Authentic Pad Kra Pao Talay Recipe: A Taste of Thai Seafood Stir-Fry

Ingredients

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 Thai chili peppers, finely chopped
300 grams of mixed seafood (such as shrimp, calamari, and mussels)
2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 teaspoon of sugar
1 tablespoon of fish sauce
A handful of holy basil leaves
1 cup of steamed jasmine rice

Steps and instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and chopped chili peppers to the pan and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the mixed seafood to the pan and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are cooked through.
In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and fish sauce. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Pour the sauce mixture into the pan and stir to coat the seafood evenly.
Add the holy basil leaves to the pan and stir-fry for another 30 seconds until the leaves are wilted and the sauce is evenly distributed.
Serve the stir-fry over a plate of steamed jasmine rice.

Tools for making

Wok or large frying pan - A wok or large frying pan is necessary for stir-frying the ingredients.
Cutting board - A cutting board is needed for chopping the garlic and chili peppers.
Knife - A knife is required for mincing the garlic and finely chopping the chili peppers.
Small bowl - A small bowl is needed to mix the sauce ingredients.
Spatula or wooden spoon - A spatula or wooden spoon is necessary for stirring and flipping the ingredients in the pan.
Plate - A plate is needed to serve the Pad Kra Pao Talay.

Recipe variations

Substitute the mixed seafood with your choice of protein, such as chicken, beef, or tofu.
Add different vegetables to the stir-fry, such as bell peppers, onions, or broccoli.
Adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer Thai chili peppers.
Experiment with different types of basil, such as Thai basil or sweet basil, instead of holy basil.
Include additional herbs and spices, like lemongrass or ginger, for added flavor.
For a vegetarian or vegan version, omit the oyster sauce and fish sauce, and use vegetarian alternatives or soy sauce.
Try different types of rice, such as brown rice or sticky rice, instead of jasmine rice.
Add a fried egg on top of the stir-fry for a traditional Thai touch.

Recipe overview

Pad Kra Pao Talay is a vibrant, flavorful Thai dish that features a medley of seafood stir-fried with garlic, chili, and the star of the dish - holy basil. This dish is known for its intense flavors, balancing the heat of the chili with the freshness of the basil and the savory notes of the oyster and fish sauces. The seafood adds a delightful texture and taste, making it a satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to prepare. In this recipe, we'll guide you through how to perfectly stir-fry your seafood and spices, and how to create the signature sauce that makes Pad Kra Pao Talay so unique. Enjoy this dish served over a plate of steamed jasmine rice for a complete, wholesome meal.

Common questions

Can I use other types of seafood? Yes, you can use any combination of seafood that you prefer. Shrimp, calamari, and mussels are commonly used, but feel free to customize it to your liking.
How spicy is this dish? The spiciness level depends on the amount of Thai chili peppers you use. Two peppers provide a moderate level of heat. Adjust the quantity according to your preference.
Can I substitute holy basil with other herbs? Holy basil has a distinct flavor that adds to the authenticity of this dish. However, if you cannot find it, you can substitute with Thai basil or even regular basil as a last resort.
Is fish sauce necessary? Fish sauce contributes to the savory and umami flavors of the dish. It is highly recommended for an authentic taste, but if you cannot consume fish sauce, you can substitute with soy sauce.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the seafood and adding more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and snap peas. For a vegan version, ensure that the oyster sauce used is vegan-friendly or substitute it with vegetarian mushroom sauce.
What can I serve with Pad Kra Pao Talay? This dish is commonly served over steamed jasmine rice. You can also serve it with noodles or as a filling for lettuce wraps.

Serving dishes and utensils

Wok or Large Frying Pan - A wok or large frying pan is essential for stir-frying the ingredients.
Spatula or Stirring Spoon - A spatula or stirring spoon will help you toss and stir the ingredients in the pan.
Small Bowl - You'll need a small bowl to mix the sauce ingredients together before adding them to the pan.
Plate - A plate is needed to serve the Pad Kra Pao Talay over steamed jasmine rice.
Knife - A knife will be useful for mincing the garlic and chopping the Thai chili peppers.
Cutting Board - A cutting board provides a sturdy surface for chopping and mincing ingredients.
Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to accurately measure the amounts of oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and fish sauce.

Origin stories

Pad Kra Pao Talay hails from Thailand and is a much-loved dish that captures the essence of Thai cuisine. It is the seafood variant of the popular Pad Kra Pao, which traditionally uses minced pork or chicken. What sets this dish apart is the holy basil (Kra Pao in Thai), a vital ingredient that infuses the dish with a unique peppery flavour. This herb is so revered in Thai culture that it's linked to the Hindu god Brahma and is often grown in Thai homes to ward off evil spirits. Further, the word 'Pad' translates to stir-fry, reflecting the cooking method. So, every time you savor a spoonful of this flavorful dish, you're not just indulging in a culinary delight but also partaking in the rich cultural tapestry that is Thailand.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.