Spicy Red Curry Chicken with Fresh Basil
As someone who loves hosting parties and bringing people together over good food, I’m always on the lookout for new recipes that can impress and satisfy guests. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Red Curry Chicken With Basil.
This dish is the perfect blend of spicy and savory, with notes of sweetness from coconut milk and a hint of freshness from fragrant basil leaves. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that packs a punch with its rich, complex flavors.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, having friends over for dinner or just looking to spice up your weeknight meal routine, this Red Curry Chicken With Basil recipe is sure to wow your guests and taste buds alike.
Trust me, once you try this tempting Thai-inspired dish, it will become a regular in your recipe repertoire. So let’s get started making this delicious curry chicken dish that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re like me, you love a good curry that delivers the perfect balance of heat and flavor. That’s why I’m excited to share my recipe for Red Curry Chicken with Basil. This dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser, thanks to its delicious combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices.
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can customize it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs by adjusting the level of spiciness or choosing different veggies. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover chicken or vegetables you have on hand.
Another reason why you’ll love this recipe is how easy it is to make. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in no time. And because it uses ingredients that are readily available in most grocery stores, you won’t have to go on a wild goose chase to find what you need.
But perhaps the most compelling reason to try this recipe is how delicious it tastes. The red curry paste blends perfectly with ginger, garlic, and coconut milk to create a rich and creamy sauce that coats every forkful of chicken and veggies. And the addition of fresh basil leaves adds a pop of color and brightens up the entire dish.
Trust me when I say that once you try this Red Curry Chicken with Basil recipe, it will become a regular in your dinner rotation. So what are you waiting for? Dust off your apron, grab your ingredients, and get ready to savor the amazing flavors of Thai cuisine right in your own home.
Ingredient List
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp red curry paste (I use Thai Kitchen brand)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (Tip: Red Boat brand is a great choice)
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced thinly
The secret to making amazing curries is to use plenty of aromatics like onion, ginger and garlic, and full-fat coconut milk. The difference between Thai and Indian curry is the use of fish sauce, which adds a savory umami flavor to the dish.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, let’s make this Red Curry Chicken with Basil Recipe.
Step 1: Prepping the Chicken
First, rinse 2lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs and pat them dry. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Making the Red Curry
Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1/4 cup of Thai red curry paste and stir for a few seconds until aromatic.
Then, add minced 1 onion, 1-inch ginger knob finely grated, and 5 garlic cloves minced, and stir together until aromatic. Next, add 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced into strips and stir-fry for about a minute or two.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken
Add your prepped chicken pieces into the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the outer parts of the chicken turn white.
Now pour in 1 can of coconut milk (full fat recommended) along with 2 tbsp fish sauce and 1 tbsp sugar. Mix well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the chicken is cooked through (around 10-15 minutes).
Step 4: Adding Basil Leaves
Once the chicken is cooked through, add in around 1 cup of Thai basil leaves to wilt them quickly. The aroma of basil will permeate the curry sauce beautifully.
Step 5: Serve with Rice or Noodles
This dish pairs perfectly well jasmine rice or noodles! Garnish with extra basil leaves on top for an additional pop of color and aroma.
Enjoy your homemade Red Curry Chicken with Basil Recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to cooking, it’s always great to have the flexibility to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. That’s why I’ve included some substitutions and variations for this Red Curry Chicken With Basil recipe.
Firstly, if you prefer a milder heat, you can reduce the amount of red curry paste or eliminate the dried chilies altogether. On the other hand, if you like your food extra spicy, you can add more red curry paste or fresh chili peppers.
If you’re not a fan of chicken, this recipe works well with other proteins too. You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless skinless chicken thighs, ground chicken or any other meat of your choice. Vegetarians can even swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh.
For those who don’t have access to Thai basil leaves, regular basil leaves can be used as a substitute. However, keep in mind that they have a slightly different flavor profile compared to Thai basil. Another herb that pairs well with red curry is holy basil.
If coconut milk isn’t readily available, you can use coconut cream instead. This will create a richer and creamier sauce. Alternatively, you can experiment with other types of milk such as almond milk or soy milk.
Lastly, if you’re looking for other ways to enjoy this delicious curry, here are some ideas: use it as a base for soup or stir-fry, serve it over rice or noodles, or even try it as a pizza topping (trust me on this one!).
Remember that cooking is all about creativity and making the recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to try new things and find what works best for you!
Serving and Pairing
The bold flavors of this Red Curry Chicken with Basil recipe beg for the perfect accompaniments to balance it out. The heat from the red curry paste and ginger-garlic mixture pairs perfectly with a bowl of steaming jasmine rice or noodles, especially if you’re craving Thai cuisine. For a healthier option, try it with quinoa or cauliflower rice.
Don’t be shy when it comes to using fresh herbs! We recommend adding additional basil leaves as a garnish for more flavor and color. If you enjoy even more heat, consider topping with chopped fresh chili peppers.
To enhance the flavors of this dish, we suggest pairing it with a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or an effervescent sparkling wine like Prosecco. Non-alcoholic options include Thai iced tea, coconut water, or even a simple glass of ice-cold water with lime wedges.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous with your meal plan, add some other Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Panang Curry or Tom Yum Soup to your spread for an unforgettable Thai feast!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Planning ahead is key to having a successful party, and this red curry chicken with basil recipe can be made the day before your event. This way you can reheat and serve it piping hot just in time for your guests to arrive.
To make-ahead, simply follow the recipe instructions until you’ve cooked the curry. Let the cooked curry cool to room temperature and transfer it into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, add the chicken curry to a pot and heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
When storing leftovers in the fridge, make sure they are placed in an airtight container or covered with cling wrap to avoid any leaks or spills. This dish will last up to three days in the fridge.
If you plan on freezing leftovers, let the curry cool completely and pour it into freezer-safe containers. The dish will last up to three months in the freezer.
To reheat frozen leftovers, let them thaw out in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until heated through.
One important note: when reheating this dish, I recommend adding a little bit of coconut milk or water as it may thicken during storage. Just add small amounts at a time while stirring until desired consistency is reached.
Trust me, keeping this delicious Thai-inspired red curry chicken with basil on hand for quick meal times or entertaining events is definitely worth it!
Tips for Perfect Results
One of the keys to making a delicious Red Curry Chicken with Basil is getting the flavors just right. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfection:
1. Don’t skimp on the aromatics: The secret to making amazing curries is to use plenty of aromatics like onion, ginger, and garlic. These ingredients are what give Thai red curry its bold, flavorful taste. Be sure to mince them finely so they integrate well with the other ingredients.
2. Use full-fat coconut milk: There is a difference between Thai and Indian curry, and one of them is in the use of full-fat coconut milk. Some recipes call for light or reduced-fat coconut milk, but for this recipe, it’s important to use the richer option for a creamier consistency.
3. Balance sweet, salty, and spicy: A perfect Thai red curry balances sweet, salty, and spicy flavors in harmony. Add sugar or honey to taste at various stages during cooking – this will help cut through the heat from red curry paste or dried chilies. Additionally, don’t forget to add fish sauce into your sauce- its unique umami flavor will elevate your dish.
4. Choose your protein wisely: While chicken breasts are classic in this recipe, boneless skinless chicken thighs will suffice if you prefer dark meat instead of white meat. However, depending on your preference you can also substitute chicken with ground chicken or even shrimp.
5. Make sure you have all the ingredients ready: Once everything is prepared ahead of time–dicing vegetables or cubing meat according to recipe–, cooking becomes more manageable and timing becomes easier not having to worry about finding missing ingredients midway through prep.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way toward making an incredible Red Curry Chicken with Basil that’s sure to impress guests at any party or gathering!
FAQ
As we near the end of this article, you might have a few burning questions on your mind about this red curry chicken with basil recipe. To help clear things up and ensure that you feel confident in the kitchen, we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) that cover everything from storage to ingredient substitutions. So, let’s dive in and get started with these commonly asked questions.
Does basil or parsley go in curry?
Fresh parsley leaves are a great addition to various dishes and can enhance the flavor of curries.
What is the difference between Thai red curry and Indian red curry?
When it comes to comparing Thai and Indian curries, one of the key distinguishing factors lies in their use of ingredients. While Thai curries tend to incorporate coconut milk, Indian curries rely on yogurt or cream. Due to this distinction, Thai curries usually have a sweeter and more robust flavor profile. Another ingredient that sets Thai curry apart is fish sauce, which gives it a distinctive salty taste.
What is the secret to Thai curry?
When it comes to whipping up some scrumptious Thai curries, the key lies in the aromatic ingredients such as onion, ginger and garlic. Don’t settle for anything less than full-fat coconut milk to achieve that velvety consistency that will have everyone begging for more. To make your curry truly outstanding, a splash of rice vinegar and a dash of sugar lend a depth of flavors that will be unforgettable.
How can I make red curry more flavour?
When it comes to enhancing the flavors in your dish, there are a few ingredients that can really take it to the next level. Ginger, garlic, fresh lemon zest, minced cilantro root, and Thai basil are all aromatics that can add tremendous depth and complexity to your recipe. Don’t underestimate the power of these ingredients – they can make a huge difference in the final outcome of your dish. Additionally, a bit of sugar and fresh lime or lemon juice can go a long way in terms of adding sweetness and tanginess to your dish. If you can get your hands on lime, I’d highly recommend using it, as it tends to have a slightly stronger flavor than lemon.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this red curry chicken with basil recipe is a must-try! With its delicious blend of flavors and spices, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any party. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and customize to your liking.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with substitutions or variations. Try using different vegetables, such as eggplant or zucchini, or swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu. And don’t forget to pair it with your favorite beverage, whether it’s a cold beer or a glass of wine.
With the tips and recommendations I’ve provided, you’ll be able to make this recipe with ease and perfection. Remember to use plenty of aromatics like onion, ginger, and garlic, and full-fat coconut milk for the most authentic taste. And if you’re feeling adventurous, add some dried chilies for an extra kick.
So go ahead and make this amazing red curry chicken with basil recipe. Your taste buds will thank you!
Red Curry Chicken With Basil Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 13 1/2 ounces coconut milk, shaken
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts, raw, sliced into bite size pieces
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 10 large basil leaves, Thai, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil in the frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the Curry Paste and simmer for 2 minutes, so that it is dissolved, fragrant and foaming.
- Stir in the can of the coconut milk. Cook over medium heat for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the sliced chicken. Simmer for 4 minutes.
- Stir in the sugar, fish sauce and bell pepper. Simmer until the chicken is cooked, about 3 minutes more.
- Add the chopped basil. Season to taste with more sugar or Fish Sauce as desired.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!