Authentic Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Ga Prow Gai) Recipe

Ingredients

500 grams of chicken breast, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 bird's eye chilies, finely chopped
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
1 tablespoon of light soy sauce
1 teaspoon of dark soy sauce
1 teaspoon of sugar
2 cups of holy basil leaves
1/2 a lime, juiced
2 eggs
Steamed jasmine rice, to serve

Steps and instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped garlic and chilies into the pan and sauté for about a minute or until fragrant.
Add the sliced chicken to the pan and cook until it turns white and is thoroughly cooked.
In a separate bowl, combine the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the chicken, and stir well to ensure the chicken is coated in the sauce.
Add the holy basil leaves to the pan, stirring until they wilt and are mixed in with the chicken.
Squeeze the juice of the lime into the pan and stir to mix it in.
In a separate pan, fry the eggs to your desired level of doneness.
Serve the chicken over steamed jasmine rice with the fried egg on top.

Tools for making

Pan - A medium-sized pan for cooking the chicken and sauce.
Bowl - A bowl for mixing the sauce ingredients together.
Spatula - A spatula for stirring and flipping the chicken in the pan.
Knife - A knife for finely chopping the garlic and chilies.
Cutting Board - A cutting board to safely chop the garlic and chilies.
Juicer - A juicer to extract the juice from the lime.
Separate Pan - A separate pan for frying the eggs.

Recipe variations

Replace chicken with pork, beef, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or carrots for extra flavor and texture.
Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of bird's eye chilies.
Try using different types of basil, such as Thai basil or sweet basil, for a unique flavor twist.
For a gluten-free option, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as lemongrass or ginger, to add additional layers of flavor.
Make it vegetarian by substituting oyster sauce with vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom sauce.
Add a dash of fish sauce for a more authentic Thai taste.
Garnish with chopped scallions, cilantro, or toasted sesame seeds for added visual appeal.

Recipe overview

Pad Ga Prow Gai, also known as Thai Basil Chicken, is a classic dish from Thailand that's beloved for its bold and fragrant flavors. This recipe features tender slices of chicken sautéed in a savory blend of sauces, mixed with the unique aroma of holy basil leaves, and finished with a hint of lime for added zest. This dish is typically served over a bed of steamy jasmine rice with a side of fried egg, creating a well-rounded meal that's packed with diverse textures and flavors. Its preparation involves simple steps and common ingredients, making it an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner. The resulting dish is a satisfying combination of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors that will transport you straight to the streets of Thailand. Enjoy!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken? Yes, you can substitute chicken with other meats such as pork, beef, or even seafood like shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of meat you choose.
What can I use as a substitute for holy basil? If you can't find holy basil, you can use Thai basil or even regular basil as a substitute. However, keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different from the authentic version.
Is this recipe spicy? It can be spicy depending on the amount of bird's eye chilies you use. Adjust the amount of chilies according to your spice preference. You can also remove the seeds from the chilies to reduce the heat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of Pad Ga Prow by substituting the meat with tofu or seitan and using vegetarian oyster sauce and soy sauce. Make sure to check the labels of the sauces to ensure they are suitable for your dietary needs.
Can I make a larger batch of this recipe? Absolutely! Simply double or triple the ingredients according to the number of servings you desire. Just make sure to use a larger pan or cook it in batches if needed to ensure everything cooks evenly.

Serving dishes and utensils

Pan - A medium-sized pan for cooking the chicken and sauce.
Bowl - A bowl for mixing the sauce ingredients before adding it to the pan.
Spatula - A spatula for stirring and flipping the chicken in the pan.
Knife - A knife for finely chopping the garlic and chilies.
Cutting Board - A cutting board to provide a surface for chopping the garlic and chilies.
Juicer - A juicer for extracting the juice from the lime.
Separate Pan - A separate pan for frying the eggs.
Rice Cooker - A rice cooker for steaming the jasmine rice.

Origin stories

Pad Ga Prow Gai, also known as Thai Basil Chicken, is a beloved street food dish in Thailand. It's named for its key ingredients: "Pad" means stir-fried, "Ga Prow" is holy basil, and "Gai" is chicken. What's interesting is that holy basil is not the same as the sweet basil usually found in supermarkets outside of Thailand. This dish traditionally uses holy basil, which has a spicier, more peppery taste. However, the versatility of this dish is such that it can be made with any type of basil. It’s a testament to Thai cuisine's adaptability to locally available ingredients. The dish is typically served over rice, often with a fried egg on top. The sizzling combination of the spicy chicken, aromatic basil, and runny egg yolk is a treat for the senses. It's a humble dish, but one that perfectly represents the balance of flavors that Thai cuisine is famous for.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.