Get ready to indulge in this mouth-watering Spicy Basil Thai Pasta recipe – try it now and impress your friends and family!
Thai is one of my favorite foods. The spice is unlike any other, spicy but with a lot of flavor. Thai pasta doesn’t require a lot of sauce which I like. This pasta is a very easy recipe to make as long as you boil the noodles right! Any extra time may make them mushy. It is a nice way to spice up the dinner table during the week.
CookEatDelicious Rating: Once again it is a cinch to cook and delicious to eat! Try it and let me know what you think.
Spicy Basil Thai Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pack of Thai noodles
- 2 Bell Peppers red & green cut into strips
- 2 chicken breasts cut up
Sauce:
- 2 Tbsp vegetable Oil
- 2 Tbsp white Onion finely chopped
- 2 tsp minced Garlic
- 2 tsp minced Ginge
- ½ cup chicken Stock
- 2-4 Tbsp Asian garlic-chile sauce
- 2 Tbsp. Soy sauce
- 2 tsp Fish sauce
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 bunch Basil fresh
- 2 tsp Cornstarch dissolved in 1 Tbsp water.
Instructions
- PREPARE SAUCE FIRST: Heat vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat.
- Add onion, garlic, ginger and cook until tender.
- Add chicken stock, Asian garlic-chile sauce, soy sauce, and fish sauce and bring to a boil.
- Add sugar and stir until dissolved, about 1 minute.
- Add chopped basil and cornstarch dissolved in water.
- Continue to cook until slightly thickened.
- Take off heat and set aside.
- Boil pasta for 3 minutes.
- Once the time is up place in strainer and run cool water over it and set aside.
- Saute cut up chicken in skillet.
- Add the strips of bell peppers and saute until desired crunch or tenderness.
- Add noodles and toss.
- Add Sauce and Serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Spicy Basil Thai Pasta
Alright, my fellow flavor seekers, let’s break down the secrets to perfecting that Spicy Basil Thai Pasta. First things first, let’s chat basil. This isn’t just any herb; it’s the soul of your dish. You want to use fresh Thai basil to get that authentic taste – it’s like the difference between a good day and a great day, trust me on this. The leaves should be lush and green, with no wilting in sight. And when you chop it up, take a moment to inhale that aroma – it’s like a quick trip to the streets of Bangkok.
Now, onto the heat. The ‘Spicy’ in Spicy Basil Thai Pasta isn’t just for show. We’re talking about a warmth that tickles your palate and makes your heart sing. But remember, it’s not a competition to scorch your taste buds. Find your spice sweet spot – maybe it’s a gentle hum or maybe it’s a full-on spice opera. Use fresh chilies or chili flakes to control the inferno.
Pasta choice – it’s more important than your outfit on a first date. You want something that’ll hug the sauce and the basil like they’re long-lost friends. I’m partial to linguine because it’s like the perfect bridge between thin spaghetti and those wider fettuccine noodles. But hey, you do you! If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try some rice noodles for an even more authentic Thai twist?
Don’t forget the oil! A good quality olive oil can make all the difference. It’s like the best supporting actor in your Spicy Basil Thai Pasta movie. It helps to carry all those flavors and makes sure every strand of pasta is glossy and gorgeous.
And here’s a little secret – just before you finish cooking the pasta, reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water. It’s liquid gold! When you mix it back into your pasta, it helps the sauce cling to every delicious noodle.
Last but not least, timing is everything. You want to cook your pasta al dente – firm to the bite. Because nobody likes mushy pasta, it’s the culinary equivalent of a limp handshake.
Stick to these tips, and you’ll have a Spicy Basil Thai Pasta that’s so good, you’ll want to write love songs about it. Now go forth and set those taste buds ablaze!
FAQs About Spicy Basil Thai Pasta
“Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?” – This is a question that pops up quite often. While you can use regular basil, it’s like replacing the lead singer in your favorite band – the song just won’t sound the same. Thai basil has a distinctive taste with a hint of licorice and a slightly spicier edge. It’s what gives Spicy Basil Thai Pasta its signature zing. If you absolutely must use sweet basil, consider adding a pinch of star anise to mimic that complex flavor profile.
“What type of pasta works best with this dish?” – Low-Potassium Lovely Linguine and spaghetti are my go-tos because they’re like the perfect canvas for the rich, spicy sauce and the robust Thai basil. But let’s not pasta-shame any of the other shapes! Penne or fusilli can also join the party, as they have nooks and crannies that trap the sauce beautifully. And if you’re feeling bold, why not try some rice noodles for a gluten-free option that leans into the Thai vibe?
“How spicy should I make my Spicy Basil Thai Pasta?” – Ah, the eternal spice conundrum! The level of heat is a personal journey. Start with a small amount of chili and gradually increase until you reach your desired spice level. Remember, it’s easier to add more heat than to try and cool down a five-alarm fire in your mouth.
“Is there a way to make Spicy Basil Thai Pasta vegan or vegetarian?” – Absolutely! The beauty of this dish is its versatility. Swap out any animal-based ingredients for plant-based alternatives. Use a vegan-friendly pasta and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative. Load up on veggies, and you’ve got a cruelty-free dish that still packs a punch.
“What should I do if my Spicy Basil Thai Pasta is too spicy?” – Don’t panic! You can balance an overly fiery dish by adding a touch of sweetness with a spoonful of sugar or coconut milk. It’s like giving your taste buds a little “shh, it’s going to be okay” pat on the back.
“Can I make Spicy Basil Thai Pasta ahead of time?” – For sure, meal preppers! Cook the pasta and prepare the sauce, then store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce, toss it with the pasta, and sprinkle on that fresh Thai basil. It’s like a tasty time capsule waiting to be opened.
There you have it, a more detailed look at the FAQs surrounding Spicy Basil Thai Pasta. Whether you’re a seasoned spice warrior or a newbie to the world of heat, these tips will help you navigate your culinary adventure. Enjoy the ride, and don’t forget to share your masterpiece with the world – or at least with your dinner guests!
Serving Suggestions for Spicy Basil Thai Pasta
When it comes to serving up this fiery favorite, Spicy Basil Thai Pasta can stand proudly on its own. But why stop there when you can create a full dining experience? Imagine your pasta as the star of the show, with a supporting cast that complements its bold flavors.
Start with a salad – think something light and zesty. A green papaya salad, with its sweet and sour crunch, can be a refreshing opener. It prepares the palate for the main act without stealing the spotlight. If you’re looking for something simpler, a mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette will do the trick. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the richness of the pasta like a fresh breeze.
For the veggie lovers, consider a side of steamed or grilled vegetables. Broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers add color and texture to your plate. Plus, they’re like little sponges, soaking up any extra sauce that might try to escape – no flavor left behind!
Now, let’s talk about the perfect sip to wash down the spice. A chilled Riesling is a classic choice, but if you’re in the mood for something different, a cold beer can be just as delightful. The carbonation and chill factor help tame the heat, making each bite of pasta as enjoyable as the first.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, a cool cucumber-infused water or a tangy tamarind juice can be wonderfully soothing companions to your Spicy Basil Thai Pasta. They’re like a gentle pat on the back for your taste buds after a spicy serenade.
And for dessert? Keep it light and simple. A scoop of coconut ice cream or mango sorbet can be the perfect cooling finale to your meal. It’s like a sweet lullaby after an evening of flavor fireworks.
There you have it – a feast that celebrates Spicy Basil Thai Pasta in all its glory. Each element plays its part to elevate your dining experience from good to unforgettable. So gather your friends, set the table, and get ready for a meal that’s sure to spark conversation and leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy, and as always, bon appétit!
