Description
This authentic 15 Minute Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) recipe delivers a flavorful and spicy stir-fry featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces, fresh Thai basil, and a savory sauce made from soy, oyster, and fish sauces. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines vibrant vegetables and aromatic garlic with a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, all cooked swiftly in a hot pan to preserve crispness and maximize flavor.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 cups chicken, cut into bite size pieces (about 1 lb)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 ¼ cup Thai basil leaves (see Note 1)
- ½ cup mixed vegetables (chopped onions, peppers, green beans)
- 2 stalks green onions
- Red and green chili peppers, minced (optional for spice)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces & Oils
- 1 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
Other
- 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, combine dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, low sodium soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves. Set the sauce mixture aside for later use.
- Heat Pan and Cook Chicken: Preheat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add vegetable oil and then the bite-sized chicken pieces. Stir fry the chicken, cooking until it is almost fully done but still tender.
- Add Vegetables and Chilis: Incorporate the minced chili peppers, if using, along with the chopped onions, peppers, and green beans into the pan. Stir fry everything together until the vegetables are fork-tender yet retain a slight crispness.
- Add Sauce and Stir Fry: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir fry continuously until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables. Adjust the amount of sauce to your preference, starting with half if you want it less saucy.
- Add Basil and Finish: Turn off the heat and immediately add the Thai basil leaves, tossing them gently to wilt them slightly from the residual heat. Reserve a few basil leaves and sliced peppers for garnish.
- Serve: Plate the Thai Basil Chicken and garnish with the reserved basil and chili peppers. Serve hot immediately, ideally with steamed white rice. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Notes
- Note 1: If you cannot find fresh Thai basil, you can substitute with sweet basil, though the flavor will be milder.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the chili peppers or reduce the quantity to suit your taste.
- This dish is best served fresh and hot, as the flavors and textures are most vibrant immediately after cooking.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
