Pad Krapow Gai

 

Think again if you thought all Thai cuisine was really hot! Thai Basil Chicken Pad Krapow Gai is savory, fragrant, and pungent. One such dish is extremely comforting and scrumptious when provided over rice with a fried egg.

 

WHAT EXACTLY IS PAD KRAPOW GAI?

Pad signifies "stir-fried" in Thai, krapow indicates "holy basil," and gai indicates "chicken," therefore the dish is basically "stir-fried holy basil chicken."

 

WHAT EXACTLY IS HOLY BASIL?

Holy basil contains therapeutic characteristics that contribute to its spicy, peppery flavor. It also is distinct from the more often encountered Mediterranean sweet basil, which has a sweeter flavor.

 

Ingredients

For the eggs

4 tsp oil

4 eggs

For the chicken

¼ C chicken broth

1 Tbsp oyster sauce

1 tsp light soy sauce

1 Tbsp dark soy sauce

1 Tbsp fish sauce

2 tsp sugar

2 Tbsp oil

1 medium shallot, minced

6-8 cloves garlic, minced

4-5 Thai chilies, finely minced

2 large chicken breasts, cut into 1/2" cubes

large handful of fresh Thai basil, reserve a few leaves for garnishing

To Serve

2 Cups of steamed white rice

 

The eggs are fried.

1 tsp vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat Whenever the oil is heated, put one egg into it and fry it for 2-3 minutes, or until it's done to your preference. Retrieve the egg from the pan and place it on a clean dish. Continue with the rest of the eggs. Place aside.

 

Preparing the basil chicken

Whisk the chicken broth, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, fish sauce, and 2 teaspoons sugar in a small basin. Place aside.

Now increase the heat to high in the very same wok and add the 2 Tbsp oil. Toss in the shallots, garlic, and Thai chilies for 1 minute, or until aromatic. Continue to stir fry for another 2-3 minutes after adding the cubed chicken. Pour in the chicken broth liquid and toss to coat the chicken completely. Scrape the bottom of the wok to get rid of any sticky brown particles that are rich in flavor.

 

Turn off the heat after most of the chicken broth has evaporated and add a large fistful of Thai basil. Toss in the basil to mix it with the chicken, since the remaining heat will continue to wilt it. Turn off the heat.

Thai Basil Chicken should be served with fresh hot steamed rice and a fried egg. Decorate with more basil leaves if desired. It is best served hot.