Are you a fan of Thai cuisine? If so, then you must try the mouthwatering dish called "resepi ayam pat pet." This delectable dish is a combination of tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and spicy flavors that will leave you craving for more. In this blog article, we will provide you with a detailed and comprehensive recipe for ayam pat pet, along with its ingredients, instructions, and even its nutrition facts.
Ayam pat pet, also known as Thai spicy chicken, is a popular dish in Thailand known for its bold flavors and fiery kick. The dish is typically made by marinating chicken in a flavorful blend of Thai spices and herbs, then stir-frying it until it's perfectly cooked. The result is a dish that is both tender and packed with a tantalizing combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Before you get started with the ayam pat pet recipe, make sure you have the following ingredients:
- 500g boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 red chili peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
Exploring the Key Ingredients
Ayam pat pet is made with a combination of ingredients that give it its distinctive flavor profile. Let's take a closer look at some of the key ingredients:
Boneless Chicken Breast: The chicken breast is the main protein in this dish. It is preferred to use boneless chicken breast as it is tender and cooks quickly.
Garlic: Garlic adds a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor to the dish. It is minced and stir-fried in oil to release its fragrance.
Red Chili Peppers: The red chili peppers provide the heat and spiciness that is characteristic of ayam pat pet. They are sliced and added to the dish to infuse it with their fiery flavor.
Onion: Thinly sliced onion adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the spiciness of the dish. It also adds texture and color to the final presentation.
Red and Green Bell Peppers: These bell peppers not only add vibrant colors to the dish but also provide a mild sweetness. They complement the other flavors and add a crisp texture to the stir-fry.
Fish Sauce: Fish sauce is a common ingredient in Thai cuisine. It adds a savory umami flavor to the dish and enhances the overall taste.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds depth of flavor and a touch of saltiness to the dish. It balances out the other flavors and gives the dish a rich and savory taste.
Oyster Sauce: Oyster sauce adds a unique flavor to the dish. It has a slightly sweet and salty taste that enhances the overall umami flavor.
Sugar: Sugar is used to balance out the spicy and savory flavors of the dish. It adds a touch of sweetness and helps to mellow out the other ingredients.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Fresh basil leaves are added at the end of the cooking process to infuse the dish with their aromatic flavor. They provide a refreshing and herbal note to the overall taste.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the perfect ayam pat pet:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sliced red chili peppers to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Add the chicken to the wok and stir-fry until it's cooked through and slightly browned.
- Next, add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the wok. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the wok.
- Continue stir-frying for another minute or until the sauce has thickened slightly and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Finally, add the fresh basil leaves to the wok and stir-fry for another 30 seconds or until the basil leaves have wilted.
- Remove the wok from heat and transfer the ayam pat pet to a serving dish.
- Serve the ayam pat pet hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Preparing the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken for the ayam pat pet. Take boneless chicken breast and cut it into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly. You can also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier and more flavorful meat.
Stir-Frying the Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sliced red chili peppers. Stir-fry them for about a minute or until they become fragrant. The garlic will release its aroma, and the chili peppers will infuse the oil with their spiciness.
Adding the Vegetables
Add the chicken to the wok and stir-fry it until it's cooked through and slightly browned. This step ensures that the chicken is tender and has a nice caramelized exterior. Next, add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the wok. Stir-fry them for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. The combination of colorful bell peppers adds visual appeal to the dish.
The Secret to the Flavorful Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. This sauce mixture is the secret to the flavorful and savory taste of ayam pat pet. The fish sauce adds umami, the soy sauce adds depth of flavor, the oyster sauce adds a unique taste, and the sugar balances out the spiciness and savory flavors.
Coating the Chicken and Vegetables
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the wok. Continue stir-frying for another minute or until the sauce has thickened slightly and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly. This step ensures that every piece of chicken and vegetable is coated with the delicious sauce, resulting in a burst of flavors in every bite.
Adding the Final Touch of Fresh Basil
Finally, add the fresh basil leaves to the wok and stir-fry for another 30 seconds or until the basil leaves have wilted. The fresh basil leaves add a refreshing and herbal note to the dish, enhancing its overall taste and aroma. Make sure not to overcook the basil leaves, as they can lose their flavor if cooked for too long.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
Once the ayam pat pet is cooked and ready, remove the wok from heat and transfer the dish to a serving dish. You can garnish it with some additional fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. Serve the ayam pat pet hot with steamed rice or noodles. The fragrant and flavorful dish pairs well with the plainness of rice or the texture of noodles.
Enjoying Ayam Pat Pet: Tips and Variations
Ayam pat pet is a versatile dish that you can customize to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few tips and variations to consider:
Spice Level: If you prefer a milder version of ayam pat pet, you can reduce the number of red chili peppers or remove the seeds and membranes before slicing them. On the other hand, if you love the heat, you can add more chili peppers or even include some spicy Thai bird's eye chilies.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables in the dish. You can add other colorful bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas for added texture and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the vegetables are cooked to your liking.
Protein Options: While chicken is the traditional protein used in ayam pat pet, you can also try making it with other meats or seafood. Shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu are all great alternatives that work well with the flavorful sauce. Adjust the cooking time accordingly depending on the protein you choose.
Herb Substitutes: If you can't find fresh basil leaves, you can substitute them with Thai holy basil or even regular sweet basil. Each herb will add a slightly different flavor profile to the dish, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination.
Serving Ideas: Ayam pat pet is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with some Thai jasmine rice or steamed noodles for a complete meal. If you want to add more variety to your meal, you can include some Thai side dishes like papaya salad (som tam) or Thai spring rolls as accompaniments.
With these tips and variations, you can customize ayam pat pet to suit your taste preferences and create a dish that is truly your own. Enjoy the process of experimenting and discovering new flavors!
Nutrition Facts
Here are the approximate nutrition facts for a serving of ayam pat pet:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sodium: 900mg
In conclusion, ayam pat pet is a must-try dish for anyone who loves Thai cuisine or enjoys a spicy kick. With its unique blend of flavors and simple cooking process, you can easily recreate this delicious dish at home. Whether you're cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, ayam pat pet is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more. So, what are you waiting for? Gather the ingredients and start cooking this flavorful Thai delicacy today!