Authentic Thai Pad Krapow Recipe: Stir-Fried Basil with Meat Delight

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1-2 Thai chili peppers, finely chopped
200 grams ground chicken
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
2 teaspoons fish sauce
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 cup Thai basil leaves
2 portions of cooked jasmine rice
2 fried eggs (optional)

Steps and instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped garlic and Thai chili peppers to the pan. Sauté until fragrant.
Add the ground chicken to the pan and break it up into small pieces with a spatula. Continue to cook until the chicken is fully cooked.
In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir until well combined.
Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked chicken and stir to coat the chicken evenly. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Add the Thai basil leaves to the pan and stir until the leaves are wilted.
Serve the chicken mixture over cooked jasmine rice. Top with a fried egg, if desired.

Tools for making

Wok or frying pan - A wok or frying pan is needed to cook the ingredients.
Spatula - A spatula is necessary for stirring and breaking up the ground chicken.
Small bowl - A small bowl is required to mix the sauce ingredients together.
Cooked jasmine rice - Cook the rice separately before making the recipe.
Fried eggs (optional) - If desired, fry eggs separately to serve on top of the dish.

Recipe variations

Substitute the ground chicken with ground beef, pork, or tofu for a different protein option.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or onions for added crunch and flavor.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of Thai chili peppers or add chili flakes.
Replace the jasmine rice with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative.
Experiment with different types of basil such as sweet basil, lemon basil, or holy basil.
Include other herbs and spices like lemongrass, ginger, or cilantro to enhance the aroma and taste.
For a vegetarian or vegan option, omit the oyster sauce and fish sauce, and use vegetarian/vegan alternatives like mushroom sauce or soy sauce.
Add a splash of lime juice or tamarind paste for a tangy twist.
For a heartier meal, serve the Pad Krapow with noodles instead of rice.

Recipe overview

Pad Krapow, also known as Thai Basil Chicken, is a popular street food dish in Thailand known for its fragrant and spicy flavors balanced with fresh basil. This recipe calls for simple ingredients that pack a punch - ground chicken, Thai chili peppers, garlic, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and of course, Thai basil leaves. All these aromatic and savory ingredients are cooked together, creating an unforgettable flavor explosion. This dish is traditionally served over jasmine rice and is often topped with a crispy fried egg. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy this authentic Thai Basil Chicken from the comfort of your home. Fun to cook and simply delicious, this recipe will surely be a new favorite!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground chicken? Yes, you can substitute ground chicken with ground beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
What can I use as a substitute for Thai chili peppers? If you can't find Thai chili peppers, you can use other types of chili peppers like serrano peppers or bird's eye chili peppers. Adjust the quantity according to your desired level of spiciness.
Can I use dried basil instead of Thai basil leaves? While dried basil can be used as a substitute, it won't provide the same authentic flavor as Thai basil leaves. If you can't find Thai basil, fresh sweet basil can also be used as an alternative.
Is it necessary to use both soy sauce and dark soy sauce? Using both soy sauce and dark soy sauce adds depth of color and flavor to the dish. However, if you don't have dark soy sauce, you can simply use regular soy sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Pad Krapow is best enjoyed fresh and hot. While you can prepare some of the ingredients in advance, it's recommended to cook the dish just before serving for the best taste and texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

Wok - A wok is a versatile cooking vessel that is ideal for stir-frying the ingredients.
Frying Pan - If you don't have a wok, a frying pan can be used as an alternative.
Spatula - Use a spatula to break up the ground chicken and stir-fry the ingredients.
Small Bowl - A small bowl is useful for combining the sauce ingredients.
Cooking Spoon - A cooking spoon can be used to stir and mix the ingredients while cooking.
Plate - Use a plate to serve the Pad Krapow over rice.
Optional: Fried Egg - Adding a fried egg on top is a popular choice for serving Pad Krapow.

Origin stories

Pad Krapow, a dish beloved across Thailand, gets its name from the Thai words 'Pad' meaning stir-fried and 'Krapow' which is the name for the holy basil used in the recipe. Interestingly, this dish is often served at roadside stalls and humble eateries, a testament to its popularity among the locals. Traditionally, it was made with pork or chicken and served over rice, often topped with a crispy fried egg. Today, it has become a symbol of Thai cuisine worldwide, with variations of the recipe featuring different kinds of protein, yet always retaining that signature balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors that is quintessential to Thai food.

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.