Thai Stir-Fry Chicken with Garlic (Gai Tod Kratiem Prik Thai)

Thai Stir-Fry Chicken with Garlic (Gai Tod Kratiem Prik Thai) is a easy Thai recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 40 min

Cost: $4.40 total, $2.20 per serving

Ingredients

  • 250 grams Chicken thigh (Boneless, skinless preferred)
  • 8 cloves Garlic (Divided: most for paste, some for crispy garlic)
  • 1 piece Coriander root (About 2 inches; wash well)
  • 0.5 teaspoon White peppercorns (Whole, for pounding)
  • 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
  • 0.5 tablespoon Oyster sauce
  • 0.5 tablespoon Fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • 0.5 tablespoon Tapioca starch
  • 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil (For frying garlic and chicken)
  • 3 tablespoons Water

Instructions

  1. Prepare Garlic and Coriander Root

    Peel the garlic cloves. Set aside 2 cloves for crispy garlic. Roughly chop the remaining garlic and the coriander root into small pieces for easier pounding.

    Time: PT3M

  2. Pound Aromatics

    In a mortar and pestle, pound the white peppercorns first until coarse. Add chopped garlic (except the reserved 2 cloves) and coriander root. Pound into a rough paste.

    Time: PT4M

  3. Prepare Chicken

    Cut chicken thigh into bite-sized pieces. Place in a bowl.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Marinate Chicken

    Add the pounded garlic-coriander-pepper paste to the chicken. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and tapioca starch. Mix well to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 5 minutes.

    Time: PT7M

  5. Fry Crispy Garlic

    Finely chop the reserved 2 garlic cloves. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wok over low heat. Add chopped garlic and fry gently, stirring, until golden and crispy (about 2-3 minutes). Remove garlic with a slotted spoon and set aside. Reserve garlic oil in the pan.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Low heat

  6. Stir-Fry Chicken

    Increase heat to medium-high. Add marinated chicken to the reserved garlic oil. Stir-fry until chicken is no longer pink (about 2 minutes). Add 3 tablespoons water, reduce heat to medium, and continue stir-frying until chicken is cooked through and sauce is slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: Medium-high to medium heat

  7. Finish and Serve

    Turn off the heat. Add the crispy fried garlic back to the pan and toss to combine. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
28g
Carbohydrates
12g
Fat
20g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Dairy-free, low-carb, low-calorie

Allergens: Soy, Fish, Shellfish (if using oyster sauce), Gluten (if using regular soy sauce)

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Thai Stir-Fry Chicken with Garlic (Gai Tod Kratiem Prik Thai)

A classic Thai stir-fry featuring tender chicken thigh pieces infused with the bold flavors of garlic, coriander root, and white pepper, finished with crispy fried garlic. This dish is aromatic, savory, and perfect for garlic lovers. Serve with jasmine rice for a complete meal.

EasyThaiServes 2

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Source Video
16m
Prep
14m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
40m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$4.40
Total cost
$2.20
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Pound aromatics thoroughly to release flavor.
  • Fry garlic over low heat and do not burn.
  • Stir-fry chicken until just cooked through; do not overcook.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter when frying garlic and chicken. Use caution.
  • Wash hands and utensils after handling raw chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Thai Stir-Fry Chicken with Garlic (Gai Tod Kratiem Prik Thai) in Thai cuisine?

A

Thai Stir-Fry Chicken with Garlic (Gai Tod Kratiem Prik Thai) is a classic street‑food staple that showcases the Thai love for aromatic garlic and bold spices. Historically it originated in central Thailand as a quick‑cook dish for busy households, reflecting the region’s emphasis on fresh herbs and balanced flavors. Over time it became a beloved everyday meal, symbolizing comfort and hospitality in Thai culture.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Thai Stir-Fry Chicken with Garlic (Gai Tod Kratiem Prik Thai) in different parts of Thailand?

A

In northern Thailand the dish may include added lemongrass and galangal for a more earthy aroma, while southern versions often incorporate coconut sugar and chilies for a sweeter‑spicy profile. In the Isan (northeastern) region, fermented fish sauce (pla ra) may replace regular soy sauce, giving it a distinctive tang. Each variation reflects local ingredient availability and regional taste preferences.

cultural
Q

What is the authentic traditional way Thai Stir-Fry Chicken with Garlic (Gai Tod Kratiem Prik Thai) is served in central Thailand?

A

In central Thailand the dish is traditionally served hot off the wok, garnished with a handful of freshly fried garlic chips and a squeeze of lime. It is placed alongside steamed jasmine rice and often accompanied by fresh cucumber slices or a simple papaya salad (som tam) to balance the richness. The presentation emphasizes the contrast between the savory chicken and the crisp rice.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Thai Stir-Fry Chicken with Garlic (Gai Tod Kratiem Prik Thai) traditionally associated with in Thai culture?

A

Thai Stir-Fry Chicken with Garlic (Gai Tod Kratiem Prik Thai) is commonly prepared for casual family gatherings, weekend markets, and informal celebrations such as birthdays or housewarmings. Because it is quick to cook and crowd‑pleasing, it is also a favorite dish for street‑food festivals and temple fairs across Thailand.

cultural
Q

How does Thai Stir-Fry Chicken with Garlic (Gai Tod Kratiem Prik Thai) fit into the broader Thai cuisine tradition?

A

The dish embodies key Thai culinary principles: balance of salty, savory, and aromatic flavors, and the use of high‑heat stir‑frying to retain ingredient texture. It highlights the Thai tradition of layering flavors with garlic, coriander root, and white pepper, making it a representative example of everyday Thai home cooking within the larger cuisine.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Thai Stir-Fry Chicken with Garlic (Gai Tod Kratiem Prik Thai) versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include chicken thigh pieces, fresh garlic cloves, coriander root (khing), white peppercorns, light soy sauce, and fried garlic for garnish. Acceptable substitutes are chicken breast for a leaner option, garlic powder in a pinch (though it loses the fresh bite), and dark soy sauce if light soy is unavailable, but the flavor profile will shift slightly.

cultural
Q

What other Thai dishes pair well with Thai Stir-Fry Chicken with Garlic (Gai Tod Kratiem Prik Thai) for a complete meal?

A

A classic pairing is jasmine rice, which soaks up the garlicky sauce, alongside a fresh green papaya salad (som tam) for crunch and acidity. Light coconut soup (tom kha gai) or a simple cucumber relish with vinegar also complement the richness of the stir‑fried chicken.

cultural
Q

What makes Thai Stir-Fry Chicken with Garlic (Gai Tod Kratiem Prik Thai) special or unique in Thai cuisine?

A

Its distinct use of coriander root and a generous amount of fried garlic creates a deep, fragrant base rarely found in other Thai stir‑fries. The combination of white peppercorns adds a subtle heat that differentiates it from spicier chili‑focused dishes, giving it a uniquely aromatic profile.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Thai Stir-Fry Chicken with Garlic (Gai Tod Kratiem Prik Thai)?

A

Avoid over‑crowding the wok, which steams the chicken instead of searing it, resulting in a soggy texture. Also, do not add the garlic too early; it can burn and become bitter. Finally, be careful not to over‑cook the chicken thighs, as they can dry out and lose tenderness.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Thai Stir-Fry Chicken with Garlic (Gai Tod Kratiem Prik Thai)?

A

The chicken should be lightly browned on the outside while remaining juicy and pink inside, with a glossy, slightly thickened sauce clinging to each piece. The fried garlic garnish should be golden‑brown and crisp, providing a contrasting crunch to the tender meat.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Unknown specialize in regarding cooking content?

A

The YouTube channel Unknown focuses on straightforward, home‑cooked recipes that highlight Asian flavors, especially Thai street‑food classics. Its videos typically emphasize quick techniques, ingredient explanations, and tips for achieving authentic taste without complex equipment.

channel
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