Authentic Thai Pad Kra Pao Jay (Stir-Fried Basil with Tofu) Recipe

Ingredients

200 grams firm tofu
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
4 bird’s eye chilies, minced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 cup holy basil or Thai basil leaves
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (vegetarian version)
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 cup water
Steamed jasmine rice, for serving

Steps and instructions

Drain the tofu and pat dry with a paper towel. Cut the tofu into small cubes.
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and chilies to the pan and fry for a minute until aromatic.
Add the tofu to the pan and fry until it is golden brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent the tofu from sticking to the pan.
Add the sliced red bell pepper and onion to the pan and stir fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, and water. Pour this sauce over the tofu and vegetables in the pan and stir well to combine.
Stir in the basil leaves and cook for another minute until the basil is wilted.
Serve the Pad Kra Pao Jay hot, over steamed jasmine rice.

Tools for making

Wok or large frying pan - A wok or large frying pan is needed for stir-frying the ingredients.
Knife - A knife is necessary for slicing the tofu, garlic, chilies, red bell pepper, and onion.
Cutting board - A cutting board provides a surface for safely chopping and slicing the ingredients.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are required to accurately measure the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar.
Small bowl - A small bowl is needed for mixing together the sauce ingredients.
Stirring spoon or spatula - A stirring spoon or spatula is essential for stirring and combining the ingredients in the pan.
Paper towel - A paper towel is useful for patting dry the tofu before cutting it into cubes.

Recipe variations

Substitute the firm tofu with tempeh or seitan for a different meat-free protein option.
Instead of using vegetable oil, try using sesame oil for a nutty flavor.
Add your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms, broccoli, or carrots for added texture and flavor.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of bird's eye chilies or add some crushed red pepper flakes.
Try using different types of basil, such as Thai sweet basil or lemon basil, to give the dish a unique twist.
For a gluten-free option, replace the soy sauce and oyster sauce with gluten-free alternatives such as tamari and vegetarian stir-fry sauce.
Experiment with different types of rice such as brown rice, jasmine brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a tablespoon of sweet chili sauce or a pinch of palm sugar to the sauce mixture.
For a heartier meal, serve the Pad Kra Pao Jay with noodles instead of rice.
Add a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and garnish.

Recipe overview

Pad Kra Pao Jay is a delightful vegetarian take on the classic Thai stir-fry dish. This recipe features firm tofu as the protein, stir-fried with aromatic garlic and chilies, colorful vegetables, and finished off with a generous handful of fresh basil. It's a simple dish, yet packed full of bold and spicy flavors, guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. The key to this dish is the balance between the spicy chilies, savory sauces, and the unique aroma of the basil. The recipe is fairly straightforward and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a quick and satisfying meal. Enjoy this delicious vegetarian dish served atop steamed jasmine rice for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Common questions

Can I use regular basil instead of holy basil? Yes, you can use regular basil if you can't find holy basil. It will still add a nice flavor to the dish.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce to make it vegetarian? You can use vegetarian oyster sauce, which is made from mushrooms and other plant-based ingredients. If you can't find it, you can substitute with a vegetarian stir-fry sauce or hoisin sauce.
How spicy is this dish? The spiciness of the dish can be adjusted according to your preference. The recipe calls for bird's eye chilies, which are quite spicy. You can reduce the amount of chilies or remove the seeds to make it less spicy.
Can I use a different type of protein instead of tofu? Yes, you can use other proteins such as seitan, tempeh, or even vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is this dish gluten-free? The dish contains soy sauce, which typically contains gluten. However, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a substitute to make it gluten-free.

Serving dishes and utensils

Wok - A wok is ideal for stir-frying the ingredients and ensures even heat distribution.
Frying Pan - If you don't have a wok, a large frying pan can be used as an alternative.
Knife - A sharp knife is essential for chopping the garlic, chilies, and vegetables.
Cutting Board - Use a cutting board to chop the ingredients and prevent any damage to your countertop.
Spatula - A spatula or wooden spoon is helpful for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the pan.
Small Bowl - You will need a small bowl to mix the sauce ingredients together before adding them to the pan.
Paper Towel - Use a paper towel to pat dry the tofu and remove any excess moisture.
Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons will ensure accurate measurements of the sauces and sugar.
Serve Ware - You will need plates or bowls for serving the Pad Kra Pao Jay along with steamed jasmine rice.

Origin stories

Pad Kra Pao is a classic street food dish in Thailand, known for its spicy and aromatic flavors. The essential ingredient is holy basil, which gives the dish its unique taste and aroma. "Kra Pao" actually translates to holy basil in Thai. The vegetarian version, Pad Kra Pao Jay, substitutes the traditional meat with tofu, making it a popular choice during the Thai Buddhist festival of "Jay", when people eat vegan or vegetarian food for a period of time to cleanse their bodies and spirits. This dish is a wonderful example of how Thai cuisine can be adapted to different dietary preferences while maintaining its distinct flavors.

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.