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Savory Thai Basil Chicken Recipe Easy Spicy Pad Krapow Gai

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A quick and easy Thai street food classic featuring ground chicken stir-fried with holy basil and bird’s eye chilies for a bold, spicy, and savory meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground chicken
  • 1 cup fresh holy basil leaves, rinsed and stems removed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 1 shallot, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (naturally brewed, e.g., Kikkoman)
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (e.g., Lee Kum Kee)
  • 1 tsp fish sauce (e.g., Red Boat)
  • ½ tsp white sugar
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (neutral oil like canola)
  • Optional: Fried egg for topping

Instructions

  1. Finely chop garlic, bird’s eye chilies, and shallot. Rinse and pat dry holy basil leaves, removing thick stems.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Add garlic, chilies, and shallots to the hot oil. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add ground chicken to the pan. Break it up with a spatula and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
  5. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and white sugar. Mix well to coat the meat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Remove pan from heat and fold in holy basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the basil gently.
  7. Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice. Top with a fried egg if desired.

Notes

Use fresh holy basil for authentic flavor; sweet basil is a substitute but less authentic. Adjust bird’s eye chilies to control spice level. Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain high heat sear. For gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. Fried egg topping adds creaminess and richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai basil chicken, Pad Krapow Gai, spicy chicken stir-fry, Thai street food, quick dinner, ground chicken recipe

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/savory-thai-basil-chicken-recipe-easy-spicy-pad-krapow-gai-guide/