Khao Jao with Spicy Basil Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) jasmine rice 2 cups (400g) jasmine rice
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 red chili peppers, thinly sliced 2 red chili peppers, thinly sliced
• 1 cup Thai basil leaves 1 cup Thai basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. 2.
   In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced chili peppers. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and cook until it is no longer pink in the center, about 5-6 minutes.
5. 5.
   Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Add the Thai basil leaves to the skillet and stir-fry for another minute until wilted.
7. 7.
   Serve the cooked jasmine rice on a plate and top it with the spicy basil chicken. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Jasmine rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch before cooking to achieve fluffy and separate grains.
• Thai basil leaves — Use fresh Thai basil leaves for their distinct flavor. If unavailable, regular basil can be used as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add more chili peppers.
• Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of chili peppers according to your preference.
• Serve with a side of sliced cucumbers to refresh the palate.
• To make it more filling, add a fried egg on top of the rice.
• Experiment with different proteins such as shrimp or tofu for a variation.

Serving advice

Serve the Khao Jao with Spicy Basil Chicken hot, allowing the fragrant steam to waft through the air. Accompany it with lime wedges for a tangy burst of flavor and garnish with fresh cilantro to add a touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the Khao Jao with Spicy Basil Chicken by arranging a generous portion of rice on a plate and topping it with the flavorful chicken. Garnish with a sprig of fresh Thai basil and a lime wedge for an inviting and vibrant presentation.