Authentic Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao Gai) Recipe

Ingredients

500 grams of chicken breast or thighs
4 cloves of garlic
4 Thai bird chilies
1 tablespoon of oil
2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of fish sauce
1 teaspoon of sugar
1 bunch of Thai basil leaves
2 long beans (optional)
1 cup of jasmine rice
2 eggs for frying (optional)

Steps and instructions

Start by cooking jasmine rice according to package instructions.
While the rice is cooking, begin preparing other ingredients. Chop the chicken into small bite-sized pieces.
Mince the garlic and chilies together until they form a paste.
In a wok or large frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the garlic and chili paste. Sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
Add the chopped chicken to the wok and stir fry until it's fully cooked. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
While the chicken is cooking, if using, chop the long beans into small pieces.
Once the chicken is cooked, add the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar to the wok. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Add the chopped long beans at this point if using.
Stir fry for another 2 minutes, then add in the whole bunch of Thai basil leaves. Stir until the leaves are wilted and mixed in, about 1 minute.
Remove the wok from heat. The Pad Kra Pao Gai is now ready to serve.
Optionally, fry two eggs in a separate pan.
Fluff the cooked jasmine rice with a fork and divide it among two plates. Top each serving of rice with half of the Pad Kra Pao Gai and a fried egg if desired.

Tools for making

Wok or large frying pan - A wide and deep cooking vessel suitable for stir frying.
Knife - Used for chopping the chicken and mincing the garlic and chilies.
Cutting board - Provides a surface for chopping ingredients safely.
Spatula - Used for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the wok.
Fork - Used to fluff the cooked jasmine rice.
Frying pan - Optional, for frying eggs if desired.

Recipe variations

Substitute chicken with beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.
For a spicier version, increase the number of Thai bird chilies or add some dried chili flakes.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Include other herbs like cilantro or mint for a unique twist.
For a vegetarian or vegan version, omit the oyster sauce and fish sauce. Replace them with vegetarian oyster sauce and soy sauce or tamari.
Experiment with different types of basil such as sweet basil or lemon basil.
Try using brown rice or quinoa instead of jasmine rice for a healthier alternative.
Add a squeeze of lime juice or sprinkle with chopped peanuts for extra garnish and flavor.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce.
Include other stir-fry vegetables like bok choy, snow peas, or green beans.

Recipe overview

Pad Kra Pao Gai is a classic Thai street food dish that is both delicious and easy to make at home. Made primarily with chicken, garlic, chilies, and a handful of sauces, it's a spicy and savory dish that is sure to delight your palate. The dish is traditionally served over jasmine rice and often topped with a crispy fried egg. Though the recipe includes a few optional ingredients, like long beans, the key component that truly defines this dish is Thai basil, which adds a unique flavor profile that sets it apart. In under 30 minutes, you can bring a taste of Thai street food to your kitchen with this simple yet flavorful dish. Whether you're new to Thai cuisine or a seasoned pro, you're sure to enjoy the robust flavors of Pad Kra Pao Gai!

Common questions

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken? Yes, you can use other proteins such as pork, beef, shrimp, or tofu as a substitute for chicken in this recipe.
Is it necessary to use Thai bird chilies? Thai bird chilies provide the authentic spicy flavor to the dish, but if you can't find them, you can use any other spicy chili pepper available to you.
Can I adjust the spiciness level? Absolutely, you can adjust the spiciness level by adding more or fewer Thai bird chilies according to your preference.
What can I substitute for Thai basil? If you can't find Thai basil, you can substitute it with sweet basil or even regular basil. However, Thai basil has a unique flavor that adds an authentic touch to the dish.
Is it necessary to add long beans? No, the addition of long beans is optional. They add a nice crunch and texture to the dish, but you can omit them if you prefer.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan? Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of Pad Kra Pao Gai by substituting the chicken with tofu or seitan, and using vegetarian versions of oyster sauce, soy sauce, and fish sauce.
What can I serve with Pad Kra Pao Gai? Pad Kra Pao Gai is commonly served over steamed jasmine rice. You can also serve it with a side of sliced cucumbers or a fried egg on top for extra flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

Wok - A traditional wok is ideal for stir-frying the ingredients.
Frying Pan - An alternative to the wok, a large frying pan can be used for cooking the chicken and other ingredients.
Knife - A sharp knife is needed for chopping the chicken and other ingredients.
Cutting Board - A sturdy cutting board provides a surface for chopping the ingredients.
Garlic Press - A garlic press can be used to mince the garlic and chilies together into a paste.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon - A spatula or wooden spoon is helpful for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the wok.
Rice Cooker or Pot - A rice cooker or pot is needed to cook the jasmine rice.
Fork - A fork is used to fluff the cooked jasmine rice.
Plates - Plates are needed for serving the Pad Kra Pao Gai.
Optional: Frying Pan - If frying eggs as a topping, a separate frying pan is needed.

Origin stories

Pad Kra Pao Gai, a vibrant dish bursting with flavors, hails from the culinary paradise of Thailand. It carries the essence of Thai street food culture, often whipped up in bustling roadside eateries in a matter of minutes. The dish stands out for its use of holy basil or Kra Pao in Thai, lending the dish its name and distinctive taste. The Thai people's fondness for this aromatic herb is deeply ingrained in their folklore. It is believed that the holy basil plant has the power to ward off evil spirits and is often planted around homes for protection. This humble dish, with its fiery chili, fragrant garlic, and basil stir-fried with succulent pieces of chicken, truly personifies the spirit of Thai cuisine - a harmony of flavors that instantly transports you to the lively streets of Bangkok.

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.