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Authentic Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)

Close-up of Thai Basil Chicken Pad Krapow served over white rice, topped with a crispy fried egg.
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Make authentic Thai Basil Chicken, known as Pad Krapow Gai, a quick and spicy stir-fry featuring holy basil and a savory sauce. Serve over rice, optionally topped with a crispy fried egg.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground chicken or thinly sliced chicken breast
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2-4 Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock or water
  • 1/4 cup holy basil leaves (or Thai sweet basil if holy basil is unavailable)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or thin soy sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon dark sweet soy sauce (optional, for color)
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 large eggs (for optional fried egg)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark sweet soy sauce (if using), fish sauce, and sugar. Set aside.
  2. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until very hot. Add the vegetable oil.
  3. Add the minced garlic and sliced chilies to the hot oil. Stir-fry quickly for about 15-30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add the ground chicken to the wok. Break it up and stir-fry until it is cooked through and lightly browned, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
  6. Add the chicken stock or water. Bring the mixture to a quick simmer, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Remove the wok from the heat. Stir in the holy basil leaves until they just wilt. Do not overcook the basil.
  8. If making the optional fried egg (Kai Dao), heat a separate small pan with about 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Crack the eggs into the hot oil and fry until the edges are very crispy and the yolk is still runny.
  9. Serve the Pad Krapow immediately over steamed jasmine rice, topped with the crispy fried egg, if desired.

Notes

  • Holy basil (krapow) provides the signature peppery flavor; if you must substitute, use Thai sweet basil, but the flavor profile will change slightly.
  • For the best texture, cook the chicken quickly over high heat to achieve a slight char, mimicking street food style.
  • If you prefer a less spicy dish, remove the seeds from the chilies before slicing them.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonfulsnap.com/thai-basil-chicken-pad-krapow-recipe/