Recipe: Stir Fried Chicken with Basil and Chilies (Thai)

STIR FRIED CHICKEN WITH BASIL AND CHILIES

"A quick and easy chicken dish is excellent introduction to Thai cuisine. Deep-frying the basil adds another dimension to the dish. Thai basil, which is sometimes known as holy basil, has a unique, pungent flavor that is both spicy and sharp. The dull leaves have serrated edges."

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 garlic cloves sliced
3 red chiles seeded and chopped
1 pound chicken, cut into bite-size pieces
3 tablespoons fish sauce
2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
12 Thai basil leaves
2 red chiles sliced, to garnish
20 Thai basil leaves, deep-fried* (optional garnish)
hot cooked rice (to serve)

Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan and swirl it around.

Add the garlic and chiles to the pan and stir-fry until golden.

Add the chicken and stir-fry until it changes color.

Season with fish sauce, soy sauce and sugar. Continue to stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked.

Stir in the 12 fresh Thai basil leaves. Garnish with the chiles and the fried basil, if using.

Serve with hot cooked rice.

*To deep-fry Thai basil leaves, make sure that the leaves are completely dry. Deep-fry in hot oil for 30-40 seconds, lift out using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Adapted from source: The Ultimate 30-Minute Cookbook by Jenni Fleetwood