| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 16g | 3g | 23g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 3g | 32g | 1.50g |
When I think of the ultimate fusion dish, my mind immediately gravitates to the Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry. Drawing influence from the vibrant flavours of my Gujarati heritage and the freshness of west coast cuisine, this delectable stir fry hits all the right notes: sweet, sour, spicy, and umami. Using ingredients, such as Thai basil and chili peppers, this dish presents an aromatic and flavor-packed meal that appeals to all palates.
Why I love Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry
Besides its crave-worthy flavours, the Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry holds a special significance in my food journey. From growing up watching my mother cook classic Indian dishes to exploring diverse cuisines in California, all these experiences have led towards creating this fusion dish. As a lover of Indian-American fusion dishes, the combination of Thai basil, a defining ingredient in Southeast Asian cooking, with the Californian lean towards more health-conscious alternatives, like chicken breasts, epitomizes my culinary style.
The Health Benefits of Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry
Of course, a significant selling point of Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry is the trove of health benefits it brings. The major superstar here is the Thai basil–a potent herb known for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Along with that, using lean chicken breasts as the protein source offers a high dose of healthy proteins without the added fats. Furthermore, the stir-fry method of cooking ensures that the nutrients in the vegetables are preserved, making each mouthful a health booster.
Pairing Suggestions
Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry works beautifully as a standalone dish, thanks to its harmony of flavors. However, if you wish to create a more elaborate meal, you might consider dishes that complement these flavours. It pairs incredibly well with a light, Asian-inspired slaw or a side of steamed jasmine rice. For another major flavor booster, a spicy Thai cucumber and peanut salad would work wonders with the chicken stir fry.
This recipe, with its burst of flavors and healthful punch, is perfect for those looking to create an exciting culinary experience at home while honoring multiple food traditions. I hope that the Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry will soon become a regular feature in your menu, just as it is in mine.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 cup of bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of carrots, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup of water chestnuts
- 2 red chilli peppers, de-seeded and thinly sliced
- 1 cup of Thai basil leaves, loosely packed
- 3 tablespoons of fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Fresh Thai basil leaves and sliced chili for garnish
- Steamed jasmine rice for serving
Method
Step One
Start by slicing your 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin bite-sized pieces. Next, peel and mince your 3 cloves of garlic.
Step Two
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large saute pan. Once the oil is hot, add in your minced garlic and let it cook until it’s fragrant.
Step Three
Add in your sliced chicken breast and let it cook thoroughly until it’s no longer pink on the inside. Make sure you stir frequently to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
Step Four
Next, add in 1 cup each of thinly sliced bell peppers, onions, and carrots, along with 1/2 cup of sliced water chestnuts, and 2 de-seeded and thinly sliced red chilli peppers. Let it all sauté in the pan until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step Five
Add in 1 cup of loosely packed Thai basil leaves into the pan. Stir until they’re wilted.
Step Six
Next, add 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon each of oyster and soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sugar to the pan. Stir well to make sure that the sauces and sugar are evenly distributed.
Step Seven
Lower the heat to a simmer and let your stir-fry cook for a couple more minutes so all the flavours can meld together.
Step Eight
Once your stir-fry is done, garnish with fresh Thai basil leaves and sliced chili. Serve your Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry hot with steamed jasmine rice. Enjoy!
