Chicken Krapow, or 'Phat Kaphrao', is a quintessential Thai dish renowned for its explosive flavors. This fiery stir-fry featuring ground chicken, basil leaves, and an array of fresh Thai chilies is a beloved street food item that encapsulates the bold essence of Thai cuisine. Today, we'll take you on a culinary journey to learn how to prepare an authentic Chicken Krapow at home.
Ingredients
To make this delightful Chicken Krapow, gather the following ingredients:
- 500 grams of ground chicken (or substitute with turkey or pork for variation)
- 2-3 large cloves of garlic, minced
- 3-5 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to heat preference)
- 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of dark soy sauce for color
- 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- A handful of holy basil or Thai basil leaves
- 2-3 green onions, sliced
- Oil for frying
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: egg for serving on top
Preparation
Follow these steps to cook Chicken Krapow:
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Mince the garlic, chop the chilies finely, and slice the green onions. Keep the holy basil leaves whole for better infusion of flavor.
- Heat the Oil: In a wok or large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over high heat until it’s smoking.
- Add Garlic and Chilies: Toss in the minced garlic and chilies, stir-frying until aromatic, about 10-15 seconds. Keep the heat high to prevent burning.
- Add the Ground Chicken: Break the meat apart into smaller pieces and cook until it changes color from pink to white, ensuring even distribution of the garlic and chilies.
- Seasoning: Once the meat is mostly cooked, add oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir well to coat the chicken.
- Basil and Onion: Toss in the holy basil leaves and green onions, allowing the basil to wilt slightly. This step intensifies the basil flavor. Cook for about 1 minute more.
- Finish with Black Pepper: Add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper, mix well, and turn off the heat.
- Optional Egg: If you desire, fry an egg sunny-side up to serve atop your Chicken Krapow for a traditional touch.
🔥 Note: The heat from the chilies can be intense, so adjust the number of chilies or remove their seeds to control spiciness.
Presentation
Serve your Chicken Krapow hot with:
- A generous portion of steamed jasmine rice
- A fried egg on top if you’ve chosen to include one
- A side of cucumber slices for cooling relief from the heat
🍽️ Note: Accompanying the dish with a Thai curry or Tom Yum soup can make for a complete Thai dining experience.
In crafting this Chicken Krapow, you've not only prepared a meal but have embarked on a journey into the heart of Thai culinary tradition. The blend of flavors, from the savory depth of fish sauce to the sweetness of sugar, through to the heat of the chilies and the fragrant burst of holy basil, creates a symphony of taste that is truly unparalleled. Whether for a special dinner or a casual lunch, Chicken Krapow is a testament to the bold, vibrant, and delicious essence of Thai cuisine.
Can I substitute holy basil with regular basil?
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Yes, while holy basil is traditional, regular basil or Thai basil can be used as substitutes, though the flavors will be slightly different.
How can I make Chicken Krapow less spicy?
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To reduce the heat, remove the seeds from the chilies or use fewer chilies. You can also add a bit more sugar or a squeeze of lime juice to balance the flavors.
What other proteins can I use in Chicken Krapow?
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You can replace chicken with minced pork, beef, or even shrimp. Tofu or mushrooms can also be used for a vegetarian version.
Is there a vegetarian version of Chicken Krapow?
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Yes, substitute the meat with tofu or mushrooms. Use a mushroom sauce or soy sauce instead of oyster sauce to keep it vegetarian.
How long can I store leftover Chicken Krapow?
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Chicken Krapow can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
