Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Recipe

Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Recipe

This Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) recipe brings together the vibrant flavors of Thailand, combining succulent chicken pieces with aromatic basil, spicy red chilies, and a savory sauce. It’s a quick and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether as an appetizer or a main course. The delicate balance of heat, freshness, and savory flavors will have you coming back for more. Serve this with chili coriander fried rice or spicy vegetable noodles for a complete meal that brings the best of Thai cuisine right to your table!

Ingredients:

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings:

• Serves 4

Cuisine:

• Thai

Course:

• Appetizer or Main Course

Diet:

• Non-Vegetarian

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

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   • Wash and clean the chicken thoroughly. Cut the chicken into small pieces to ensure it cooks evenly.
   • In a mixing bowl, crack the egg and add the corn flour. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to create a smooth batter.
   • Add the chicken pieces into the batter and coat them thoroughly. If the batter feels too thick, add a little water to achieve a coating that is neither too thick nor too thin.

2. Fry the Chicken:

   • Heat sunflower oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces. Stir-fry the chicken for about 8-10 minutes until it turns golden brown and crispy.
   • Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a plate lined with absorbent paper to drain any excess oil. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a small mixer or mortar, pound the red chilies and garlic into a coarse paste, without adding any water. This will give the dish an authentic texture and depth of flavor.
   • In a separate bowl, mix together the red chili sauce, soy sauce, tomato ketchup, and 1 tablespoon of corn flour. Add 1/2 cup of water to this mixture and stir until smooth. Set the sauce aside.

4. Cook the Vegetables:

   • In a saucepan, heat a little more sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the mashed garlic and red chili paste. Sauté on low heat to release the fragrance.
   • Add the sliced green bell pepper and sauté until the peppers soften, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

   • Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the saucepan with the garlic and bell peppers. Stir well and allow the sauce to thicken. This should take about 5 minutes.
   • Once the sauce has thickened to a nice consistency, add the fried chicken pieces and toss to coat. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.
   • Add the fresh basil leaves to the pan and mix everything together. The basil should wilt slightly and release its aromatic oils.

6. Serve:

   • Turn off the heat and your Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) is ready to serve.
   • Serve it warm with a side of Chili Coriander Fried Rice or Spicy Vegetable Noodles to complete the meal.

Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful Thai classic that is sure to impress your family and friends!

Tips:

• For extra crunch, you can double-fry the chicken. First, fry it until lightly golden, then set it aside. Fry again just before mixing it into the sauce for an extra crispy texture.
• Adjust the level of heat by varying the number of red chilies used in the paste. For a milder version, reduce the chili quantity.
• Fresh Thai basil is key to getting the authentic flavor. However, if you can’t find it, you can substitute it with sweet basil, though the flavor will differ slightly.

This Thai Basil Chicken recipe (Pad Krapow Gai) captures the essence of Thai street food with its rich, spicy, and aromatic flavor profile. It’s a great way to bring the bold flavors of Thailand into your kitchen with minimal effort.