Thai Basil Chicken with Crispy Fried Egg
This dish, known as Pad Kra Pao, is a beloved Thai street food staple that brings the bustling markets of Bangkok right into your kitchen. The aromatic holy basil, garlic, and chilies create a fragrant base, while the chicken absorbs the savory-sweet sauce. Served over jasmine rice and topped with a crispy fried egg, it's a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. I first tasted this on a humid evening in Chiang Mai, and it instantly became my go-to for a quick, satisfying meal. The runny yolk mingles with the spicy chicken, creating a luscious sauce that clings to every grain of rice. It's comfort food with a kick, and you'll love how effortlessly it comes together.
Ingredients
- chicken thigh300g
- holy basil1 cup
- garlic4 cloves
- Thai bird's eye chilies4
- vegetable oil2 tbsp
- oyster sauce1 tbsp
- fish sauce1 tbsp
- soy sauce1 tsp
- sugar1 tsp
- eggs2
- jasmine rice1 cup
- water2 cups
Directions
- 1
Rinse the jasmine rice and cook it with 2 cups of water in a rice cooker or pot according to package instructions.
- 2
While the rice cooks, prepare the ingredients: mince the garlic and chilies together into a rough paste. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Pick the holy basil leaves and discard the stems.
- 3
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the garlic-chili paste and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- 4
Add the chicken and stir-fry until cooked through and slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes. Then toss in the holy basil leaves and cook until wilted, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
- 5
In a separate small pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and fry until the edges are crispy and the yolk is still runny, about 2-3 minutes.
- 6
To serve, divide the rice between two plates. Top with the basil chicken and place a fried egg on each. Serve immediately.
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