Introduction
Indulging in a flavorful stir-fry is one of the joys of home cooking, and this recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine straight to your kitchen. With wide rice noodles as the base, and a delightful mix of chicken, vegetables, and aromatic Thai basil, this dish is not only satisfying but also quick to prepare. Let’s dive into the detailed ingredients that will make this delicious meal.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
8 ounces wide rice noodles
1/3 cup oyster sauce
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 onion, sliced thin
1 pound chicken breast, chopped into bite-size pieces
2 red Thai chilis, seeds removed and chopped
1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
4 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup Thai basil leaves
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
This stir-fry is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Enjoy the fiery heat from the Thai chilis and the unique taste of Thai basil in every bite!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Prepare the wide rice noodles according to the package directions. Cook them until they are just al dente. Once cooked, rinse the noodles thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and water until well combined. Set the sauce aside for later use.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Once heated, add the chopped chicken breast to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt and cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the vegetable oil to the skillet. Incorporate the sliced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes or until softened. Next, add the chopped red Thai chilis, sliced red bell pepper, and 2-inch pieces of green onions. Continue to cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic towards the end of this cooking time.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Gently add in the prepared noodles, sauce, and Thai basil leaves. Toss everything together until the noodles, chicken, and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Final Cooking
Cook everything in the skillet for another few minutes until all ingredients are warmed through and well mixed. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Notes
Note 1: Thai Basil
Thai basil has a slightly spicy, anise-like flavor that enhances this dish. If you are unable to find Thai basil, Italian basil can be used as a substitute; however, the flavor will be milder.
Cook techniques
Cooking Noodles
To cook wide rice noodles, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package directions until just al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop further cooking. This helps maintain the perfect texture.
Whisking Sauce
Combine oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and water in a bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended. This sauce adds depth and flavor to the stir-fry.
Stir-Frying Chicken
Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped chicken breast and sprinkle with salt. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, ensuring it is tender and juicy.
Cooking Vegetables
After removing the chicken, add vegetable oil and sliced onions to the skillet. Sauté until softened, then add chopped red Thai chilis, sliced bell pepper, and cut green onions. Cook until the vegetables are slightly softened. Finally, stir in minced garlic for added aroma and flavor.
Combining Ingredients
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the prepared noodles, sauce, and Thai basil leaves. Toss everything together until well coated with the sauce, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
Final Heating
Cook the combined ingredients for a few additional minutes until everything is heated through. This allows the flavors to meld together for a delicious finish.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, you can substitute wide rice noodles with another type of noodle such as egg noodles or rice vermicelli, although the texture and flavor will vary.
What if I can’t find Thai basil?
If Thai basil is unavailable, you can use Italian basil as a substitute, keeping in mind that the flavor will be milder and less spicy.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spiciness, add more red Thai chilis or incorporate other hot peppers according to your heat preference.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time, but it’s best to store the cooked stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving for optimal freshness.
What protein alternatives can I use?
You can substitute chicken with other proteins such as shrimp, tofu, or beef based on your preference. Adjust cooking times as necessary for different proteins.
Conclusion
The combination of chicken, vibrant vegetables, and the unique flavor of Thai basil in this stir-fried rice noodle dish creates a delightful meal that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor. The savory sauce enhances the various ingredients, making it a delicious choice for any occasion.
Vegetable Variation
Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and add more vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for a hearty vegetarian dish.
Seafood Twist
Replace the chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood version of this stir-fry, enhancing it with fresh lime juice for added zest.
Spicy Kick
Increase the number of red Thai chilis or add a splash of sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for those who love an extra spicy kick.
Protein Options
Try using beef or pork strips instead of chicken for a different flavor profile while keeping the same savory sauce.
Herb Substitutions
Experiment with fresh cilantro or mint in place of Thai basil for a different aromatic experience in this stir-fry.
Coconut Cream Addition
For a creamier texture, add a splash of coconut milk or cream to the stir-fry, enhancing its richness and flavor.
Peanut Sauce Alternative
Substitute the sauce with a creamy peanut sauce made with peanut butter, soy sauce, and a bit of lime juice for a nutty flavor.
