Authentic Thai Pad Prik King Recipe

Ingredients

400 grams of boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 tablespoon of red curry paste
200 grams of green beans
1 red bell pepper
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 tablespoon of brown sugar
2 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
1/2 cup of water
1/2 cup of chopped Thai basil leaves
2 thinly sliced red chilies for garnish

Steps and instructions

Cut the chicken thighs into thin slices and set aside.
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat.
Add the red curry paste to the wok and cook for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
Add the sliced chicken to the wok and cook until it's no longer pink.
Add the green beans and bell pepper to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, brown sugar, kaffir lime leaves, and water. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the wok and stir well to coat.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped Thai basil leaves.
Garnish with the sliced red chilies before serving.

Tools for making

Wok or large skillet - Needed to cook the ingredients over high heat and stir-fry them.
Knife - Used to slice the chicken thighs and prepare the vegetables.
Cutting board - Provides a sturdy surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.
Small bowl - Used to mix the sauce ingredients together.
Stirring utensil - Can be a spoon or spatula for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the wok.

Recipe variations

Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a meat-free option.
Replace the green beans with snap peas or broccoli florets.
Add sliced carrots or baby corn for extra crunch and flavor.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of red curry paste or add fresh Thai chilies.
Experiment with different vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or snow peas.
Try using shrimp or beef instead of chicken for a different protein option.
Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamier sauce.
Include a tablespoon of peanut butter to add a nutty flavor to the dish.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.

Recipe overview

Take a culinary journey to the heart of Thailand with this Pad Prik King recipe! This stirring dish is a classic Thai stir-fry, combining tender slices of chicken with vibrant green beans and bell peppers, all enveloped in a red curry paste. The exciting blend of flavors, from the savory fish sauce to the sweet brown sugar and the zesty kaffir lime leaves, creates a symphony of tastes that are sure to delight your palate. And don't forget the final flourish of fresh Thai basil and red chilies for that extra kick! This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for those looking to spice up their weeknight dinners. Enjoy this authentic Thai experience right in your kitchen!

Common questions

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork, beef, shrimp, or tofu to make this recipe.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of this recipe?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version by using tofu or a meat substitute instead of chicken, and by using a vegetarian fish sauce or soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of red curry paste or omit the sliced red chilies. Alternatively, if you like it spicier, you can add extra red curry paste or more sliced red chilies.
What can I serve with Pad Prik King?
Pad Prik King is delicious when served with steamed jasmine rice. You can also serve it with noodles or as part of a Thai-inspired meal with other dishes like spring rolls or Thai salads.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While Pad Prik King is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply stir-fry everything together.

Serving dishes and utensils

Wok - A large, deep pan with high sides, perfect for stir-frying the ingredients.
Skillet - An alternative to a wok, a wide and shallow pan that can be used for stir-frying as well.
Knife - A sharp knife for cutting the chicken and slicing the vegetables.
Cutting Board - A sturdy surface for safely chopping and preparing the ingredients.
Small Bowl - Used for combining the sauce ingredients together.
Stirring Spoon - A utensil for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the wok.
Measuring Spoons - To accurately measure the fish sauce, brown sugar, and other ingredients.
Garnish Bowl - A bowl or plate to hold the sliced red chilies for garnishing.
Plates - For serving the Pad Prik King once it's cooked.
Rice Cooker - Optional, but recommended for cooking rice to serve alongside the dish.

Origin stories

Pad Prik King is a classic dish from the central region of Thailand, a country renowned for its aromatic and spicy cuisine. The name "Pad Prik King" translates to "stir-fry chili ginger", but interestingly, there's no ginger in the dish. The "king" in the name actually refers to a type of ginger - galangal, a staple in Thai cuisine, but the recipe uses curry paste instead. This might seem like a culinary mystery, but it reflects the evolving nature of food and how recipes adapt over time, often becoming something totally distinct and beloved in its own right. The use of kaffir lime leaves in this dish is a testament to the Thai cooking ethos of harmonizing different flavors, as the citrusy notes of the leaves beautifully counterbalance the spiciness of the curry. The dish is a vibrant display of the Thai fondness for complex flavors and textures, a symphony of spicy, sweet, and salty notes all at once.

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.