The Spicy Thai Basil Chicken, or Pad Krapow Gai, is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken with a mix of bold ingredients like fish sauce, soy sauce, and the unmistakable heat from bird’s eye chilies. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner. Topped with fresh Thai basil, the dish offers a fragrant, savory, and slightly sweet combination that balances the heat from the chilies perfectly.
This dish is also highly customizable. You can adjust the spice level according to your preference by adding more or less chilies. The fragrant basil adds a wonderful freshness that contrasts beautifully with the savory and spicy sauce. Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, and you have a comforting meal with bold Thai flavors that will transport you straight to Bangkok.
Full Recipe:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, chopped (or adjust to taste)
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1 tablespoon fish sauce
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
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1 tablespoon water
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Cooked jasmine rice (for serving)
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Lime wedges (for garnish)
Directions:
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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Add the minced garlic and chopped bird’s eye chilies. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden brown.
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Add the sliced chicken thighs to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
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Stir in the fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is absorbed and the chicken is coated evenly.
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Add the fresh Thai basil leaves to the skillet and stir them in until they begin to wilt. Pour in 1 tablespoon of water to help the basil wilt quickly.
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Remove from heat and serve immediately over cooked jasmine rice. Garnish with lime wedges for a fresh, zesty flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) – A Flavorful Journey to Thailand
If you’re a fan of bold, vibrant, and spicy dishes, Spicy Thai Basil Chicken, also known as Pad Krapow Gai, is the perfect recipe to elevate your culinary repertoire. This beloved Thai street food offers a unique combination of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors that excite the senses with every bite. Whether you’re craving an exotic weeknight dinner or looking to impress your guests with a dish full of bold Thai flavors, this easy-to-make recipe will surely be a hit.
The Origin and History of Pad Krapow Gai
Pad Krapow Gai is a traditional Thai dish, deeply rooted in the country’s street food culture. “Pad” means stir-fry, while “Krapow” refers to Thai basil (specifically, holy basil), which is the signature herb of this dish. “Gai” simply means chicken. While you may encounter variations of Pad Krapow with other proteins such as pork or beef, the version with chicken, or Pad Krapow Gai, is one of the most popular choices.
In Thailand, this dish is commonly served over jasmine rice with a crispy fried egg on top. It’s a favorite for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and you’ll find it in nearly every corner of Bangkok, served by street vendors to busy office workers or families looking for a quick, satisfying meal.
The dish has become a global favorite thanks to its unique blend of flavors that are savory, spicy, and aromatic. With its intense heat from the bird’s eye chilies and the fragrance of Thai basil, Pad Krapow Gai gives diners an authentic Thai experience without needing to leave their kitchen.
Key Ingredients and Flavor Profile
The true essence of Pad Krapow Gai lies in the use of fresh, vibrant ingredients that balance each other perfectly. While the ingredients list is simple, the combination of flavors is complex and layered.
The chicken is typically thinly sliced for quick stir-frying, ensuring that it soaks up the aromatic sauces and remains juicy and tender. The bird’s eye chilies are crucial in giving the dish its signature heat. These small but potent chilies are often used in Thai cooking for their intense spiciness, which can be adjusted based on your personal spice tolerance.
The fish sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce create the savory, umami-packed base that makes this dish so irresistibly flavorful. Together, they infuse the chicken with a deep, complex taste. A pinch of sugar helps balance the saltiness of the sauces, creating a rounded flavor that perfectly complements the heat of the chilies.
The crown jewel of this dish is undoubtedly the fresh Thai basil. Known for its slightly peppery, slightly sweet taste, Thai basil is more robust in flavor compared to the typical sweet basil found in Western kitchens. The basil is added at the end of the cooking process, allowing its aroma and flavor to infuse the entire dish without losing its fresh appeal.
How to Make Pad Krapow Gai Your Own
One of the best aspects of Pad Krapow Gai is its versatility. Although the classic version features chicken, the recipe can be easily adapted to suit different dietary preferences and tastes.
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Protein Variations: Instead of chicken, you can swap in pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Ground meats, especially ground pork, are commonly used in the traditional recipe, giving the dish a different texture and flavor profile.
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Level of Spice: If you’re not a fan of intense heat, you can reduce the number of bird’s eye chilies or substitute them with a milder variety. On the flip side, spice lovers can add more chilies or even include chili paste for an extra kick.
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Vegetarian or Vegan Modifications: For a vegan version, simply swap the fish sauce with a plant-based alternative, such as soy sauce or mushroom sauce. Additionally, replacing chicken with tofu or tempeh ensures the dish remains plant-based while maintaining that familiar hearty texture.
The beauty of this dish is its adaptability while still staying true to the core flavors that make it so exciting to eat.
The Perfect Pairing: Rice and Fried Egg
When it comes to serving Pad Krapow Gai, nothing completes the dish quite like a bowl of steamed jasmine rice. The soft, fluffy texture of jasmine rice acts as a perfect base for soaking up the spicy, savory sauce.
To make your meal even more indulgent, top your serving of Pad Krapow Gai with a fried egg. The crispy edges of the fried egg add a nice contrast to the tender chicken, while the runny yolk, when mixed into the dish, provides a rich, creamy texture that softens the heat of the chilies and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Health Benefits of Pad Krapow Gai
Though Pad Krapow Gai is known for its bold and spicy flavor, it can also be a healthy meal option when prepared with the right ingredients. Here are some health benefits of the dish:
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Lean Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to maintain or build muscle while keeping calorie intake low.
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Basil’s Health Benefits: Thai basil isn’t just a flavorful herb – it also offers several health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, it may help reduce inflammation, lower stress, and boost immune function.
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Chili’s Metabolism Boost: The bird’s eye chilies used in Pad Krapow Gai contain capsaicin, a compound known for boosting metabolism and promoting fat burning. Adding chilies to your diet can also have other health benefits, including improved circulation and digestion.
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Low-Carb Option: If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can skip the rice or replace it with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version of Pad Krapow Gai. The dish is naturally low in carbs but rich in flavor, so it’s a great option for anyone trying to cut back on carbohydrates.
Why Pad Krapow Gai Should Be Your Go-To Weeknight Dinner
The simplicity of the Pad Krapow Gai recipe makes it an ideal option for a busy weeknight dinner. With minimal prep time and a quick cooking process, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. The combination of bold, aromatic flavors will leave your family or guests impressed, yet it requires no hard-to-find ingredients.
Moreover, Pad Krapow Gai is incredibly satisfying. The heat from the chilies combined with the freshness of the basil and the savory sauce makes each bite more flavorful than the last. Serve it with rice, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s both filling and delicious.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Thai Dish
Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) is more than just a stir-fry – it’s an experience. Whether you’re craving a spicy, savory meal for yourself or hoping to introduce your loved ones to the wonders of Thai street food, this dish is guaranteed to deliver on all fronts. The rich flavors, quick prep time, and versatility make it an absolute winner in any kitchen. With the ability to customize spice levels and ingredients, Pad Krapow Gai is a dish that you’ll find yourself making over and over again. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Thailand from the comfort of your own home, and don’t forget to top it off with a crispy fried egg for the ultimate meal!
