Authentic Thai Pad Ga Prao (Basil Chicken Stir Fry) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 300g chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 5 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 red bird's eye chili peppers, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces (optional)
  • 1 cup Thai holy basil leaves
  • 2 eggs for frying (optional)
  • Jasmine rice for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and chopped bird's eye chilies to the pan and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
  3. Add the sliced chicken to the pan and continue stir-frying until it is fully cooked and no longer pink.
  4. Stir in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar, mixing well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.
  5. Add the torn kaffir lime leaves, if using, and stir-fry for another minute.
  6. Stir in the holy basil leaves and remove the pan from heat. The residual heat will wilt the basil leaves.
  7. In a separate pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and fry until the edges are crispy but the yolks are still runny.
  8. Serve the chicken stir-fry over jasmine rice with a fried egg on top.

Tools for making

  • Wok or large frying pan - A wok or large frying pan is needed to stir-fry the ingredients.
  • Knife - A knife is required to thinly slice the chicken and mince the garlic.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is needed for chopping and preparing the ingredients.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon - A spatula or wooden spoon is necessary for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the pan.
  • Pan for frying eggs - A separate pan is required for frying the eggs.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the chicken with thinly sliced beef, pork, or shrimp
  • Make it vegetarian by using tofu or tempeh instead of meat
  • Add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or green beans for extra crunch and flavor
  • Experiment with different types of basil, such as Thai lemon basil or sweet basil
  • Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less bird's eye chili peppers
  • Include other herbs and aromatics like lemongrass or ginger for a unique twist
  • For a healthier option, use brown rice instead of jasmine rice
  • Add a splash of fish sauce or lime juice for a tangy flavor
  • Make it gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce

Recipe overview

This recipe is for a classic Thai dish known as Pad Ga Prao, a flavorful stir-fry that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Thailand. This dish is made with thinly sliced chicken, fragrant holy basil, spicy chili peppers, and savory sauces all stir-fried together to create a symphony of flavors. A crispy fried egg is served on top, adding a delicious richness to the dish. Cooking this dish at home is straightforward and doesn't require any complicated cooking techniques, so even beginners can give it a try. The whole process takes less than 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner. Enjoy it with a side of jasmine rice for a complete meal that is sure to impress.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
    Yes, you can substitute the chicken with other proteins such as beef, pork, or tofu.
  2. What can I use as a substitute for Thai holy basil?
    If you can't find Thai holy basil, you can use regular basil or even mint as a substitute.
  3. Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
    Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by using tofu or substituting the protein with your choice of vegetables.
  4. How spicy is this dish?
    The level of spiciness can be adjusted by adding more or fewer bird's eye chilies. You can also remove the seeds to reduce the heat.
  5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    It is best to enjoy Pad Ga Prao immediately after cooking. However, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and quickly stir-fry them when ready to serve.
  6. What can I serve with Pad Ga Prao?
    Pad Ga Prao is commonly served over steamed jasmine rice. You can also serve it with a side of cucumber slices or a fried egg.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Wok - A large, rounded cooking pan with high sides, commonly used in Asian cuisine for stir-frying.
  • Frying Pan - A flat-bottomed pan with low sides, used for frying the eggs in this recipe.
  • Kitchen Knife - A sharp knife for thinly slicing the chicken and mincing the garlic.
  • Cutting Board - A sturdy surface for safely cutting and preparing ingredients.
  • Spatula - A utensil with a wide, flat end for stirring and flipping the ingredients in the pan.
  • Measuring Spoons - Utensils used to accurately measure the quantities of oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar.
  • Tongs - A tool for handling and flipping the chicken pieces while stir-frying.
  • Serving Bowl - A bowl for serving the finished Pad Ga Prao.
  • Rice Cooker - Optional, but convenient for cooking jasmine rice to serve with the dish.

Origin stories

Pad Ga Prao, often labeled as Thailand's national lunch dish, is a fragrant stir-fry that showcases the country's love for intense flavors. The name itself means "stir-fried with holy basil," which is the key ingredient that differentiates it from other Thai stir-fries. Holy basil, or "krapow" in Thai, is a type of basil native to Southeast Asia with a distinctive peppery flavor that is beloved by Thai people. It's not uncommon to see the locals picking up a plateful from street food stalls on their lunch break, garnished with a crispy fried egg, known as 'kai dao'. Its popularity is such that even the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej was known to enjoy cooking this dish, immortalizing it in a series of his paintings. As a tribute to its cultural significance, the dish is often prepared on King Bhumibol's birthday in 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.