Name: Pad Kratiem (Garlic Chicken) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 500 grams boneless chicken breast, chopped into 2-inch pieces; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce; 2 teaspoons black pepper; 8 cloves garlic, chopped; 1.5 tablespoons sweet soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 3 tablespoons vegetable canola oil

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Introduction

Pad Kratiem is a flavorful Thai garlic chicken dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, savory sauce. Its garlicky aroma and balanced sweetness make it a perfect meal to enjoy with steamed rice.

A white bowl filled with many small pieces of cooked chicken coated in a shiny, dark brown sauce, giving the chicken a glazed look. The chicken pieces are irregular in shape and appear tender and juicy. On top, there are small, light yellow, crispy bits sprinkled evenly, adding texture contrast. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with faint grey veins. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

500 grams boneless chicken breast, chopped into 2-inch pieces
8 cloves garlic, chopped
1.5 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons black pepper
3 tablespoons vegetable canola oil

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the chopped chicken, cornstarch, dark soy sauce, and black pepper. Mix gently until the chicken is evenly coated, then set aside to marinate.
Step 2: Heat the vegetable canola oil in a pan over medium-low heat.
Step 3: When the oil is hot, add the chopped garlic. Stir gently and cook until the garlic turns light brown. Reserve one teaspoon of the fried garlic for garnish and remove it from the pan.
Step 4: Add the marinated chicken to the pan and stir quickly. Sprinkle additional black pepper over the chicken and stir gently to combine.
Step 5: Pour in the oyster sauce and sweet soy sauce. Mix gently to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Let it cook for a few minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 6: Turn off the heat, transfer the chicken to a serving plate, and sprinkle the reserved fried garlic on top as a garnish. Serve immediately with white rice or fried rice.

Tips & Variations

For extra spice, add sliced fresh chili or a pinch of chili flakes while cooking.
Substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for juicier meat.
If you don’t have dark soy sauce, increase the amount of regular soy sauce slightly and add a small pinch of brown sugar for sweetness.

Storage

Store leftover Pad Kratiem in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave until warmed through. The garlic garnish is best added fresh when serving to maintain its crunch.

How to Serve

A pile of cooked meat pieces with a shiny, brown glaze sits in the center of a white plate. The meat pieces are uneven in shape and appear tender with a slightly crispy texture. Small bits of golden, crispy garlic are sprinkled evenly on top, adding texture and contrast. Bright green cilantro leaves are scattered among the meat, adding a fresh color accent. The plate is stacked on top of a few other white plates, all sitting on a white marbled texture surface, with blurred background elements that hint at more food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs, pork, or even tofu as alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

Is Pad Kratiem spicy?

The traditional recipe is mildly flavored with garlic and black pepper, but it is not very spicy. You can add fresh chili or chili flakes if you prefer more heat.