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Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow)

☀️ Summer ⚡ Weeknight Easy
Thai basil chicken stir-fry with jasmine rice
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

  1. Heat oil in wok over high heat. Add garlic, shallot, and chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add ground chicken, breaking it up. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  3. Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir well to coat.
  4. Turn off heat. Add basil leaves and toss until wilted (residual heat is enough).
  5. Fry eggs sunny-side up with crispy edges.
  6. 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!