Thai Basil Chicken, also known as "Pad Krapow Gai," is a delicious and flavorful Thai dish that can be prepared on your griddle. This recipe brings together the aromatic combination of basil, garlic, and chili for a mouthwatering stir-fry. Here's how to make Thai Basil Chicken on your griddle:
Ingredients:
For the Thai Basil Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 Thai bird's eye chilies, chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (or substitute with regular basil)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
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Preheat the Griddle:
- Preheat your griddle to medium-high heat, around 350-375°F (175-190°C).
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Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and sugar. Set the sauce aside.
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Sear the Chicken:
- Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the hot griddle. Place the sliced chicken on the griddle and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it's cooked through and has a nice sear. Remove the chicken from the griddle and set it aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the griddle. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped Thai chilies. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be cautious of the chili fumes, as they can be quite strong.
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Add the Veggies:
- Toss in the sliced red and green bell peppers and onion. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but are still slightly crispy.
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Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the griddle, and pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together to ensure even coating.
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Fold in the Basil:
- Add the fresh Thai basil leaves to the griddle. Thai basil has a lovely peppery flavor, but you can use regular basil if it's more readily available. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the basil wilts and becomes fragrant.
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Serve Hot:
- Thai Basil Chicken is traditionally served over steamed jasmine rice. Plate your dish and serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish.
Thai Basil Chicken is a delightful stir-fry that balances the heat from the chilies with the freshness of the basil leaves. It's a quick and flavorful dish that's perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals. Enjoy your homemade Thai Basil Chicken right off the griddle!