Thai Basil Chicken Tacos

Origin

This dish is a fusion of Thai street food and Mexican culinary tradition, reflecting the global love for tacos and the bold flavors of Southeast Asia. Stir-fried basil chicken is a staple in Thailand, often served with rice, but here it finds a new home in a tortilla for a quick, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 500 gramsboneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbspextra-virgin olive oil
• 3 clovesgarlic
• 1 mediumred bell pepper
• 1 cupThai basil leaves
• 2 tbspsoy sauce
• 1 tbspfish sauce
• 1 mediumlime
• 8 piecescorn tortillas
• 1 mediumfresh chili

Instructions

1. 01

   Step 1: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. This ensures a good sear on the chicken, enhancing its flavor and keeping it juicy.

2. 02

   Step 2: Add minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until aromatic and slightly softened. This builds the base flavor of the dish.

3. 03

   Step 3: Add the chicken thighs, cooking for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).

4. 04

   Step 4: Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, and Thai basil leaves, cooking for another 2 minutes until the basil is wilted but vibrant. This step infuses the dish with deep umami notes and freshness.

5. 05

   Step 5: Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds on each side, then fill them with the chicken mixture. Squeeze lime juice over the top and garnish with thinly sliced fresh chili for extra heat.

Chef's notes

• Ensure your pan is hot enough before adding the chicken to get a good sear; if the pan isn't hot enough, the chicken will steam instead of brown.
• You can substitute ground chicken for thighs, but it will cook faster, so adjust your timing accordingly.