Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow)
PREP TIME10 mins
COOK TIME10 mins
TOTAL TIME20 mins
SERVINGS2
BUDGET$4
Description
This is Thailand's ultimate comfort food! Spicy, savory, and aromatic with holy basil. Ready in 20 minutes - faster than delivery!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 3-4 Thai chilies (or 1 jalapeño)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup Thai holy basil leaves (or Italian basil)
- 2 fried eggs (optional but traditional)
- Steamed jasmine rice
Instructions
- Heat oil in wok over high heat. Add garlic, shallot, and chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground chicken, breaking it up. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir well to coat.
- Turn off heat. Add basil leaves and toss until wilted (residual heat is enough).
- Fry eggs sunny-side up with crispy edges.
- Serve over jasmine rice with fried egg on top. Mix everything together before eating!
💡 Student Tips
Spice Level: Thai chilies are HOT! Start with 1-2 if you're not used to spice.
Basil Matters: Holy basil (bai gaprao) is different from sweet basil - more peppery. Italian basil works in a pinch.
Crispy Egg Trick: Use lots of oil and high heat for restaurant-style crispy-edged eggs!