Best 2 Thai Basil Sauce Recipes

Indulge in the symphony of flavors that is Thai basil sauce, a tantalizing culinary creation that dances on your palate with its harmonious blend of sweet, savory, spicy, and herbaceous notes. This versatile sauce finds its roots in the vibrant streets of Thailand, where it has long been a staple condiment, gracing everything from stir-fries to curries and noodles. Typically crafted with fragrant Thai basil, fiery chilies, aromatic garlic, and a touch of tangy lime juice, this flavorful sauce boasts a vibrant green hue and an unforgettable taste. Within this article, you'll embark on a culinary journey, discovering not just one, but three distinct Thai basil sauce recipes, each offering a unique twist on this beloved classic. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes cater to every skill level, promising an explosion of flavors that will elevate your culinary creations to new heights.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SPICY THAI BASIL CHICKEN (PAD KRAPOW GAI)

Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) image

My version of this classic Thai dish has spectacular taste even with regular basil instead of Thai or holy basil. The sauce actually acts like a glaze as the chicken mixture cooks over high heat. The recipe works best if you chop or grind your own chicken and have all ingredients prepped before you start cooking.

Provided by Chef John

Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian Thai

Time 25m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

⅓ cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce, or as needed
2 teaspoons fish sauce
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, coarsely chopped
¼ cup sliced shallots
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons minced Thai chilies, Serrano, or other hot pepper
1 cup very thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
2 cups hot cooked rice

Steps:

Whisk chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, white sugar, and brown sugar together in a bowl until well blended.
Heat large skillet over high heat. Drizzle in oil. Add chicken and stir fry until it loses its raw color, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in shallots, garlic, and sliced chilies. Continue cooking on high heat until some of the juices start to caramelize in the bottom of the pan, about 2 or 3 more minutes. Add about a tablespoon of the sauce mixture to the skillet; cook and stir until sauce begins to caramelize, about 1 minute.
Pour in the rest of the sauce. Cook and stir until sauce has deglazed the bottom of the pan. Continue to cook until sauce glazes onto the meat, 1 or 2 more minutes. Remove from heat.
Stir in basil. Cook and stir until basil is wilted, about 20 seconds. Serve with rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 715.4 calories, Carbohydrate 58.6 g, Cholesterol 155.9 mg, Fat 30 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 49.8 g, SaturatedFat 6.5 g, Sodium 1181.9 mg, Sugar 6.1 g

THAI BASIL CHICKEN WITH COCONUT CURRY SAUCE

Thai Basil Chicken with Coconut Curry Sauce image

A classic Thai chicken curry with coconut milk and basil. Serve over jasmine rice and garnish with basil leaves.

Provided by Pietro

Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian Thai

Time 1h10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (1 inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon green curry paste
1 (15 ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup snow peas
1 cup chopped shiitake mushrooms
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
½ cup bamboo shoots
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
½ lemon, juiced

Steps:

Heat sesame oil over medium-high heat in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet. Add onion and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger; saute for 2 to 3 minutes.
Stir chicken into the hot skillet and season with salt and pepper. Mix in curry paste. Brown chicken on both sides, about 10 minutes total.
Pour in coconut milk, chicken broth, snow peas, mushrooms, red bell pepper, and bamboo shoots. Season with cinnamon and stir well. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low; let simmer until chicken is no longer pink in the center and juices run clear, about 30 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in basil and lemon juice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 389.3 calories, Carbohydrate 15.7 g, Cholesterol 50 mg, Fat 29.7 g, Fiber 4.4 g, Protein 24.3 g, SaturatedFat 21.2 g, Sodium 532.8 mg, Sugar 4.4 g

Tips:

For the best flavor, use fresh Thai basil. If you can't find it, you can substitute regular basil, but the flavor will be slightly different.
To make the sauce spicier, add more chili peppers. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
If you don't have fish sauce, you can substitute soy sauce. However, fish sauce will give the sauce a more authentic Thai flavor.
To make the sauce smoother, blend it in a blender or food processor. You can also strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids.
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion:

Thai basil sauce is a versatile and delicious sauce that can be used on a variety of dishes. It's perfect for stir-fries, noodle dishes, and even as a dipping sauce. If you're looking for a way to add some Thai flavor to your next meal, give this sauce a try.