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

STIR FRIED CHICKEN WITH BASIL AND CHILLIES

"A quick and easy chicken dish is excellent introduction to Thai cuisine. Deep-frying the basil adds another dimension to the dish."

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 garlic cloves sliced
3 red chile peppers, seeded and chopped
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken, cut into bite-size pieces
3 tablespoons fish sauce
2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
12 fresh Thai basil leaves*
2 red chile peppers sliced, to garnish
20 fresh Thai basil leaves, deep-fried (optional, for garnish)**

Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan and swirl it around. Add the garlic and chopped chiles 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 fresh Thai basil leaves. Garnish with the chiles and the fried basil, if using.

*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. (If not available, regular fresh basil may be substituted.)

**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.

Source: The Ultimate 30-Minute Cookbook by Jenni Fleetwood