spicy chilies, and a savory sauce. The dish gets its distinctive flavor from the aromatic Thai basil leaves, which add a fresh and herbaceous element. Served over steamed jasmine rice, Pad Kra Pao Gai offers a harmonious blend of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. It's a quick and satisfying meal that showcases the vibrant and bold characteristics of Thai cuisine.
Equipment
- 1 Wok or large skillet A wok or a large skillet is ideal for stir-frying the chicken and other ingredients. It provides ample space for tossing and cooking the ingredients evenly.
- 1 Cutting board and knife You will need a cutting board and a sharp knife to slice the chicken into thin strips and mince the garlic. Additionally, if you choose to include a red bell pepper, you'll need to slice it as well.
- 1 Small bowl A small bowl will be useful for mixing the sauces together before adding them to the dish.
- 1 Spatula or Stir-Fry Spatula A spatula or stir-fry spatula is essential for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the wok while cooking.
- Serving Plates or Bowls You'll need plates or bowls to serve the Pad Kra Pao Gai.
- Optional Rice Cooker or Pot for Steaming Rice If you plan to serve the dish with steamed jasmine rice, you'll need a rice cooker or a pot to prepare the rice separately.
- Optional Frying Pan for Fried Egg If you choose to add a fried egg as a topping, a separate frying pan will be needed to cook the egg.
Ingredients
- 1 lbs minced chicken
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or peanut oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4-6 Thai bird's eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (or regular basil leaves if unavailable)
- 1 Fried egg, to serve Optional
Instructions
- Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and chopped chilies to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the minced chicken to the wok and stir-fry until it's cooked through and no longer pink.
- In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar until well combined.Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the wok. Stir-fry for a few more minutes, ensuring the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly.
- Remove the wok from the heat and add the fresh basil leaves. Toss everything together until the basil leaves wilt from the residual heat.
- Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more soy sauce, fish sauce, or sugar according to your preference.
- Serve Pad Kra Pao Gai over steamed jasmine rice. Optionally, you can top it with a fried egg for extra flavor and richness.
Notes
- Thai Basil: If you can't find Thai basil, you can substitute it with regular basil. However, Thai basil has a unique flavor that adds an authentic touch to the dish.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of Thai bird's eye chilies according to your spice preference. If you prefer a milder version, remove the seeds from the chilies or reduce the amount used.
- Vegetables: While the traditional recipe doesn't include vegetables, you can add sliced red bell pepper or other vegetables of your choice for added color and crunch.
- Sauce Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the quantities of oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar to suit your taste preferences. Add more or less according to your desired level of saltiness, sweetness, or umami flavor.
- Steamed Rice: Pad Kra Pao Gai is commonly served over steamed jasmine rice, but you can also enjoy it with other types of rice or even noodles for a different variation.
- Toppings: Consider adding a fried egg on top for an extra layer of richness. Cook the egg sunny-side-up or as desired.
- Cooking Speed: Stir-frying is a quick cooking method, so it's essential to have all the ingredients prepped and ready before starting the cooking process.
- Garnish: For added freshness and flavor, you can garnish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or cilantro before serving.