Sizzling Thai Basil Ground Chicken

$- 1 lb ground chicken - 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 shallots, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons fish sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1-2 Thai chilies, minced (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper for seasoning The main ingredients create the base for this dish. Ground chicken is lean and cooks quickly. Fresh Thai basil gives a bright flavor. The garlic and shallots add depth. Don’t skip the vegetable oil; it helps with cooking. For sauces, soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce bring umami. Sugar balances the salty flavors. If you want more color and crunch, add red bell pepper. It also adds sweetness. Thai chilies can spice up the dish. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Lastly, use salt and pepper to season. This will enhance all the flavors. Prepare these ingredients before you start cooking. It makes the process smooth and fun. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Heating oil and sautéing aromatics Start by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 2 finely chopped shallots. Sauté these for about 1-2 minutes. You want them to smell great, but don’t let them burn. 2. Browning the ground chicken Now, increase the heat to high. Add 1 pound of ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. 1. Adding vegetables Next, stir in 1 sliced red bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until it softens a bit. This adds color and crunch to your dish. 2. Mixing sauces and combining In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1-2 minced Thai chilies. Pour this sauce mixture over the chicken and bell pepper. Stir well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend nicely. 1. Adding Thai basil Now, add 1 cup of fresh Thai basil leaves to your skillet. Stir for about 1 minute until the basil wilts. This brings a fresh, aromatic flavor to the dish. 2. Serving suggestions Serve your Thai basil ground chicken hot over steamed jasmine rice. This meal is quick, easy, and packed with flavor! - Tips for perfectly browning ground chicken: Start with a hot skillet. Use medium-high heat for the oil. Add the ground chicken in small batches. This helps it brown well. Stir it gently, but let it sit to sear. Look for a golden color, about 4-5 minutes is ideal. - How to adjust spice levels: If you like it spicy, add more Thai chilies. For less heat, use fewer chilies. You can also remove the seeds for milder flavor. Taste as you go! This way, you can find your perfect spice level. - Best types of rice to serve with the dish: Jasmine rice pairs best with this dish. Its light and fluffy texture balances the flavors well. You can also use brown rice for a healthier option. Both types soak up the sauce nicely. - Garnishing ideas: Top your dish with extra Thai basil leaves for freshness. Thinly sliced red chilies add color and spice. A sprinkle of lime juice brightens the flavors too. These small touches make your meal look beautiful. - How to store leftovers: Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Let it cool before sealing to avoid steam buildup. - Reheating methods: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. You can also microwave it for quick heating, but cover it to prevent drying out. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh Thai basil and vegetables to enhance the flavor and aroma of the dish. Adjust Spice Level: Customize the heat by varying the amount of Thai chilies according to your preference. Perfect Jasmine Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice before cooking to remove excess starch for fluffier rice. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep. {{image_2}} You can swap ground chicken for ground turkey or pork. These options give a nice flavor change. For a vegetarian choice, you can use mushrooms or tofu. Both will absorb the sauces well. For veggies, try adding zucchini or snap peas. They add a fresh crunch and color. You can even mix in some carrots for sweetness. To change flavors, use different sauces. Try hoisin sauce for a sweeter taste. You can also add sriracha for more heat. If you want a vegan option, use soy sauce and skip the fish sauce. This keeps the dish flavorful without meat. Serve Thai Basil Ground Chicken with jasmine rice. It soaks up the sauce perfectly. You can also try it with rice noodles for a fun twist. For drinks, a light beer or iced tea pairs well. They balance the spicy flavors nicely. You can also enjoy it with coconut water for a refreshing touch. What can I substitute for Thai basil? If you can’t find Thai basil, you can use regular basil or mint. Both give a fresh taste but are less spicy. You can also try using a mix of basil and a little bit of mint for a similar flavor. Can I make this dish in advance? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the ground chicken and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it before serving. Is Thai Basil Ground Chicken healthy? Yes, Thai Basil Ground Chicken is a healthy option. It contains lean protein from ground chicken and fresh veggies. Plus, the Thai basil adds antioxidants. How many calories per serving? Each serving has about 300 calories. This can vary with added rice or extra ingredients. What to do if the dish is too salty? If it tastes too salty, add more fresh ingredients. You can add cooked rice or extra vegetables. This helps balance the saltiness. How to fix an overly spicy meal? If your dish is too spicy, add some sugar or a splash of coconut milk. These will tone down the heat and add a nice flavor. Mixing in more rice can also help. - Prep time: 10 minutes - Cook time: 15 minutes - Servings: 4 - Main course: Yes - Thai cuisine: Yes - Gluten-free options: Use gluten-free soy sauce. - Low-carb variations: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice. This blog post explored the key ingredients, steps, and tips to make Thai Basil Ground Chicken. We covered everything from fresh herbs to cooking methods, ensuring you can create a delicious dish. Remember, feel free to swap ingredients and adjust spices to fit your taste. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving ideas. With the right techniques, you can make this recipe a favorite in your home. Dive into this tasty meal and make it your own!$

Sizzling Thai Basil Ground Chicken

A flavorful and aromatic dish featuring ground chicken stir-fried with fresh Thai basil and a blend of savory sauces.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Thai

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots finely chopped
1 red bell pepper sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1-2 units Thai chilies, minced (adjust to taste)
to taste salt and pepper
for serving steamed jasmine rice

Instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Increase the heat to high and add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the chicken is browned, about 4-5 minutes.
Stir in the sliced red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until it softens slightly.
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and minced Thai chilies. Pour this mixture over the cooked chicken and bell pepper.
Stir everything to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add the fresh Thai basil leaves and stir until wilted, about 1 minute. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice.

Notes

Adjust the number of Thai chilies based on your spice preference.

Keyword ground chicken, stir fry, Thai basil