Description
A bold and aromatic Thai-inspired dish with tender ground chicken, fiery chilies, and fragrant basil, all coated in a savory sauce. Served over rice with a crispy fried egg, this dish is an easy, restaurant-quality meal made in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
1 lb (454 g) ground chicken (or substitute with ground pork or beef)
4 to 6 Thai bird’s eye chilies, chopped (adjust for spice preference)
6 cloves garlic, smashed
For the Sauce:
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
½ teaspoon fish sauce (optional, for an authentic Thai kick)
1 teaspoon sugar
For the Stir-Fry:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
½ yellow onion, diced
4 oz (113 g) green beans, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
1 bunch basil (holy basil preferred, Thai basil or regular basil as alternatives)
Optional Garnishes:
Fried eggs
Lime wedges
Instructions
-
Prepare the Aromatics:
- Finely mince the Thai chilies and garlic together until they form a rough paste. Use a mortar and pestle or food processor for efficiency.
-
Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
-
Cook the Aromatics:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the garlic-chili paste and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Add the ground chicken to the skillet, spreading it out evenly. Let it sear undisturbed for about a minute to develop a golden crust.
- Break apart the chicken and cook until most of the liquid evaporates, about 2 minutes.
-
Add the Sauce & Vegetables:
- Pour in the prepared sauce and mix well to coat the chicken.
- Stir in diced onions and green beans. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring the vegetables remain crisp.
-
Finish with Basil:
- Turn off the heat and stir in the basil leaves. Toss until they wilt into the dish.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Spoon the Thai basil chicken over steamed rice.
- Top with a crispy fried egg and squeeze fresh lime juice for extra flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chilies.
- Swap green beans with bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for variety.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with crumbled tofu or mushrooms.
- Serve with jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Thai