Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Curry
Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Curry. This aromatic dish features tender chicken simmered in a luscious coconut milk sauce infused with aromatic red curry paste, balanced by the sweetness of sugar and the savory depth of fish sauce. Fresh basil leaves add a delightful herbal note, while colorful bell peppers provide a satisfying crunch. Perfect for warm weather, this dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or noodles, making it a favorite for a quick and satisfying meal any night of the week.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons (None)
Red Curry Paste
1 1/2 tablespoons (None)
Coconut Milk
13 1/2 ounces (Shaken)
Chicken Breasts
1 1/2 lbs (Raw, sliced into bite-sized pieces)
Sugar
2 teaspoons (None)
Fish Sauce
2 teaspoons (None)
Red Bell Pepper
1 (Sliced)
Thai Basil Leaves
10 large (Chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the red curry paste to the pan, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and begins to bubble.
3
Gradually pour in the coconut milk, stirring well to combine. Continue to cook for about 4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly while stirring occasionally.
4
Add the sliced chicken to the pan, ensuring it is submerged in the sauce. Let it simmer for approximately 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken starts to cook through.
5
Incorporate the sugar, fish sauce, and sliced red bell pepper into the mixture. Cook further, allowing the flavors to meld, until the chicken is fully cooked, about 3 more minutes.
6
Before serving, stir in the chopped Thai basil, allowing it to wilt and release its aromatic essence. Adjust seasoning with additional sugar or fish sauce if desired. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice or your favorite noodles.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Curry?
It is a vibrant Thai dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a coconut milk sauce infused with red curry paste, fish sauce, and fresh Thai basil.
What are the primary flavor components of this curry?
The dish balances the heat of red curry paste with the sweetness of sugar, the savory depth of fish sauce, and the herbal notes of fresh Thai basil.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 8 ingredients: vegetable oil, red curry paste, coconut milk, chicken breasts, sugar, fish sauce, red bell pepper, and Thai basil leaves.
What type of oil is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for heating the curry paste.
How much red curry paste should I use?
You should use 1 1/2 tablespoons of red curry paste.
How do I prepare the red curry paste?
Heat the vegetable oil and stir the curry paste continuously for about 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and begins to bubble.
What kind of coconut milk is needed?
The recipe requires 13 1/2 ounces of coconut milk, which should be shaken before use.
How long should the coconut milk cook?
After adding it to the curry paste, let it cook for about 4 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly.
What cut of chicken is best for this curry?
The recipe recommends using 1 1/2 lbs of chicken breasts.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken breasts should be sliced into bite-sized pieces before cooking.
How long does the chicken need to simmer initially?
Once added to the sauce, the chicken should simmer for approximately 4 minutes until it starts to cook through.
What provides the sweetness in this recipe?
The sweetness comes from 2 teaspoons of sugar added during the cooking process.
What is the purpose of fish sauce in this dish?
Fish sauce adds a savory depth and salty flavor to the curry; 2 teaspoons are required.
What vegetable is included in this curry?
One sliced red bell pepper is added to provide color and a satisfying crunch.
When do I add the red bell pepper?
Add the sliced bell pepper along with the sugar and fish sauce after the chicken has simmered for 4 minutes.
How long do the flavors meld after adding the seasoning?
Cook the mixture for about 3 more minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
What kind of basil is used?
The recipe specifies 10 large Thai basil leaves.
How should the Thai basil be prepared?
The Thai basil leaves should be chopped before being added to the pan.
When is the Thai basil added to the dish?
Stir in the chopped basil just before serving, allowing it to wilt and release its aroma.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the curry?
Yes, you can adjust the seasoning with additional sugar or fish sauce to suit your taste preferences.
What are the suggested side dishes?
This curry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or your favorite noodles.
Is this a spicy dish?
Yes, the use of red curry paste gives the dish a spicy kick, as reflected in its name.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick meal' and is designed to be prepared relatively fast in one pan.
Is this a one-pan recipe?
Yes, the entire curry is cooked in a single large frying pan.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is described as luscious and aromatic, thickened by the reduction of coconut milk.
Can I use different vegetables?
While the recipe calls for red bell pepper, the flavor profile would accommodate other vegetables like green beans or bamboo shoots.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The tags include Thai, curry, chicken, basil, spicy, coconut milk, healthy dinner, quick meals, and one-pan.
Is this recipe considered a healthy dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dinner option.
How do I ensure the curry paste is fragrant?
Stir it continuously in hot oil for 2 minutes until it begins to bubble and smell aromatic.
Should the curry be served hot?
Yes, the recipe recommends serving the dish hot immediately after the basil has wilted.