Thai Basil Chicken With Brown Rice

Introduction

Thai Basil Chicken, also known as 'Gai Pad Krapow', is a popular street food dish in Thailand. It's a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the spicy, sweet, and savory flavors of Thai cuisine. In this recipe, we'll pair it with nutritious brown rice to create a balanced meal that's perfect for fitness enthusiasts.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 Thai chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• Optional: Fried egg for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by slicing the chicken breast into thin strips. Mince the garlic and chop the Thai chilies. If you prefer less heat, you can remove the seeds from the chilies.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped chilies, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry until it's cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Sauces: Lower the heat to medium and add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar to the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the sauces. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Add the Basil: Turn off the heat and add the fresh Thai basil leaves to the pan. Stir until the basil is wilted and well incorporated into the dish. The residual heat will be enough to cook the basil without losing its vibrant flavor.
5. Serve: Serve the Thai Basil Chicken over a bed of cooked brown rice. For an authentic touch, top with a fried egg if desired. Enjoy your meal!

Explanations

Why Brown Rice? Brown rice is a whole grain that retains its nutrient-rich bran and germ. It's a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthier choice compared to white rice. It also has a lower glycemic index, which helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

The Role of Thai Basil: Thai basil has a unique flavor profile with hints of anise and licorice. It adds a fresh and aromatic element to the dish, balancing the heat from the chilies and the savory notes from the sauces.

Adjusting the Heat: The level of spiciness in this dish can be easily adjusted by varying the amount of Thai chilies used. For a milder version, reduce the number of chilies or remove the seeds.