Stir-Fried Chicken with Basil

Recipe by: Nina Simonds | from A Spoonful of Ginger: Irresistable, Health-Giving Recipes from Asian Kitchens

Cookstr

Course: Main Course

Total Time: Under 30 Minutes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cost: Inexpensive

Photo by:

I have always loved this simple Thai stir-fried dish, especially with steamed basmati rice. Feel free to add some blanched vegetables if you want to create a one-dish meal.

Yield: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

1½ pounds boned chicken breast, skin removed

Marinade:

3 tablespoons fish sauce
1½ tablespoons rice wine or sake
1½ tablespoons minced shallots
3½ tablespoons canola or corn oil

Seasonings:

1½ tablespoons chopped fresh red chile (seeds removed)
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
3 medium red onions, peeled and cut into thin julienne slices

Sauce (mixed together):

2 tablespoons fish sauce
1½ tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1½ tablespoons water
1½ cups fresh Thai holy basil or sweet basil leaves, stems removed, leaves rinsed, drained, and coarsely shredded

Directions

Arrange the chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Holding the blade of your knife horizontal with the board, cut the chicken into thin slices on the diagonal and put them in a bowl. Add the Marinade ingredients and toss the chicken lightly to coat.

Heat a wok or large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of the oil, and heat until very hot, about 30 seconds. Add the Seasonings, and stir-fry over high heat about 1½ to 2 minutes, or until the onions are tender. Push to the side of the pan.

Add the remaining 1½ tablespoons oil, and heat until very hot. Add the chicken, stirfrying over high heat about 2 minutes, or until the meat changes color and is cooked. Give the premixed Sauce another stir and pour it into the pan. Bring to a boil. Add the fresh basil and mix. Scoop the chicken onto a serving platter and serve with rice and a vegetable, if desired.

Notes

Basil, which many might consider foreign to China, has, in fact, been used in Chinese medicine since the sixth century A.D. Basil tea (1 cup fresh basil leaves brewed with 1 cup water) is often drunk for indigestion.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Calories 242kcal (12%)

Calcium 35mg (4%)

Vitamin C 3mg (5%)

Vitamin A 51mcg RAE (2%)

Potassium 338mg

Magnesium 52mg

Protein 25g

Sugar 3g

Fiber 0g

Total Carbohydrate 5g