Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Stir-Fry) Recipe
Introduction
Pad Kra Pao is a beloved Thai street food known for its bold flavors and quick preparation. This spicy stir-fry features ground pork infused with fragrant Thai basil, garlic, and chili, making it a perfect dish for a flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 250g ground pork
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Thai chilies, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil, then stir-fry the minced garlic and sliced chilies until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Step 2: Add the ground pork to the wok and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Step 3: Pour in the soy sauce and stir well to combine with the pork. Continue cooking for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, then fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves until they are wilted but still vibrant green.
- Step 5: Serve immediately with steamed rice and a fried egg if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the number of chilies to control the spice level to your preference.
- Substitute ground chicken or turkey if you prefer a leaner option.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of fish sauce along with the soy sauce.
- Add sliced onions or bell peppers for extra texture and sweetness.
Storage
Store leftover Pad Kra Pao in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until warmed through. Basil loses its flavor when reheated, so consider adding fresh basil when serving again.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
While Thai basil has a distinct aroma and flavor, you can substitute regular sweet basil in a pinch. The dish will still be tasty but may lack some of the authentic herbal notes.
Is Pad Kra Pao very spicy?
The dish includes fresh Thai chilies, which can be quite spicy. You can reduce or omit the chilies to suit your heat tolerance and still enjoy the delicious flavors.
PrintPad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Stir-Fry) Recipe
Pad Kra Pao is a classic Thai stir-fry dish featuring ground pork cooked with aromatic garlic, spicy chili, and fragrant Thai basil leaves. This flavorful dish is quick to prepare and delivers a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and herbal notes, making it a beloved street food in Thailand and a delicious meal for any day.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 250g ground pork
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional, for added depth)
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional, authentic flavor)
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Mince the garlic and finely chop the Thai chilies. Set aside for quick access during cooking.
- Heat the pan: Place a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil, swirling to coat the surface evenly.
- Stir-fry pork: Add the ground pork to the hot pan. Break it up with your spatula and cook until it starts to brown and is nearly cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic and chili: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped chilies. Continue stirring and frying for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
- Season the meat: Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce if using. Mix well so the meat is evenly coated with the sauces and cook for another minute.
- Add Thai basil: Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the basil perfectly without overcooking it.
- Serve immediately: Transfer the Pad Kra Pao to a serving plate and enjoy with steamed jasmine rice and a fried egg if desired.
Notes
- Adjust chili quantity to control the spiciness level.
- Fresh Thai basil is essential for authentic flavor; substitute with holy basil if available.
- Add a fried egg on top for a traditional street food experience.
- Use a wok for best results, but a large skillet works well too.
- Oyster and fish sauces are optional but provide authentic umami depth.
Keywords: Pad Kra Pao, Thai basil pork, Thai stir fry, ground pork recipe, spicy Thai food
