Are you looking for a really, really fast meal that’s really, really tasty? Not only is this Thai Basil Chicken, AKA Pad Krapow Gai, bursting with flavor, you can whip it up in 15 minutes or less. That’s faster than ordering pizza! I went for a late afternoon stroller stroll with Noah and time got away from me. I ended up at the jetty, my favorite spot to hang out, and it was such a beautiful day. By the time I got home it was already 6:30 pm… jeez! I never meant to spend that much time out! Dinner time was creeping up on me and at times like this I want something super fast. I could ask for take away food, but then I boasted to Jason that something nice will be waiting for him when he comes home. I’m sure all of you have that dilemma every now and then… what to cook?? So I rummaged through my refrigerator and spotted those red bird chilis and Thai basil I got at the Asian market a few days back. Eureka, I knew exactly what I was cooking tonight… Thai Basil Chicken!!!
What is Thai Basil Chicken, or Pad Krapow Gai?
Pad Krapow literally translates to stir fried (pad) holy basil (krapow). There are many types of pad krapows, depending on the type of protein. Today, I am going with chicken (gai). Although this popular street food was not invented until the 1940’s, it has become one of their favorite comfort foods. So much so, that some survivors of the Tham Luang cave rescue asked for it as soon as they were rescued after two weeks underground! Unlike comfort food in many parts of the world, which can take hours on the stove or oven, this Thai Basil Chicken whips up in no time. It’s the perfect last minute dinner idea!
What is this “Holy Basil”?
Holy basil is a member of an entirely different species of basil, and has a distinctive vibrant peppery flavor with hints of cinnamon, cloves and menthol. It gives a beautiful freshness to the dish, contrasting the spicy chilis, pungent garlic and savory chicken. If you don’t come across this “Holyness” of basil, you can use its brother, Thai sweet basil… and it’s not a sin if you don’t get your hands either, you can use regular basil. I always encourage people to try new cuisines, even if you are plus or minus an ingredient. It may not be as authentic as you get in Bangkok, but you get the idea.
Ingredients Needed
Ground Chicken – Finely chopped chicken also works, but ground is best. While you’re here, check out my roundup of the best ground chicken recipes. Garlic – Hmm… this goes in all my recipes, doesn’t it? Sauces – Soy, oyster, fish… and a pinch of sugar. Chilis – If you can find red Thai chilis, often called birds eye chilis, perfect! They are common in Asian grocery stores. If not, improvise! Serrano or jalapeño will do the trick. Basil – Hence the name! Eggs – Really? You bet!
Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
First, I make a rough paste of my chilis and garlic. To really elevate the flavors of this stir fry, I highly encourage you to use your mortar and pestle. Grinding this way really releases all the juices and oils and brings that extra depth of flavor and spiciness. Ok, with that step out of the way, do you have your other ingredients handy? This is going to go really fast! Next, I get my wok nice and hot, add oil, and toss in my garlicky chili mixture. I stir it for about 20 seconds. Mmm, it’s already smelling so good! I add in my chicken and stir continuously for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. Then, I add my sugar and sauces, stirring until everything is thoroughly mixed. Finally, I add the star ingredient, the basil, and fold it into the chicken. I quickly remove it from heat, you don’t want your basil to overcook… Now take a breath, we’re almost done.
How to fry eggs… Thai style!
Okay, one last thing. Let’s cook these eggs. You can fry your basic eggs, but I like to do Thai style for this dish! I add about ¼ inch of cooking oil to a frying pan and get it nice and hot. Then, I drop my eggs in and cook until they are nice and crispy around the edges. I like to spoon hot oil over my eggs to cook the top, instead of flipping them. Once my eggs are cooked to my liking (I prefer them just a little runny), it’s time to serve. Now everything is ready! I serve my Thai Basil Chicken over rice (I prefer Jasmine for this dish, but any rice will do). I put an egg on top, and it’s ready to eat. Too easy!
Adjusting Spice Levels
Thai cuisine is often known for it’s spiciness. I have made some Thai Green Curry that will make you breathe fire, but this recipe is relatively mild. That being said, I always say one should make it as spicy as they enjoy. Like all my recipes, the ingredients listed are just a guide. You don’t like too much spice? Start with 2-3 chilis and work your way up. The same is true with garlic. If your love for garlic is limited, just give him handshake instead of a hug.
Can you use other meats?
Absolutely! You have endless options, like pad krapow kung (prawns), pad krapow neua (beef), pad krapow mu (pork)… you could even go vegetarian with pad krapow het (mushrooms)! The next time you you crave some great Asian flavors, give my easy Thai Basil Chicken recipe a try. It just might be the easiest dinner you’ve ever cooked! And for more ideas, check out my roundup of the best Asian Recipes. Until next time…
Thai Basil Chicken, on our Gypsy Plate… Enjoy!
Try these other great stir fry recipes!Ground Turkey Stir FryHunan BeefBeef BulgogiDragon ChickenPork Stir FryBeijing BeefThai Basil BeefEasy Chicken Stir Fry Serve your Thai Basil Chicken over hot cooked rice and top with egg. Enjoy!
