Pad Kra Pao (Thailand)

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

The name "Pad Kra Pao" translates to "stir-fried holy basil," referring to the key ingredient that gives the dish its distinctive flavor and aroma. The term "pad" means "stir-fried" in Thai. This dish is rooted in Thai cuisine, particularly in Central Thailand. It is commonly found in street food stalls and restaurants throughout the country.

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Stir-Fry

• 3–4 tbsp vegetable oil

• 6–8 cloves garlic, minced

• 4–6 Thai bird’s eye chilies, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)

• 1 lb (450g) ground chicken, pork, or beef (your choice)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp fish sauce

• 1½ tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)

• 1½ tsp sugar (preferably palm sugar)

• 2 cups Thai holy basil leaves (or substitute with Thai basil if unavailable)

  
  

For Serving

• Steamed jasmine rice (4 servings)

• 4 fried eggs (optional, but traditional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

• Mince the garlic and slice the chilies. Adjust the chili amount based on your preferred spice level.

• Pick the basil leaves from the stems and set them aside.

Stir-Fry the Meat and Aromatics

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.

• Add the minced garlic and sliced chilies, stir-frying for about 30 seconds to release their aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

• Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spatula until browned and cooked through.

  
  

Add the Sauces and Seasonings

• Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), and sugar. Mix well to coat the meat. Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauces are well absorbed.

  
  

Add the Basil Leaves

• Add the basil leaves to the pan and stir until they are just wilted, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat to keep the basil fragrant and vibrant.

  
  

Serve

• Serve the Pad Kra Pao over steamed jasmine rice with a fried egg on top of each plate. The runny yolk complements the spicy, savory stir-fry perfectly.