Spicy Thai Basil Chicken, or Pad Krapow Gai, is a beloved Thai dish known for its bold flavors of basil, chili, and garlic. This recipe offers a harmonious blend of spicy, sweet, and savory notes, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week. It's quick to prepare, highly adaptable to dietary preferences, and serves as a delightful introduction to Thai cuisine.
Add Sauces: Lower the heat to medium. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Finish with Basil: Remove from heat. Stir in Thai basil leaves until they wilt and are well incorporated into the chicken.
Serve: Immediately serve the Spicy Thai Basil Chicken over steamed jasmine rice.
Notes
Basil Substitution: If Thai basil is unavailable, Italian basil can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be different.
Adjusting Spice Levels: The number of chilies can be adjusted to make the dish more or less spicy according to your preference.
Dietary Adaptations: For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian oyster sauce and soy sauce.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
This Spicy Thai Basil Chicken recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire, offering a taste of Thailand's rich culinary heritage with every bite.