Ever had a craving that just won’t quit? That’s me with spicy food—especially when it’s wrapped up in a dish like this Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry. It’s like a symphony of flavors, a bit chaotic yet harmonious, each bite a new adventure. Just last night, while scrolling through endless TikTok food hacks, I got inspired to tweak this recipe, adding a dash more chili, and wow—it was like setting my taste buds on a roller coaster ride.
Steps
- Combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and mix until they are well blended.
- Heat oil in a wok or pan over high heat, then add the chopped garlic and chilli, cooking for about 10 seconds.
- Add the white part of the green onions and the chicken pieces to the pan, frying until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, which should take around 2 minutes.
- Pour the sauce into the pan and cook for 1 minute, allowing the water to reduce and create a thick, glossy sauce.
- Add the green parts of the green onions and the Thai basil leaves, stirring until just wilted.
- Serve the dish immediately with steamed jasmine rice for the best flavor experience.
Ingredients
- 225g (7oz) chicken thigh fillets, skinless and boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 green onion, cut into 4cm (2-inch) lengths
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves, loosely packed (preferably Holy Basil if available)
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 bird’s eye or Thai chili, deseeded and finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tablespoons oil (peanut, vegetable, or canola)
- 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (or all-purpose soy sauce)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
Nutritional Values
Calories: 720cal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 58g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 220mg | Sodium: 1176mg | Potassium: 462mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 296IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2mg
FAQ
- What is the best substitute for Thai Basil in this recipe?
- If you can’t find Thai Basil, regular basil can be used as a substitute. Although it doesn’t have the aniseed flavor associated with Thai Basil, it still provides a good taste to the dish.
- What type of basil is used in authentic Thai Basil Chicken?
- The authentic version of Thai Basil Chicken uses Thai Holy Basil, which has a more aniseedy and peppery flavor compared to the common Thai Basil.
- Can I use regular soy sauce if I don’t have both light and dark soy sauce?
- Yes, you can substitute both light and dark soy sauce with all-purpose soy sauce, though the flavor might not be as intense, and the color will be lighter. Avoid using only dark soy sauce, as it can make the dish too intense.
- What is the serving size of this recipe?
- The recipe makes one large serving or two moderate servings. It is often complemented with a side of cucumber and tomato slices for a refreshing addition.
- How quickly can I prepare this Thai Basil Chicken dish?
- The dish is very quick to make, taking about 15 minutes in total. The preparation takes around 10 minutes, and the cooking time is approximately 5 minutes.
Tips
- If you can’t find Thai or Holy Basil, regular basil can be used as a substitute. While it lacks the aniseed flavor, the dish is still flavorful and worth making.
- To prevent the garlic from burning and spitting, finely chop it instead of using jarred or minced garlic.
- For an authentic flavor, try to use both light and dark soy sauces. If unavailable, using just light soy sauce is fine, but avoid using only dark soy sauce as it might overpower the dish.
- Prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking since the stir-fry process is quick and takes about 5 minutes, ensuring dinner is ready in just 15 minutes.
Equipment
- Wok: Essential for stir-frying at high heat, providing even cooking and a nice sear.
- Chef’s Knife: Useful for cutting chicken and chopping vegetables and herbs.
- Cutting Board: Needed for preparing ingredients like chicken, garlic, and green onions.
- Garlic Press: Although the recipe calls for finely chopped garlic, a garlic press can be helpful for those who prefer not to chop.
- Measuring Spoons: Important for accurately measuring the sauce ingredients.
- Mixing Bowl: Used to mix the sauce ingredients together before cooking.
