Pad Nam Prik Pow Recipe

Vegetable oil: Used for sautéing the ingredients and adding a subtle richness.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.

Garlic: Provides a fragrant and savory base.

Bell pepper: Adds color and a slight crunch.

Chicken breast: The main protein, sliced thin for quick cooking.

Nam prik pow: Thai chili paste that brings a unique spicy and smoky flavor.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami taste.

Fish sauce: Essential for authentic Thai flavor, adding depth and saltiness.

Sugar: Balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness.

When sautéing the onion and garlic, ensure they are cooked until they are translucent and fragrant but not browned. This will help to release their natural sweetness and create a flavorful base for the dish. Additionally, when adding the chicken, make sure it is sliced thinly and evenly to ensure it cooks quickly and uniformly. This will help to maintain the tenderness of the meat.

• Vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a similar neutral flavor and high smoke point, making it a good alternative for cooking.

• Onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, which can add a different but pleasant taste to the dish.

• Garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it is less pungent.

• Bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers offer a slightly smoky flavor and are not too spicy, making them a good alternative to bell peppers.

• Chicken breast - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, tofu can be used as it absorbs flavors well and provides a similar texture.

• Nam prik pow (Thai chili paste) - Substitute with sambal oelek: Sambal oelek is a chili paste that can provide a similar level of heat and depth of flavor.

• Soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar umami flavor.

• Fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: For a vegetarian option, soy sauce can be used to provide a similar salty and umami flavor.

• Sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a similar sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile, and it also helps to balance the dish.

• Allow the Pad Nam Prik Pow to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess and spoilage.
• Transfer the cooled dish into an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry to maintain the freshness of the vegetables and chicken.
• Label the container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of how long the dish has been stored.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully, enhancing the taste.
• For longer storage, place the airtight container in the freezer. The Pad Nam Prik Pow can be frozen for up to 2 months without significant loss of flavor or texture.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps preserve the texture of the bell pepper and chicken.
• Reheat the dish in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave. Place the Pad Nam Prik Pow in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves after reheating to revive the dish's vibrant flavors and add a touch of freshness.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the pan.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover Pad Nam Prik Pow.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
  5. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is heated through and the vegetables are tender.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover Pad Nam Prik Pow in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small corner open for steam to escape.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir the dish halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Check the temperature and microwave for an additional 1-2 minutes if needed.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover Pad Nam Prik Pow in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken and vegetables are heated through.
  5. Stir halfway through the baking time for even heating.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Set up a steamer or a pot with a steaming basket.
  2. Place the leftover Pad Nam Prik Pow in a heatproof dish that fits inside the steamer.
  3. Steam over boiling water for about 10-12 minutes.
  4. Check to ensure the chicken and vegetables are thoroughly heated.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Place the leftover Pad Nam Prik Pow in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag using the water displacement method.
  2. Set your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and cook for about 30 minutes.
  4. Remove from the bag and serve immediately for perfectly reheated Pad Nam Prik Pow.

• Pan: A large, flat-bottomed pan is essential for sautéing the ingredients evenly.

• Spatula: Use a spatula to stir and mix the ingredients while cooking.

• Knife: A sharp knife is needed to slice the onion, bell pepper, and chicken breast.

• Cutting board: A cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping and slicing the ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to accurately measure the vegetable oil, nam prik pow, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar.

• Garlic press: A garlic press can be used to mince the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.

• Tongs: Tongs are useful for turning and handling the chicken pieces while they cook.

• Serving dish: A serving dish is needed to present the finished dish attractively.

• Bowl: A bowl can be used to hold the sliced ingredients before they are added to the pan.

Prep ingredients in advance: Slice the onion, bell pepper, and chicken breast ahead of time to streamline cooking.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought minced garlic instead of mincing it yourself.

Measure sauces beforehand: Pre-measure the nam prik pow, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar so you can add them quickly.

Cook in batches: If doubling the recipe, cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking.

Use a non-stick pan: A non-stick pan heats up faster and requires less oil, making the cooking process quicker.