Spaghetti Pad Kee Mao Recipe

Spice up your weeknight dinners with this mouth-watering Thai-inspired Spaghetti Pad Kee Mao, where perfectly cooked noodles meet a vibrant mix of fresh basil, chicken, and fiery chilies, all tossed in a savory blend of sauces that’ll have you coming back for seconds!

My love for cooking classic recipes with a modern touch is the reason behind my vibrant Spaghetti Pad Kee Mao. For me, the dish starts with very thinly sliced chicken, aromatically seasoned with Thai bird’s eye chilies and fresh Thai basil.

Italian and Thai cuisines meet in a beautiful, colorful dish that successfully balances the flavors of red bell pepper and onion; soy, oyster, and fish sauces; and (of course) Spaghetti! It’s a simple, but in my book, a comforting and exhilarating dish.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti: Provides carbohydrates for energy and is a versatile pasta base.
• Thai Bird’s Eye Chilies: Add a spicy kick and boost metabolism.
• Chicken Breast: Lean protein source, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Thai Basil Leaves: Fragrant and aromatic, offering a unique fresh taste.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth, balancing the dish’s flavors.
• Oyster Sauce: Contributes savory sweetness and thickens the sauce.
• Fish Sauce: Infuses umami richness and authentic Thai flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 oz (225g) spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped
• 8 oz (225g) chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)

How to Make this

1. Prepare the spaghetti according to package directions until nearly done. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large pan or wok, warm the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

3. In a pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped Thai bird’s eye chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Insert the chicken breast, which has been sliced very thinly, and stir-fry until the chicken is done, 4 to 5 minutes.

5. Add the red bell pepper and sliced onion to the pan and stir-fry until the vegetables begin to soften, about 2-3 minutes.

6. Combine the chicken and vegetables with the cooked spaghetti. Then, toss them all together in the same pan.

7. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar. Mix well to coat all ingredients evenly.

8. Toss in the Thai fresh basil leaves and stir-fry until they are wilted and fragrant.

9. Take the Spaghetti Pad Kee Mao from the heat and plate it up for serving.

10. Immediately serve with lime wedges beside for squeezing over the top.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Strainer
3. Large pan or wok
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Measuring spoons
7. Mixing spoon or spatula
8. Plate for serving

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of spaghetti?A: You can replace spaghetti with any long pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine. For a more authentic texture, you can also use rice noodles.
• Q: Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?A: Yes, you can substitute the chicken for tofu or a medley of your favorite vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, or mushrooms.
• Q: How spicy is this dish?A: The heat mainly comes from the bird’s eye chilies. You can increase or decrease their number to suit your taste, or leave them out for a dish that won’t set your tongue on fire.
• Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?A: For a gluten-free dish, use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta, and substitute gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce for the regular versions.
• Q: What can I use if I don’t have Thai basil?A: In place of Thai basil, you can use standard basil or a combination of basil and mint; the two together make an equally aromatic and flavorful substitute.
• Q: How can I store leftovers?A: Keep any extra food in a container that doesn’t let air in. That way, it stays fresh and tastes good for 3 whole days. If you want to reheat your meal, do it in a medium-temperature pan. If it looks a little dry (and don’t worry, that’s natural for some food), add a splash of water to help it steam back to life.

Spaghetti Pad Kee Mao Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Rice noodles: For a more authentic Italian experience, use spaghetti. But don’t use just any kind of spaghetti. Use just the right kind of spaghetti, which is what makes this dish sing. And for that, you need to use dried spaghetti. Use it インジョルス biçimi.
Serrano peppers or jalapeños can be used as substitutes for hot Thai bird’s eye chilies, resulting in a dish with less heat.
Chicken breast: Substitute with tofu or shrimp for different protein options.
Basil, Thai: Substitute regular basil or holy basil for Thai basil if it is not available.
Soy sauce or tamari can be used as substitutes for fish sauce in a vegetarian context.

Pro Tips

1. Spaghetti Timing: Cook the spaghetti slightly less than al dente, as it will continue to cook when combined with the sauce and other ingredients. This prevents the noodles from becoming too soft.