Tired after a long day of work? Sometimes you just don’t feel up to going out, and if that is so, there’s a dish that you can try to make at home. A dish that’s both flavourful and comforting is the veggie basil chicken rice. The dish requires minimal effort to make and is packed with nutrients as well.
With some recipes claiming that only ten minutes is needed, this stir-fry is surprisingly easy to make and it goes superbly well with plain rice. As every mouthful of the basil chicken bursts with flavour, rice immediately becomes the supporting act in this two-piece dinner.
What is Veggie Basil Chicken Rice?
The name might sound a little peculiar at first. Still, perhaps this is because we’re more familiar with its native Thai name – Pad Krapow Gai – or the Viet alternative – Ga Xao La Que.
The concept is simple. Veggie Basil Chicken Rice involves two main components – Thai basil and chicken cubes – alongside the addition of colourful vegetables. The reason Thai basil is favoured compared to other types of herbs is that the Thai variety carries a hint of spiciness that will bring an extra kick to the tastebuds. And as Asian foodies, anything spicy gets an automatic green light in our books.
The chicken used in this dish is typically coated with pepper, nuoc mam (Vietnamese fish sauce), oyster sauce, and a generous pinch of sugar.
As with any stir-fry, vegetables are a welcome addition. Greens like red bell peppers are a popular option, as they give a hint of sweetness to an otherwise spicy and peppery meal.
Assemble all the ingredients in a quick stir-fry, with the final touch of bird’s eye chilli, and the dish is ready to be served with steamed rice.
History of Veggie Basil Chicken Rice
So much of this dish is steeped in Thai origins, with traces going as far back as the 1960s. Unfortunately, with limited information, the same can’t be said about the Vietnamese version. However, it’s safe to assume that the Thai dish crept into Vietnamese cuisine mainly because of the immigration between the two nations. As immigrants moved to and fro, the simplicity of this stir-fry appealed to travellers. As a result, the dish somehow found its place in Vietnamese culture.
Furthermore, Thai basil is one of the most used ingredients in the Vietnamese food landscape. As the two countries share very similar origins, it’s no wonder they also take credit for this Pan-Asian stir-fry.
Health Benefits of Veggie Basil Chicken Rice
Each serving of the Veggie Basil Chicken Rice averages about 300 calories, which is good news for those looking to control their intake as this dish packs a punch in terms of nutrients.
Chicken is a good source of protein. Besides, because the dish is a simple stir-fry, the amount of oil used can be easily controlled to accommodate your health needs.
Thai basil, on the other hand, is filled with high levels of beneficial vitamins, especially of Vitamin K, A and C, plus a significant amount of beta-carotene, magnesium, calcium, iron, and potassium.
Moreover, basil is packed with antioxidants and essential oils that act as a natural supplement to fight bacteria and inflammation.
Where to Find Veggie Basil Chicken Rice in Malaysia
For a homely meal that is professionally prepared and authentically Vietnamese, you can look to the famed franchise outlet, Pho Vietz, for a taste of their Veggie Basil Chicken Rice. You can try out Vietnamese and Thai cuisine as there are tons of options when you order with foodpanda!