Pad Kra Pao Recipe: A Thai Basil Stir-Fry

Thai cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, aromatic herbs, and harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements.

Among the myriad of delicious dishes it offers, Pad Kra Pao stands out as a quintessential example of Thai comfort food.

This delectable stir-fry dish combines tender meat, fragrant holy basil, garlic, chilies, and a savory sauce, resulting in a symphony of flavors that tantalize the taste buds.

In this article, we delve into the intricacies of Pad Kra Pao, exploring its origins, key ingredients, and providing a step-by-step guide to prepare this beloved Thai dish.

Origins of Pad Kra Pao:

Pad Kra Pao, also known as Pad Krapow or Thai Basil Stir-Fry, hails from Thailand and holds a special place in Thai cuisine.

It is a popular street food dish enjoyed throughout the country and has gained international acclaim for its bold flavors and simplicity.

While traditionally made with minced pork or chicken, variations with beef, seafood, or tofu are also common, catering to diverse palates and dietary preferences.

Key Ingredients:

• Meat or Protein: Typically, Pad Kra Pao features minced meat such as pork, chicken, or beef. Alternatively, you can opt for seafood like shrimp or squid, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Holy Basil (Bai Kaprao): The star ingredient of this dish, holy basil lends its distinct aroma and peppery flavor. It is essential for achieving authentic Pad Kra Pao. If holy basil is unavailable, Thai basil or sweet basil can be used as substitutes, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are minced or finely chopped to infuse the dish with their pungent flavor.
• Chilies: Thai bird’s eye chilies are commonly used to add heat to the dish. Adjust the quantity according to your spice tolerance.
• Oyster Sauce: This rich, savory sauce adds depth and umami to the stir-fry.
• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce provides saltiness and a hint of sweetness, contributing to the overall flavor profile.
• Fish Sauce: A staple in Thai cooking, fish sauce imparts a distinctive salty, briny flavor that enhances the taste of the dish.
• Sugar: A touch of sugar balances the flavors, harmonizing the sweet, salty, and spicy elements.
• Vegetables (Optional): Thinly sliced bell peppers, onions, or green beans can be added for extra texture and flavor.

Instead of using oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar, we recommended readymade Pad Kra Pao paste which tastes excellent.

Lobo brand Thai Holy basil seasoning paste – 1.76 oz each (5 packs)

We’re huge fans of the Lobo brand; their products consistently nail authentic Thai flavors with simple cooking methods.

The Holy Basil Seasoning Paste is a prime example. Just grab your wok, toss in this packet with 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and fry until your kitchen is filled with an irresistible aroma.

Then, add your preferred meat and veggies, cook, and serve with fragrant jasmine rice.

The taste? A flawless fusion of basil and a subtle chili kick. Packaged conveniently in an envelope, it’s just the right amount for a satisfying single serving. Truly terrific!

Pad Kra Pao Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 300g minced meat (pork, chicken, or beef)
• 2 cups holy basil leaves
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 3-4 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Jasmine rice, to serve

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready before starting to cook. Mince the garlic, finely chop the chilies, and wash the holy basil leaves.
2. Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add Garlic and Chilies: Add minced garlic and chopped chilies to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add Minced Meat: Add the minced meat to the wok, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.
5. Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar until well combined. Instead of using these sauces, you can use the Lobo brand Thai Holy basil seasoning paste.
6. Incorporate Sauce: Once the meat is cooked, pour the sauce mixture into the wok, stirring to coat the meat evenly. Allow the sauce to simmer for a minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Add Holy Basil: Add the holy basil leaves to the wok, stirring them into the meat mixture. The basil will wilt quickly in the heat.
8. Final Touches: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more soy sauce, fish sauce, or sugar according to your preference.
9. Serve: Remove the wok from the heat. Serve the Pad Kra Pao hot alongside steamed jasmine rice, garnishing with extra holy basil leaves and sliced chilies for added flavor and visual appeal.

Pad Kra Pao exemplifies the essence of Thai cuisine, showcasing a harmonious blend of bold flavors and aromatic herbs.

Whether enjoyed on the bustling streets of Bangkok or recreated in your own kitchen, this beloved stir-fry dish promises to delight your senses with its irresistible taste.

With its simple preparation and versatile nature, Pad Kra Pao is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire, inviting you to savor the rich flavors of Thailand with every bite.