Authentic Thai Stir-Fried Pork with Holy Basil (Pad Kra Pao Moo) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 300 grams of pork, minced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • 5 Thai bird chillies, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1/2 cup of Thai holy basil leaves
  • 2 eggs
  • Jasmine rice, cooked, for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or frying pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the finely chopped garlic and chillies to the wok and stir-fry until fragrant.
  3. Add the minced pork to the wok and continue to stir-fry until it is fully cooked.
  4. Stir in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix well to ensure the pork is evenly coated with the sauces and the sugar is fully dissolved.
  5. Add the Thai holy basil leaves and stir-fry for another minute, or until the leaves are wilted.
  6. In a separate pan, cook the eggs to your preference (typically sunny-side-up).
  7. Serve the stir-fried pork over cooked jasmine rice, topped with the fried egg.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Substitute minced pork with minced chicken or beef for a different protein option.
  • Replace Thai holy basil with sweet basil or Italian basil for a milder flavor.
  • Add vegetables such as bell peppers, green beans, or onions for extra crunch and flavor.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of Thai bird chillies or add additional hot sauce.
  • Make it vegetarian by substituting the meat with tofu or tempeh and using vegetarian oyster sauce and soy sauce.
  • Add a splash of lime juice or vinegar for a tangy twist.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices such as lemongrass, ginger, or cilantro for added complexity.
  • For a healthier option, use lean meat and reduce the amount of oil used for cooking.
  • Serve with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a well-rounded meal.

Recipe overview

Pad Kra Pao Moo is a classic Thai stir-fry dish that's bursting with flavors. This recipe combines minced pork with bold ingredients like garlic, Thai bird chillies, and Thai holy basil. The dish is typically served over jasmine rice and topped with a fried egg for an extra touch of richness. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that you can whip up in less than 30 minutes. Expect a delicious mix of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors that truly embody Thai cuisine. Enjoy this at home for a quick and easy dinner, or impress your friends with your international cooking skills at your next gathering!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork? Yes, you can substitute pork with chicken, beef, or tofu based on your preference.
  2. How spicy is this dish? The spiciness level can be adjusted based on the number of Thai bird chillies you use. You can reduce or increase the amount of chillies to suit your taste.
  3. What can I serve with Pad Kra Pao Moo? Pad Kra Pao Moo is traditionally served over jasmine rice. You can also serve it with a side of vegetables or a fried egg for a complete meal.
  4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? To make this recipe vegetarian, you can substitute pork with tofu or meat alternatives. For a vegan version, ensure that the oyster sauce and fish sauce are vegan-friendly or use suitable substitutes.
  5. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Pad Kra Pao Moo is best enjoyed fresh. While you can prepare the ingredients in advance, it is recommended to stir-fry and assemble the dish just before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Wok - A traditional cooking pan that is ideal for stir-frying and has high heat retention.
  • Frying Pan - An alternative to a wok, suitable for stir-frying the ingredients.
  • Spatula - A utensil used for stirring and flipping the ingredients in the wok or frying pan.
  • Knife - Needed for finely chopping the garlic and Thai bird chillies.
  • Cutting Board - Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons - Used to accurately measure the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar.
  • Rice Cooker - A convenient appliance for cooking jasmine rice.

Origin stories

Pad Kra Pao Moo, a popular Thai street food dish known for its aromatic and spicy flavors, boasts an interesting anecdote. A former prime minister of Thailand, Kukrit Pramoj, once said that anyone who cooks this dish well can be considered a good cook overall. His statement reflects the complexity of Thai cuisine, where the perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and savory is a culinary art form. Despite the apparent simplicity of Pad Kra Pao Moo, the balance of flavors is a testament to the chef's skill, making it a benchmark dish in Thai cooking. Pramoj's quote has since become a popular saying in Thailand, adding a delightful bit of cultural trivia to this beloved dish.

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.