Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)
A beloved Thai street food classic, this fiery and flavorful dish features finely chopped chicken stir-fried with fragrant basil, garlic, and chilies.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, white sugar, and brown sugar until the sugars are dissolved. Set aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the finely chopped chicken thighs to the hot oil and stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break up any large clumps.
- Push the chicken to one side of the wok. Add the sliced shallots, minced garlic, and minced chilies to the empty side. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine the aromatics with the chicken, then pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the chicken.
- Remove the wok from the heat and immediately stir in the fresh basil leaves until they wilt, about 30 seconds.
- Serve the Spicy Thai Basil Chicken immediately over hot cooked rice.
Pad Krapow Gai is a quintessential Thai stir-fry, renowned for its incredible balance of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors. It’s a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner that transports your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Thailand. The key is the fresh holy basil, which imparts a unique peppery and slightly anise-like aroma.