There’s something utterly satisfying about a dish that comes together quickly without compromising on flavor. Epicurious’ recipe for Basil Chicken Stir-Fry that’s modeled after the iconic Thai pad kra pao, perfectly fits that bill. Ideal for summer evenings and equally wonderful throughout the year, this recipe replaces fresh chiles with sambal oelek, ensuring that it remains pantry-friendly while still delivering a savory-spicy punch. The combination of oyster sauce, fish sauce, and a hint of sugar creates a flavor profile that’s both complex and comforting. Additionally, the use of baking soda in the meat mixture guarantees a juicy and tender result, transforming a typically lean protein into something delightfully springy and moist.
Ingredients for Basil Chicken:
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 6 oz. holy basil or sweet basil leaves
- 3 large shallots, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp. fish sauce
- 3 Tbsp. hot chili paste (such as sambal oelek)
- 2 tsp. light or dark brown sugar
- ½ tsp. baking soda
- 4 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided
- ¼ tsp. Diamond Crystal or Morton kosher salt, plus more to taste
- Steamed rice and lime wedges (for serving)
Basil Chicken Directions:
- In a medium bowl, vigorously mix 1 lb. ground chicken with 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil, ½ tsp. baking soda, ¼ tsp. kosher salt, and 2 Tbsp. water. Stir until the mixture is smooth and begins to stick to the sides of the bowl. Set the chicken mixture aside to rest.
- In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup oyster sauce, 3 Tbsp. hot chili paste, 1 Tbsp. fish sauce, and 2 tsp. light or dark brown sugar. Stir well and set the sauce mixture aside.
- Heat the remaining 3 Tbsp. of vegetable oil in a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced shallots and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon or heatproof rubber spatula, until softened and golden in spots, about 4 minutes.
- Add the prepared ground chicken mixture to the skillet, spreading it into an even layer. Allow it to cook undisturbed until it begins to set, about 4 minutes. Then, break up the meat with a spoon into small pieces. Pour the reserved oyster sauce mixture over the chicken and continue to cook, stirring often, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the sauce clings to the meat.
- Incorporate 6 oz. of holy basil or sweet basil leaves into the pan. Although it may seem like a large quantity at first, the basil will wilt down significantly. Remove the pan from heat and toss until the basil is completely wilted. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if necessary.
- Serve the basil chicken stir-fry with steamed rice and lime wedges for squeezing over. The lime adds a refreshing citrusy tang that complements the dish’s bold flavors beautifully.
This flavorful stir-fry pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are a few suggestions:
- Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the stir-fry.
- Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables and served with a dipping sauce make for a delightful appetizer or side.
- Pickled Vegetables: Pickled carrots, radishes, and cucumbers add a tangy crunch that balances the savory notes of the dish.
- Garlic Noodles: Lightly seasoned garlic noodles can serve as a complementary carbohydrate option alongside the steamed rice.
- Mango Sticky Rice: For a sweet finish, serve traditional Thai mango sticky rice. The sweet, sticky rice paired with fresh mango slices provides a delicious contrast to the savory main course.
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