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Spicy Thai Basil Chicken

Spicy Thai Basil Chicken

Recipe Details

Prep 15 m
Cook 10 m
Total 25 m
Serves 4
Calories 380 kcal
Level Medium

"Experience the vibrant flavors of Bangkok with this authentic Spicy Thai Basil Chicken. Ground chicken is stir-fried with fragrant garlic, fiery bird's eye chilies, and peppery holy basil for a high-impact meal that's better than takeout."

1 Ingredients

Qty Item
1.5 lbs Ground chicken
5 pieces Thai Bird's Eye chilies
6 cloves Garlic
2 tbsp Vegetable oil
2 tbsp Oyster sauce
1 tbsp Light soy sauce
1 tsp Dark soy sauce
1 tsp Fish sauce
1 tsp Sugar
2 cups Thai Holy Basil leaves

2 Instructions

1

Using a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic and Thai bird's eye chilies into a coarse, wet paste.

2

Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat until it begins to shimmer.

3

Add the chili and garlic paste to the wok and stir-fry for approximately 30 seconds until extremely fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.

4

Add the ground chicken to the wok. Use a spatula to break the meat into small crumbles. Stir-fry until the chicken is browned and almost fully cooked.

5

Stir in the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated and the sauce has caramelized slightly.

6

If the mixture appears too dry, add a small splash of water or chicken broth.

7

Turn off the heat and immediately add the fresh Thai basil leaves. Toss the mixture for 15-20 seconds until the basil has just wilted from the residual heat.

8

Serve immediately over hot jasmine rice, traditionally topped with a crispy fried egg (Kai Dao).


💡 Tips & Tricks

  • ·

    For the most authentic flavor, seek out Holy Basil (Tulsi) at an Asian market; if unavailable, Thai Sweet Basil is a good substitute.

  • ·

    Don't be afraid of high heat! A smoking hot wok is essential for that signature charred 'wok hei' flavor.

  • ·

    The dish is traditionally quite salty and spicy; adjust the number of chilies and fish sauce to suit your personal preference.

  • ·

    Mince the chicken by hand with a cleaver for a better texture than store-bought ground meat.


? Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Holy Basil and Thai Sweet Basil?
Holy Basil has a peppery, clove-like flavor and is less sweet than Thai Sweet Basil, which has a distinct anise or licorice aroma.
Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
Yes, you can finely mince chicken breast or thighs by hand to achieve a similar texture.
How do I make the perfect Thai-style fried egg?
Fry the egg in a generous amount of hot oil until the edges are brown and crispy (bubbly) but the yolk remains runny.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Not naturally, but you can make it gluten-free by using Tamari and ensuring your oyster sauce is labeled gluten-free.


Visual Guide

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