This Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry recipe comes together quickly and easily. The fried egg adds extra creaminess and protein and also helps to cut the spiciness if you like it hot!
In the early 90s I spent almost a year living and working in Bangkok Thailand. This was one of my favourite roadside dishes (Gai Pad Krapow). You could choose to have it with or without a fried egg. I always added the crispy fried egg because, well...you know, EGGS! The authentic dish in Thailand is served "burn-your-face-off" hot! Although I have toned down the spice in this recipe, most would still consider it quite hot.
The good news is that you can adjust the heat as much as you like to accommodate your own taste. I have been making this dish since my boys were little. I would make 2 batches. One for them (mild) and one for my husband and me (hot). Over the years I started increasing the heat level on the kid's portion and now I no longer need separate batches. a perfect, cooling side dish to go with this recipe is my Easy Thai Style Cucumber Salad.
FUN FACT!: In the photo above you can see a spoon and fork with the dish. In Thailand, a spoon is used to eat dishes without noodles. Chopsticks are used for noodles. The fork is used the way we (in the West) use a knife to push the food onto the spoon.
Ingredients
Only a few, simple ingredients are needed to make the best Thai stir-fry!
Clockwise from top left:
- green beans
- large eggs
- the sauce - soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and water
- Thai basil
- cornstarch and water
- ground chicken
- garlic
- Thai chilis (Bird's eye chilis)
- red pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
Thai Basil vs. Regular Basil?
As you can see from the photo below, the most noticeable difference is the purple stems of Thai basil. The leaves are also more narrow and have slightly serrated edges. Thai basil also has a stronger, more peppery flavour with a hint of anise. If you can't find Thai basil you can substitute with regular basil.
Instructions
This recipe comes together very quickly in only a few simple steps.
Step 1 - Brown the garlic. Browning the garlic first in hot oil gives it a nutty flavour. Be careful not to burn it!
Step 2 - Add the chicken, beans, red pepper, and chili peppers. Cook and stir until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 3 - Add the sauce and stir-fry for 2 minutes then add the cornstarch mixture.
Step 4 - Add the basil and stir until wilted. That's it!
Step 5 - Fry the eggs. I like to cook one egg at a time so I can have room in the pan to scoop hot oil on top of the egg to cook the top a bit. Use a good amount of oil so you can do this. Drain the cooked egg onto a paper towel and continue with the rest of the eggs. If it takes a few minutes to make the eggs you can warm the chicken back up on the stovetop.
Substitutions
Ground chicken - you can use boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs cut into small cubes. You can also use ground turkey or pork.
Thai basil - use regular basil if you can't find Thai basil (usually found in an Asian supermarket and some specialty grocery stores... or you can grow it at home!)
Thai or Bird's eye chili peppers - Thai chilis are widely available now but you can easily substitute them with any chili pepper you like.
Beans and red peppers - are typical additions. Sometimes only one or the other is used and other times neither. Feel free to add in or substitute any vegetables you like for this stir-fry.
Fish sauce - If it's possible don't skip the fish sauce when cooking Thai food as it is one of the foundational flavours that gives Thai food its unique taste. However, if you have allergies or just can't find it anywhere, you can substitute with extra soy sauce, oyster sauce, coconut aminos, or vegan fish sauce (usually made from mushrooms)
Storage
Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days. If you served it with rice and have some leftover it all comes together beautifully as a Thai basil chicken fried rice the next day!
Pro tip
If you are doubling this recipe I recommend cooking it in 2 batches. Keep it warm in a low oven while you make the second batch and fry the eggs. A double batch will overcrowd the pan and become "soggy".
What to serve it with
The classic choice is, of course, Jasmine rice. You can also serve it with Basmati or any rice of your choice.
If you are following The Livy Method this stir-fry is a perfect high-protein dinner! Serve on its own, over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or your choice of raw or cooked leafy greens.
Other recipes you might like
Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry With Fried Egg
Ingredients
The Sauce
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ cup water
The Stir-Fry
- 3 tablespoon avocado oil or other high heat oil, plus more for the eggs
- 6 medium to large cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped (not minced, see photo above)
- 6 fresh Thai red chili peppers, adjust for desired spice level
- 454 g ground chicken (1 lb)
- 1 small-medium red pepper, cut into strips (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1” pieces
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoon cold water
- 1 bunch, Thai basil (3 cups loosely packed)
- 4 large eggs
Instructions
- Mix together soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and ¼ cup water and set aside. Prepare and measure the remaining ingredients as listed above.
- Heat 3 tablespoon avocado oil in a wok or large frying pan on high heat until it is hot. Add garlic and remove pan from heat. Let sizzle and cook until garlic starts turning golden brown.
- Return to heat and add ground chicken, red pepper, green beans, and fresh chili peppers. Stir-fry for 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through, breaking up the chicken with the spoon.
- Add soy sauce mixture and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes. Add the cornstarch mixed with water and stir until thickened, 1 minute. Add the fresh basil leaves and turn off the heat. Stir until the basil leaves are wilted. Set aside while you make the eggs.
- For the crispy fried eggs I like to cook one egg at a time. Heat 2 tablespoon avocado oil in a small non-stick frying pan, over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add one egg. When the edges start to crisp and bubble up, tilt the pan slightly, and with a large spoon scoop some oil on top of the egg to cook the top. When the egg yolk is cooked to your liking transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. Prepare the 3 remaining eggs.
- Serve over Jasmine rice or any of the above suggestions, topped with a fried egg.
Notes
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
Shelley says
Hi Andrea,
I made this recipe last night and LOVED it! The recipe was easy, fast and very flavourful.
I had a hard time finding Thai basil. I ended up having to buy two potted Thai basil plants from the grocery store and strip the leaves! LOL
Any suggestions for a grocery store in the GTA that carries this item regularly? I live in Burlington.
Andrea says
Hi Shelley, I'm so happy you enjoyed the stir-fry. It's a staple around here! Do a search for an Asian supermarket in your area and you might be able to find something. You can always use regular basil instead. I have to do that often since I moved out of the city and when I don't have any growing in my garden. It's delicious either way!
Shelley says
Thanks, Andrea! I wondered if it would be okay to use regular basil. I always like to try a recipe as it was meant to be, but I'm glad to know I can use the regular type, if needed.
Heather Best says
I just made this recipe! It's a amazing dish. I will definitely make it for company. My husband was absolutely amazed. I just can't rave enough! I have tryed many of Andrea's recipes and they are all fabulous. I'm on the Livy Method and make so many of these recipes! Keep creating! Thank you Andrea
Andrea says
Hi Heather!
I'm so happy to hear you are enjoying the recipes! Thank you so much for the lovely comment! I appreciate the support!
Leslie 💖 says
Just made this tonight for my husband, daughter and son-in-law. It was a huge hit! My son-in-law said it was all of his favourite foods. I was afraid of the Thai chilies so I use jalapeños and it was fantastic! It was so easy to put together. Yummy! I will make it again!
Andrea says
Hi Leslie!
I'm so happy you all enjoyed it! Jalapeños are a great substitute when you want to keep the heat level down 👌😀
Susan says
Sounds great, and so easy! Another winner for sure!
Kelly says
Hey Andrea?
Is there a substitute for fish sauce? Also does any grocery store sell Thai Basil?
Thanks
Kelly
Andrea says
Hi Kelly!
If you check out the post above the recipe card I have a section called Substitutes that lists substitutes for fish sauce. Thai basil is sold in some grocery stores but you will have better luck in an Asian supermarket or specialty store. Hope that helps!