Authentic Thai Pad Kra Pao (Basil Chicken Stir-fry) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 200g ground chicken or pork
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 bird's eye chillies, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1 bunch of Thai basil leaves
  • 2 servings of cooked jasmine rice
  • 2 fried eggs (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and chopped bird's eye chillies to the pan and stir-fry until aromatic.
  3. Add the ground chicken or pork to the pan and continue to stir-fry until fully cooked.
  4. Mix in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar, stirring well to evenly coat the meat.
  5. Add the Thai basil leaves and stir until they are wilted.
  6. Serve the stir-fry over cooked jasmine rice. Optionally, top with a fried egg for each serving.

Tools for making

  • Pan - A frying pan or skillet to cook the stir-fry.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for mincing garlic and chopping chillies.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board to safely chop ingredients.
  • Spatula - A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring and flipping the meat.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons to accurately measure ingredients like oyster sauce, soy sauce, and fish sauce.
  • Plate or Bowl - A plate or bowl to serve the finished dish.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute ground chicken or pork with tofu for a vegetarian version.
  • Use shrimp or sliced beef instead of ground meat.
  • Add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or green beans for extra flavor and texture.
  • Adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer bird's eye chillies.
  • Experiment with different types of basil, such as sweet basil or lemon basil.
  • For a healthier option, use lean ground meat or turkey.
  • Try using brown rice or cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice.
  • Include other herbs and spices like cilantro, mint, or ginger for additional complexity.

Recipe overview

Pad Kra Pao, also known as Thai Basil Chicken, is a popular and flavorful dish from Thailand. This recipe combines ground chicken or pork with fragrant Thai basil leaves, all stir-fried in a delicious blend of sauces. Served over jasmine rice, and often topped with a fried egg, this meal is both comforting and satisfying. Despite its exotic flavors, Pad Kra Pao is fairly simple to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner. Expect a delicious, savory dish with a hint of spice and the aromatic presence of Thai basil. Enjoy the authentic taste of Thai cuisine right in your own kitchen with this Pad Kra Pao recipe.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use ground chicken or pork as mentioned in the recipe. However, you can also use other types of meat such as beef or shrimp as a substitute.
  2. How spicy is this dish? The spiciness of Pad Kra Pao can be adjusted according to your preference. The recipe includes bird's eye chillies, which are quite spicy. You can reduce the amount of chillies or remove the seeds to make it less spicy.
  3. Can I use dried basil instead of Thai basil? Authentic Pad Kra Pao uses Thai basil as it has a unique flavor. However, if you can't find Thai basil, you can use dried basil as a substitute. Keep in mind that the taste will be slightly different.
  4. Is this dish gluten-free? The recipe itself does not contain gluten, but you should check the labels of the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and fish sauce to ensure they are gluten-free or use gluten-free alternatives.
  5. Can I make Pad Kra Pao vegetarian? Certainly! You can substitute the meat with tofu or a plant-based protein alternative to make a vegetarian version of Pad Kra Pao. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pan – A sturdy pan for stir-frying the ingredients.
  • Knife – A sharp knife for mincing garlic and chopping bird's eye chillies.
  • Spatula – A spatula or turner for flipping and stirring the ingredients in the pan.
  • Measuring spoons – Measuring spoons for accurately measuring the sauces and sugar.
  • Rice cooker or pot – A rice cooker or pot to cook the jasmine rice.
  • Frying pan – A frying pan for frying the eggs, if using.

Origin stories

Pad Kra Pao, also known as Thai Basil Chicken, is a dish that carries the fragrance and spice of Thailand in every bite. This street food classic, beloved by locals and tourists alike, is named after its key ingredient: 'Kra Pao' or Holy Basil. Interestingly, Holy Basil is not just a culinary herb in Thailand but also considered sacred and used in religious rituals. The plant is often grown in the courtyards of Thai homes, believed to provide spiritual protection. The dish's simplicity and vibrant flavors embody the essence of Thai cuisine, offering a taste of Thailand's culinary spirit in the comfort of your kitchen.

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.