Thai Chicken with Basil

RECIPE

An abundance of whole basil leaves joins chicken and fiery red chiles for a quick, delicious,and decidedly spicy stir-fry. Holy basil is the most authentic choice, but any variety will do.

Yield
4

Ingredients
1 1/3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4), cut into 1-by-2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce (nam pla or nuoc mam)
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon water
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 large onion, cut into thin slices
3 fresh red chiles, seeds and ribs removed, cut into thin slices, or 1/4 teaspoon dried red-pepper flakes
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups lightly packed basil leaves

Preparation
1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken with the fish sauce, soy sauce, water, and sugar.In a large nonstick frying pan or a wok, heat the oil over moderately high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Stir in the chiles and garlic; cook, stirring, 30 seconds longer.

2. Remove the chicken from the marinade with a slotted spoon and add it to the hot pan. Cook until almost done, stirring, about 3 minutes. Add the marinade and cook 30 seconds longer. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup of the basil. Serve topped with the remaining 1/2 cup basil.

Wine Recommendation: Look for a rich but dry white wine, such as a pinot gris from the Alsace region in France.

Notes: Asian fish sauce is available at Asian markets and many supermarkets.

Thai cooking@home
by cooking lover

Spicy Thai Chicken Kabobs

RECIPE

Prep: 20 min., Chill: 8 hr., Soak: 30 min., Grill: 16 min. Stir up a superfast peanut sauce, and marinate the chicken before you head out for the day. The remaining ingredients can be quickly put together when you get home from work.

Yield
Makes 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup lite soy sauce
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon lime zest
1 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1 1/2 pounds skinned and boned chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
8 (12-inch) wooden or metal skewers
1 bunch green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
32 fresh snow peas
16 basil leaves

Preparation
1. Whisk together first 5 ingredients and 1/2 cup water in a large shallow dish or zip-top plastic freezer bag; reserve 3/4 cup. Add chicken to dish, turning to coat. Cover or seal, and chill 8 hours, turning occasionally.

2. Soak wooden skewers in water 30 minutes.

3. Preheat grill to 350° to 400° (medium-high). Remove chicken from marinade, discarding marinade. Thread chicken, onions, and next 4 ingredients alternately onto wooden skewers, leaving 1/4 inch between pieces.

4. Grill kabobs, covered with grill lid, over 350° to 400° (medium-high) heat 6 to 8 minutes on each side or until done. Remove from grill, and baste with reserved 3/4 cup marinade.

Spicy Thai Pork Kabobs: Substitute 1 (1.5-lb.) package pork tenderloin, trimmed, for chicken. Proceed with recipe as directed.

Thai cooking@home
by cooking lover

Spicy Thai Lobster Soup

RECIPE

Yield
4 servings

Ingredients
2 lobster tails, cooked
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons Asian Blend
4 cups fish or chicken broth
1 tablespoon grated lime rind
1/3 cup uncooked long-grain rice
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
6 large mushrooms, sliced
2 green onions, chopped
1 thai or bird chile, halved
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Garnishes: fresh cilantro, lime wedge

Preparation
Remove lobster meat from shell; slice and set aside.

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in Asian Blend; saute 1 minute. Add broth and lime rind; bring to a boil. Stir in rice. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes.

Stir in coconut milk and mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Stir in lobster, green onion, chile, and cilantro; cook 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in lime juice. Garnish, if desired.

3/4 pound peeled and deveined shrimp may be substituted for lobster.

Thai cooking@home
by cooking lover