Weeknight Thai: Quick and Easy Thai Basil Chicken for Busy Kogarah Cooks

Some nights, you just need dinner on the table fast — but that does not mean you have to sacrifice flavour. Thai basil chicken, known in Thailand as pad kra pao, is the ultimate weeknight hero. It comes together in under fifteen minutes, uses ingredients you can easily grab from any Kogarah Asian grocer, and delivers that irresistible combination of spicy, savoury, and herby goodness. Serve it over steaming rice with a crispy fried egg on top, and you have a meal that feels like a treat even on the busiest of days. Let's make it together!

Ingredients

• 500g minced chicken
• 4 cloves garlic
• 3-4 bird's eye chillies (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp palm sugar
• 1 cup Thai basil leaves, packed
• 2 tbsp neutral oil
• 2 eggs, for frying
• Steamed jasmine rice, to serve

Instructions

1. Pound the garlic and chillies together in a mortar and pestle into a rough paste.
2. Heat oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering.
3. Fry the garlic-chilli paste for 30 seconds until intensely fragrant.
4. Add the minced chicken and stir-fry, breaking it up, until cooked through.
5. Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and palm sugar, tossing to combine.
6. Turn off the heat and fold through the Thai basil leaves until just wilted.
7. In a separate pan, fry the eggs until the edges are crispy.
8. Serve the chicken over rice, topped with a fried egg.

Chef's Notes

Do not skip the mortar and pestle if you have one — pounding releases far more aroma than chopping. Keep your wok screaming hot for that authentic charred flavour, and add the basil off the heat so it stays bright and fragrant. If you cannot find Thai basil, holy basil is even better, and regular basil will still work in a pinch.

Fast, fiery, and deeply satisfying — this Thai basil chicken is destined to become a staple in your weekly rotation. Give it a go tonight and see just how easy Thai cooking can be. Once you have mastered it, share the recipe with a friend and pass on the joy of a great home-cooked meal!

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