Description
Pad Kra Pao is a popular Thai stir-fry dish featuring minced chicken or pork cooked with aromatic garlic, fiery bird’s eye chilies, and fresh Thai holy basil. This savory and spicy dish is enhanced with a flavorful blend of oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar. Served over steamed jasmine rice and optionally topped with a crispy fried egg, Pad Kra Pao offers a perfect balance of heat, umami, and freshness in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 300 g minced chicken or pork
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust for desired spiciness)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup fresh Thai holy basil leaves
Sauces and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
To Serve
- Cooked jasmine rice
- Fried egg, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat to prepare for stir-frying the aromatics.
- Sauté garlic and chilies: Add the minced garlic and chopped bird’s eye chilies. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant, releasing their bold flavors.
- Cook the meat: Increase the heat to high and add the minced chicken or pork. Stir-fry until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking up any clumps with your spatula.
- Add vegetables: Toss in the sliced onion and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still retain some crunch.
- Season the dish: Stir in oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix everything well to evenly coat the meat and vegetables with the flavorful sauces.
- Add basil leaves: Finally, add the fresh Thai holy basil leaves and stir just until they wilt, preserving their vibrant aroma.
- Serve: Serve the spicy Pad Kra Pao hot over cooked jasmine rice. Optionally, top with a fried egg for added richness and texture.
Notes
- Adjust the number of bird’s eye chilies based on your preferred spice level.
- Substitute minced pork with chicken or turkey for different protein variations.
- Use fresh Thai holy basil for authentic flavor; if unavailable, sweet basil can be a mild alternative.
- For a vegetarian version, replace meat with firm tofu and use vegetarian oyster sauce.
- Serving with a fried egg on top adds a creamy texture that balances the spiciness.
