Home Mains Thai-Inspired Chicken, Okra, and Basil Stir-Fry
A colorful plate of Thai-Inspired Chicken, Okra, and Basil Stir-Fry featuring ground chicken, sliced red bell peppers, and fresh okra, garnished with vibrant basil leaves and served over a bed of jasmine rice.
35 minutes Easy

Thai-Inspired Chicken, Okra, and Basil Stir-Fry

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The Thai-Inspired Chicken, Okra, and Basil Stir-Fry is a unique and vibrant dish that captures the very essence of Thai cuisine. With its unique combination of savory ground chicken, blanched okra, sweet red bell peppers, and aromatic basil leaves, this stir-fry offers a delightful interplay of textures and tastes. The well-balanced sauce enhances the flavors, making this dish a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with Thai-inspired goodness.

The dish starts with ground chicken, which serves as the protein foundation. Ground chicken is ideal for stir-fries because it cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the accompanying ingredients and sauces. Vegetables like red bell pepper, okra, and onion are chosen for their flavor harmony and nutritional value.

Blanching the okra in boiling water preserves its bright green color and tender texture while removing any potential sliminess. This step ensures the okra remains crisp and vibrant in the final dish. Red bell peppers, sliced into thin strips, add a sweet contrast and a burst of color. Finely chopped onions contribute a subtle sweetness and depth.

Aromatics are essential in Thai cooking, and this dish features minced garlic and ginger. When cooked, these aromatics release their fragrant and pungent aromas, infusing the dish with a warm, spicy undertone characteristic of Thai cuisine.

The sauce is a harmonious blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, and chicken broth. Soy sauce provides a salty umami flavor, while fish sauce adds depth. Honey balances these flavors with a touch of sweetness, and chicken broth ensures the right consistency. Red pepper flakes introduce a hint of heat and are adjustable to taste.

The cooking process is crucial in achieving the perfect Thai-Inspired Chicken, Okra, and Basil Stir-Fry. It starts by browning the ground chicken in vegetable oil until fully cooked and slightly crispy. This step is important as it adds a delicious texture to the dish. The chicken is then set aside while the vegetables are stir-fried. Onions, red bell peppers, and blanched okra are cooked until tender yet crunchy. Garlic and ginger are added next and sautéed until fragrant and well-integrated with the vegetables, adding a burst of flavor to the dish.

The cooked chicken is reintroduced to the skillet, and the prepared sauce is poured over the mixture. The ingredients are stirred together, allowing the sauce to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly. The dish is then removed from heat, and fresh basil leaves are stirred, wilting in the residual heat and releasing their fragrant aroma.

The Thai-Inspired Chicken, Okra, and Basil Stir-Fry is best served hot over a bed of fragrant jasmine rice. This combination not only complements the bold flavors of the stir-fry but also provides a neutral base, allowing the flavors to shine. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, making each bite a delicious blend of savory, sweet, and spicy elements. For a final touch, garnish with additional fresh basil leaves. This not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of freshness, making the dish even more appealing.

The Thai-Inspired Chicken, Okra, and Basil Stir-Fry is a delicious and well-balanced dish that showcases Thai cuisine’s vibrant and aromatic qualities. It’s an easy-to-make meal that brings a taste of Thailand to your table, perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of tender ground chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sauce makes this stir-fry a culinary delight sure to impress.

Thai-Inspired Chicken, Okra, and Basil Stir-Fry

Recipe by Kyle Taylor
5.0 from 1 vote
Course: MainsCuisine: ThaiDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Total time

35

minutes

The Thai-Inspired Chicken, Okra, and Basil Stir-Fry is a vibrant dish featuring savory ground chicken, fresh okra, sweet red bell peppers, and aromatic basil, all coated in a flavorful sauce and served over jasmine rice.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 1 pound okra, sliced

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced

  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated

  • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 1/4 cup chicken broth

  • 1 cup basil leaves

  • for serving, cooked jasmine rice

Directions

  • Blanch the Okra:
    Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the sliced okra and blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer the okra to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
  • Cook the Ground Chicken:
    Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula for about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • Stir Fry the Vegetables:
    Heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil in the same skillet. Add the onion, red bell pepper, and blanched okra. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and minced ginger to the skillet and stir fry until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes and stir to combine.
  • Combine and Season:
    Return the cooked ground chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, and chicken broth. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, thickening the sauce and coating the ingredients.
  • Add the Basil:
    Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves. Let the residual heat wilt the basil.
  • Serve:
    Serve the ground chicken stir fry over cooked jasmine rice. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes if desired.

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