If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and fresh, then you absolutely have to try this Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers with Cashew Sauce and Gremolata Topping Recipe. It brings together tender grilled chicken infused with fragrant Thai basil and fiery chili, paired with a creamy, tangy cashew sauce and a zesty gremolata topping that elevates every bite. This recipe is a fantastic way to bring a little exotic sunshine to your table with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers with Cashew Sauce and Gremolata Topping Recipe is simple, yet each element plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors, tender textures, and colorful presentation that make the dish shine.
- Chicken thighs (1 ½ pounds): Use boneless, skinless for juiciness and easy threading onto skewers.
- Fish sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds authentic salty umami, a must in Thai cooking.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Deepens the savory notes and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Contributes subtle sweetness and complexity.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances the heat and salt with mellow sweetness.
- Garlic (3 cloves minced + 1 small clove for sauce and gremolata): Provides that classic aromatic foundation.
- Red chili (1 small, finely chopped): Brings the signature spicy kick. Adjust to your heat preference.
- Fresh Thai basil leaves (1 cup chopped + 2 tablespoons for gremolata): Offers a uniquely sweet, peppery herbal flavor essential to the dish.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): For grilling and preventing sticking.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Soak wooden skewers ahead of time to avoid burning.
- Roasted unsalted cashews (½ cup): The star of the creamy cashew sauce.
- Coconut milk (¼ cup): Adds richness and subtle tropical flavor to the sauce.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens every component with fresh acidity.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Gently sweetens the cashew sauce for balance.
- Grated ginger (1 teaspoon): Lends warmth and a little zing in the sauce.
- Fresh cilantro (¼ cup finely chopped): The gremolata’s fresh herbaceous zing.
- Lime zest (1 tablespoon): Adds vibrant citrus aroma to the gremolata topping.
How to Make Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers with Cashew Sauce and Gremolata Topping Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by preparing an irresistible marinade to soak your chicken. In a bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, red chili, and chopped Thai basil. The combination will infuse the chicken with layers of sweet, salty, spicy, and herbal notes. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, toss until each piece is fully coated, cover, and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to deepen the flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Cashew Sauce
While the chicken marinates, make the luscious cashew sauce—a luscious blend that’s creamy, tangy, and just a little sweet. In a food processor or blender, combine roasted unsalted cashews, coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and grated ginger. Blend until perfectly smooth, adding water little by little to reach the ideal pourable consistency. Set this flavorful sauce aside; it will be the perfect creamy partner for the grilled skewers.
Step 3: Mix the Gremolata Topping
In a small bowl, stir together the finely chopped cilantro and basil, lime zest, and grated garlic. This fresh, zesty gremolata will bring a bright herbal kick and punctuate the richness of the cashew sauce and smoky chicken beautifully.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, ensuring they are evenly spaced for even cooking. Grill for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is nicely charred on the outside and cooked through on the inside. The aroma at this stage is already exhilarating!
How to Serve Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers with Cashew Sauce and Gremolata Topping Recipe
Garnishes
To finish, drizzle the grilled chicken skewers liberally with the creamy cashew sauce and sprinkle the fresh gremolata topping over everything. A sprinkle of extra chopped Thai basil or a few fresh lime wedges on the side will add visual appeal and an extra burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice or a crisp cucumber salad for contrast in texture and temperature. For an extra refreshingly light side, pickled vegetables or a simple slaw with lime dressing complement the bold, spicy notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond standard plating, serve the skewers over a bed of vibrant vermicelli noodles tossed in a light dressing, or slide the grilled chicken off the skewers and turn them into a playful lettuce wrap station where everyone can build their own rolls with sauce and gremolata. The fun presentation makes this Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers with Cashew Sauce and Gremolata Topping Recipe ideal for summer parties or casual dinners alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the cooked chicken skewers separately from the cashew sauce and gremolata in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the herbs from wilting or the sauce from thickening too much overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken skewers wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap, but keep the cashew sauce and gremolata fresh by storing them separately in freezer-friendly containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to retain optimal texture and flavor.
Reheating
Warm the chicken skewers gently in a skillet or oven, avoiding high heat that can dry the meat out. Reheat the cashew sauce softly on the stove with a splash of water if needed to loosen its texture. Add fresh gremolata just before serving for maximum freshness and vibrancy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work in this recipe, though they are leaner and can dry out more easily, so keep an eye on grilling time and consider slightly shorter cooking to keep the meat juicy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute chicken with firm tofu or seitan, and replace fish sauce with mushroom soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative to keep the umami flavor without animal products.
Can I prepare the skewers indoors without a grill?
Definitely! A grill pan or even a hot cast-iron skillet works well to char the skewers and develop those lovely smoky notes. Just be sure to turn them often for even cooking.
What can I use if I don’t have Thai basil?
If Thai basil is unavailable, a mix of sweet basil and a touch of fresh mint can approximate the flavor, though the authentic peppery sweetness of Thai basil is unique and worth finding if you can.
How spicy is this dish and can I adjust the heat?
The dish has a comfortable kick from the red chili that can be adjusted to taste. For milder versions, reduce or omit the chili altogether and add a little more brown sugar or honey to balance the flavors.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and exciting about the Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers with Cashew Sauce and Gremolata Topping Recipe. It’s vibrant, fresh, and bold without being complicated. I encourage you to bring this recipe into your kitchen soon—it promises an unforgettable experience that’s sure to delight both your taste buds and your guests. Let those flavors transport you to a lively Thai street market right from your home!
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Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers with Cashew Sauce and Gremolata Topping Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers are marinated in a flavorful blend of fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, chili, and fresh Thai basil, then grilled to perfection. Served with a creamy cashew sauce and a zesty gremolata topping, they offer a delightful combination of spicy, savory, and fresh flavors that bring authentic Thai cuisine to your table in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water)
For the Cashew Sauce
- ½ cup roasted unsalted cashews
- ¼ cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1–2 tablespoons water, for thinning
For the Gremolata Topping
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, chopped red chili, and chopped Thai basil. Add the chicken pieces and toss thoroughly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prepare the Cashew Sauce: While the chicken is marinating, blend the roasted cashews, coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and grated ginger in a food processor or blender until very smooth. Add water a tablespoon at a time to reach the desired creamy consistency. Set aside.
- Make the Gremolata: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped cilantro, basil, lime zest, and grated garlic. Mix well and set aside for topping.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Thread and Cook the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers evenly. Grill the skewers for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks on all sides.
- Serve: Arrange the cooked skewers on a platter, drizzle with the prepared cashew sauce, and sprinkle generously with the gremolata topping. Serve immediately, optionally alongside jasmine rice or a crisp cucumber salad.
Notes
- For a milder heat level, reduce or omit the red chili.
- You can substitute peanut sauce for the cashew sauce if preferred.
- These skewers pair excellently with jasmine rice or a fresh cucumber salad.
- If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
