One of the most popular Thai dishes is Thai duck with chili basil. This classic Thai recipe is a delicious combination of juicy, tender duck, sweet onion, garlic, and spicy chili sauce all combined together with the fragrant flavors of fresh basil. The result is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is sure to delight the taste buds of anyone who tries it.
What is thai duck with chili basil?
Thai duck with chili basil is a popular Asian dish consisting of duck marinated in a sweet and spicy, garlic chili sauce, stir-fried with onion, garlic, and chili, and finished off with fresh basil.
It is a dish that is typically served with steamed jasmine rice. The ingredients used in this recipe create an amazing balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that tantalize the taste buds.
Why You’ll Love this thai duck with chili basil recipe?
This thai duck with chili basil recipe is quick and easy to make, and the flavors are simply irresistible. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors make this dish a crowd pleaser. It is also a great way to incorporate protein into your diet.
The duck is marinated in a flavorful chili sauce, then stir-fried with onion, garlic, and chili, and finished off with fresh basil, creating a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
You will also like the following Dinner recipes!
- Costco Lobster Ravioli Copycat Recipe
- How to make Costco Seafood Medley
- Best Costco Salmon Cooking Instructions
The Ingredients
Duck Breasts: These are the star of the dish, chosen for their rich and tender profile. Duck offers a unique and flavorful meat, which pairs beautifully with the other ingredients while providing a succulent texture to the dish.
Garlic: Finely minced garlic intensifies the overall flavor profile of the dish. Its aromatic nature adds depth and richness to the recipe, enhancing the taste of the duck and complementing the other ingredients.
Corn Starch: It’s used as a coating for the duck, providing a flawless and crispy texture when fried. This helps achieve that perfect crunch on the exterior while locking in the moisture within the meat.
Cooking Oil: Refined cooking oil with a high smoke point and a neutral flavor profile is crucial for frying the duck to perfection. Its high smoke point ensures that the oil won’t burn at the high temperatures needed for frying, while the neutral flavor lets the natural tastes of the other ingredients shine.
Fresh Thai Basil: This herb is plucked at the peak of freshness to infuse the dish with a burst of herbal aroma and a distinct Thai flavor. Thai basil has a slightly spicy, anise-like flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
White Onion: Meticulously sliced white onions offer a sweet and satisfying crunch to the dish. They add a subtle sweetness and texture that complements the other flavors in the recipe.
Fish Sauce (3 Crab Brand): Fish sauce, specifically the 3 Crab Brand, contributes an unmatched umami depth to the dish. It’s a fundamental ingredient in Thai cuisine, adding a complex salty, savory flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
Green Bell Pepper: Fresh green bell peppers add a vibrant pop of color to the dish while providing a delightful crunch. They contribute a mild, slightly bitter flavor that balances the other ingredients’ richness, adding a refreshing element to the dish.
Directions
STEP 1 – Prep the Duck Breasts:
- Use paper towels to pat dry the duck breasts thoroughly.
- Using a sharp knife, lightly score the skin side of the duck breasts in a crisscross pattern. Be careful not to cut into the meat.
- Season the duck breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper evenly on both sides.
STEP 2 – Coat the Duck:
- Take a bowl and combine the premium corn starch.
- Gently coat each duck breast with the corn starch, ensuring that the coating is even and covers the entire surface of the duck. Set aside.
STEP 3 – Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the refined cooking oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C).
STEP 4 – Fry the Duck:
- Carefully place the coated duck breasts into the hot oil, skin-side down.
- Fry the duck for about 6-8 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy. Flip the breasts and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes for a medium-rare finish. Adjust cooking time based on desired doneness. Remove the duck from the oil and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
STEP 5 – Prepare the Stir-Fry:
- In another clean skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of the oil used for frying the duck.
- Add the finely minced aromatic garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, releasing its aroma.
STEP 6 – Combine Ingredients:
- Toss in the sliced crisp white onion and fresh green bell pepper into the skillet or wok. Stir-fry these ingredients for a couple of minutes until they start to soften.
STEP 7 – Add Duck and Flavorings:
- Slice the cooked duck breasts into thin strips and add them to the stir-fry mixture.
- Pour in the authentic fish sauce, stirring well to coat the ingredients evenly. Let this cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
STEP 8 – Finish with Thai Basil:
- Turn off the heat and add the fragrant fresh Thai basil to the mixture, gently tossing to incorporate. The residual heat will slightly wilt the basil, releasing its aroma and flavor into the dish.
STEP 9 – Serve:
- Plate the Thai Duck with Chili Basil, arranging it nicely on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Garnish with extra basil leaves for presentation and an additional burst of freshness.
Notes
– Make sure to use a good quality duck for this recipe.
– You can marinate the duck for longer if desired.
– If you don’t like spicy food, you can omit the chili or reduce the amount used.
– If you don’t have fish sauce, you can substitute soy sauce instead.
– If you don’t have lime juice, you can substitute lemon juice instead.
– If you don’t have jasmine rice, you can substitute any other type of long grain rice.
Storage Tips
This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or cook in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 350
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 24g
Serving Suggestions
– Serve with steamed jasmine rice and a side of steamed vegetables.
– Top with a fried egg and a dollop of sour cream.
– Serve over noodles or in lettuce wraps.
– Serve with a side of spicy Thai dipping sauce.
– Top with chopped peanuts and cilantro.
What other substitute can I use in Thai duck with chili basil recipe?
– Soy Sauce: If you don’t have soy sauce, you can use tamari or coconut aminos instead.
– Fish Sauce: If you don’t have fish sauce, you can use Worcestershire sauce instead.
– Lime Juice: If you don’t have lime juice, you can use white vinegar instead.
– Jasmine Rice: If you don’t have jasmine rice, you can use basmati rice, brown rice, or quinoa instead.
– Chili: If you don’t have chili, you can use red pepper flakes instead.
– Basil: If you don’t have basil, you can use fresh cilantro or parsley instead.
Equipment
- skillet
Ingredients
- 1 cup of Fragrant Fresh Thai Basil plucked at the peak of freshness for a burst of herbal aroma
- 1 cup of Crisp White Onion meticulously sliced for a sweet and satisfying crunch
- 4 luscious 12 oz. Succulent Duck Breasts carefully selected for their rich and tender profile
- 8 tablespoons of Aromatic Garlic finely minced for an intensified flavor explosion
- 1/2 cup of Premium Corn Starch for a flawless crispy coating
- 3 cups of Refined Cooking Oil chosen for its high smoke point and neutral flavor profile
- 12 tablespoons of Authentic Fish Sauce 3 Crab Brand for an unmatched umami depth
- 1 cup of Fresh Green Bell Pepper adding a vibrant pop of color and delightful crunch
Instructions
STEP 1 – Prep the Duck Breasts:
- Pat dry the duck breasts using paper towels.
- Score the skin side of the duck breasts in a crisscross pattern (avoid cutting into the meat).
- Season the duck breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper.
STEP 2 – Coat the Duck:
- In a bowl, combine the Premium Corn Starch.
- Gently coat each duck breast with the corn starch, ensuring an even coating. Set aside.
- STEP 3 – Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the Refined Cooking Oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C).
STEP 4 – Fry the Duck:
- Carefully place the coated duck breasts into the hot oil, skin-side down.
- Fry for about 6-8 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy. Flip and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes for medium-rare or adjust the timing based on desired doneness. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
STEP 5 – Prepare the Stir-Fry:
- In another clean skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of the oil used for frying the duck.
- Add the finely minced Aromatic Garlic and sauté until fragrant.
STEP 6 – Combine Ingredients:
- Toss in the sliced Crisp White Onion and Fresh Green Bell Pepper. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes until they begin to soften.
STEP 7 – Add Duck and Flavorings:
- Slice the cooked duck breasts into thin strips and add them to the stir-fry.
- Pour in the Authentic Fish Sauce, stirring well to coat the ingredients evenly. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
STEP 8 – Finish with Thai Basil:
- Turn off the heat and add the Fragrant Fresh Thai Basil to the mixture, tossing gently to incorporate. The residual heat will wilt the basil slightly.
STEP 9 – Serve:
- Plate the Thai Duck with Chili Basil, garnishing with extra basil leaves for presentation.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
– Is Thai duck with chili basil recipe healthy?
Yes, this dish is a healthy option as it is low in fat and high in protein.
– How long do I need to marinate the duck?
You should marinate the duck for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
– Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, you can use any type of long grain rice such as basmati rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
– Can I omit the chili?
Yes, if you don’t like spicy food you can omit the chili or reduce the amount used.
– Can I use a different type of onion?
Yes, you can use any type of onion such as white onion, red onion, or shallots.
– Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the duck with tofu or tempeh.
– Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the duck with tofu or tempeh and substitute the fish sauce with vegan fish sauce.
– How do I store this dish?
This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Thai duck with chili basil is a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to please any palate. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors make this dish a crowd pleaser. It is also a healthy and protein-packed option perfect for any meal.
With just a few simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can make this delicious dish in no time.