Thai Duck with Chili Basil Recipe – Hungarian Chef

Last Updated on November 26, 2023

Thai cuisine is known for its complex flavors and bold ingredients, and this Thai Duck with Chili Basil recipe is no exception. This dish combines duck with an array of spices, herbs, and vegetables to create an unforgettable meal. 

With its unique blend of flavors, this recipe is a great way to impress guests or enjoy a comforting dinner at home. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special.

What is Thai Duck with Chili Basil?

Thai Duck with Chili Basil is a classic Thai dish consisting of marinated duck cooked with garlic, Thai chilies, and holy basil. This combination of flavors creates a unique dish that is savory, spicy, and full of flavor. 

The duck is usually marinated overnight with a mixture of fish sauce, garlic, and other spices to create a flavorful base. This is then combined with the other ingredients and cooked until the duck is tender.

What Does it Taste Like?

Thai Duck with Chili Basil has a unique flavor profile that combines the savory taste of duck with the fragrant aroma of basil and spicy kick of chilies. The marinade helps to tenderize the duck and give it a unique flavor that is slightly salty with a hint of sweetness. The Thai chilies and garlic give the dish a nice kick while the holy basil provides a unique flavor.

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Ingredients

• 2 12 oz. Succulent Duck Breasts (carefully selected for their rich and tender profile): The duck breasts are the star of the dish, chosen for their rich and tender flavor.
• 1.5 cups of Refined Cooking Oil (chosen for its high smoke point and neutral flavor): Refined cooking oil is used for frying, chosen for its high smoke point to achieve a crispy texture. Its neutral flavor allows the other ingredients to shine.
• 4 tablespoons of Aromatic Garlic (finely minced for an intensified flavor): Minced garlic adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste profile.
• 1/4 cup of Premium Corn Starch (for a perfect crisp coating): Corn starch is used to coat the duck, providing a crispy and golden exterior when fried.
• 1/2 cup of Crisp White Onion (meticulously sliced for a sweet crunch): Sliced white onion adds a sweet and crunchy element to the dish, balancing the richness of the duck.
• 6 tablespoons of Authentic Fish Sauce (3 Crab Brand) for an umami depth: Fish sauce adds a savory and umami depth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor with its unique and authentic profile.
• 1/2 cup of Fragrant Fresh Thai Basil (plucked at the peak of freshness for a burst of herbal aroma): Fresh Thai basil contributes a burst of herbal aroma and flavor, providing a distinctive and fragrant touch to the dish.
• 10 Thai Peppers, cut up (Phrik Khi Nu) to bring a fiery kick to the dish: Thai peppers add a fiery kick to the dish, bringing heat and spice to balance the other flavors.
• 1/2 cup of Fresh Green Bell Pepper (adding a vibrant touch of color and crunch): Fresh green bell pepper adds a vibrant color and crunchy texture, complementing the other ingredients in the dish.

Directions

Step 1: Score the Duck Skin

Begin by scoring the skin of the duck breasts in a crisscross pattern. This helps render the fat and contributes to a crispy texture.

Step 2: Pat Dry and Season

Pat the duck breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season them with salt and pepper for a well-rounded flavor profile.

Step 3: Coat the Duck in Corn Starch

Lightly coat the duck breasts with Premium Corn Starch, ensuring an even and thin layer. This step adds a delightful crispiness to the duck when fried.

Step 4: Heat Refined Cooking Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat Refined Cooking Oil over medium-high heat until it reaches the desired frying temperature.

Step 5: Fry the Duck

Carefully place the duck breasts, skin side down, in the hot oil. Fry until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip and cook the other side until the duck is cooked to your liking. Remove from the heat and let them rest.

Step 6: Remove Excess Oil and Add Aromatics

In the same pan, remove excess oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Add finely minced Aromatic Garlic and sliced Crisp White Onion. Sauté until the aroma fills the air.

Step 7: Pour in Authentic Fish Sauce

Pour in Authentic Fish Sauce, stirring to combine with the aromatics, creating a savory and flavorful base.

Step 8: Toss in Thai Peppers

Add cut Thai Peppers (Phrik Khi Nu) for a fiery kick, adjusting the spice level to your preference.

Step 9: Add Fresh Green Bell Pepper

Include Fresh Green Bell Pepper for a vibrant touch of color and crunch. Stir-fry briefly until the peppers are slightly softened.

Step 10: Slice the Duck

Slice the cooked duck breasts into thin strips. Add them to the pan, stirring to coat in the flavorful sauce.

Step 11: Add Fresh Thai Basil

Add plucked Fresh Thai Basil to the pan, allowing it to wilt and infuse its herbal aroma into the dish. Stir well to combine.

Step 12: Plate and Garnish

Plate the Thai Duck with Chili Basil and garnish with additional basil leaves if desired. Enjoy this aromatic and flavorful Thai Duck with Chili Basil, combining the richness of succulent duck with the heat of Thai peppers and the freshness of basil!

Tips

– Marinate the duck overnight for the best flavor.
– Use Thai chilies for a spicy kick.
– If you don’t like spicy food, use fewer chilies or omit them entirely.
– To make the sauce thicker, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water.
– Cook the duck until it is golden brown and crispy.

Nutrition Information

One serving of Thai Duck with Chili Basil contains approximately 300 calories, 17g of fat, 35g of protein, and 8g of carbohydrates.

What to Serve with Thai Duck with Chili Basil?

Thai Duck with Chili Basil is best served with steamed white rice. Other side dishes that pair well with this dish include:

– Sauteed bok choy
– Egg fried rice
– Coconut sticky rice
– Stir-fried vegetables
– Cucumber salad

How to Store Leftover Thai Duck with Chili Basil?

Leftover Thai Duck with Chili Basil can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the duck in a skillet over medium heat and cook until warmed through.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Thai Duck with Chili Basil Recipe?

If you don’t have duck, other proteins can be used in this dish. Some substitutes include:

– Chicken
– Shrimp
– Tofu
– Tempeh
– Ground beef or pork

Frequently Asked Questions

.What gives Thai Duck with Chili Basil its unique flavor?

The combination of fish sauce, garlic, and other spices in the marinade helps to tenderize the duck and give it a unique flavor that is slightly salty with a hint of sweetness. The Thai chilies and garlic give the dish a nice kick while the holy basil provides a unique flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian by substituting the duck with tofu, tempeh, or another vegetarian protein of your choice.

Can I freeze Thai Duck with Chili Basil?

Yes, this dish can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months.

Is Thai Duck with Chili Basil healthy?

Yes, this dish is relatively healthy and is high in protein and low in carbohydrates.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To make this dish spicier, you can add more Thai chilies or substitute them with another type of chili pepper.

Is Thai Duck with Chili Basil gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free fish sauce and soy sauce.

Conclusion

Thai Duck with Chili Basil is a classic Thai dish that combines the savory taste of duck with the fragrant aroma of basil and spicy kick of chilies. 

This recipe is easy to make and can be prepared in about 30 minutes. It is also relatively healthy and can be made gluten-free with the right ingredients. 

Whether you’re looking for a unique entrée for dinner or an impressive dish to impress guests, this Thai Duck with Chili Basil recipe is sure to be a hit.

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