Name: Pad Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb extra-lean ground chicken; 1 cup Holy basil or Thai basil / Sweet Basil, stems removed; 1 shallot or ¼ cup onion, finely diced; 2 large red chili or bird’s eye chili (de-seeded and finely chopped); 5 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tablespoon vegetable oil or any neutral oil; ¼ cup chicken stock or beef stock, low-sodium; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce or vegetarian stir-fry sauce; 2 teaspoon fish sauce; 2 teaspoon white granulated sugar or cane sugar / palm sugar; 1 teaspoon regular soy sauce or light soy sauce; 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce; Cooked jasmine rice or any white rice of choice; 2 fried eggs (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 13 reviews

If you’re craving an explosion of bold, spicy, and aromatic flavors that will whisk you straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok, then you absolutely must make this Pad Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry) Recipe. It’s a vibrant, quick-to-make dish that combines tender ground chicken with the unmistakable kick from fresh red chilis and the unique fragrance of holy basil. This recipe captures the essence of authentic Thai street food and transforms it into a simple, irresistible meal you can whip up in under 15 minutes. Trust me, once you’ve made this, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for less when it comes to Thai stir-fry at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a small amount of dark brown sauce that has a smooth texture and shiny surface. A black spatula is placed inside the bowl, resting diagonally with its handle leaning out. The liquid appears glossy and thick but not too dense, with subtle reflections on the surface. The scene is simple and clean, focusing on the bowl and sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Pad Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry) Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a starring role. From the tender ground chicken to the fiery red chilis and fresh holy basil, these essentials come together to create a harmony of tastes and textures that you’ll want to savor again and again.

1 lb extra-lean ground chicken: A lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the vibrant flavors perfectly.
1 cup Holy basil or Thai basil / Sweet Basil: The soul of the dish, offering a fragrant, peppery note unmatched by regular basil.
1 shallot or ¼ cup onion, finely diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the stir-fry.
2 large red chilis or bird’s eye chili: Provides the signature heat; adjust quantity based on your spice tolerance.
5 garlic cloves minced: Garlic infuses the dish with its rich aroma and sharp flavor.
¼ cup chicken stock or beef stock, low-sodium: Adds moisture and layers of savory goodness without overpowering.
3 tablespoons vegetable oil or any neutral oil: Ensures a silky texture and perfect stir-fry sear.
Sauce mix:
  – 1 tablespoon oyster sauce or vegetarian stir-fry sauce: Umami-rich seasoning that glazes the meat beautifully.
  – 2 teaspoons fish sauce: A salty punch that’s essential for authentic Thai flavor.
  – 2 teaspoons white granulated sugar or cane sugar / palm sugar: Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness.
  – 1 teaspoon regular soy sauce or light soy sauce: Adds depth and subtle color.
  – 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce: Offers a richer hue and caramel undertones.
Serve with: Cooked jasmine rice or any white rice of choice, and optionally, 2 fried eggs on top for extra indulgence.

How to Make Pad Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Sauce

Start by mixing all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and both soy sauces. Stir it until the sugar completely dissolves. This sauce blend is where the magic begins—it’s packed with umami, salty, and sweet notes that will coat your stir-fry with irresistible depth.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat your vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once shimmering hot, toss in the finely diced shallot, minced garlic, and chopped red chilis. Stir-frying these for about 30 seconds softens them beautifully and releases their intoxicating aromas, setting the perfect stage for your Pad Kra Pao.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Chicken

Add the ground chicken to your pan, breaking it up with your spatula into small crumbles rather than chunks. Cook vigorously until the juices evaporate and the meat starts to brown lightly. This step is crucial to building layers of flavor and ensuring every bite is juicy yet well-textured.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Stock

Pour your prepared sauce over the browned chicken and stir everything together for about 30 seconds. Then pour in the chicken or beef stock and continue stir-frying for another 30 seconds. The stock helps to create a luscious, slightly saucy consistency without watering down the bold flavors.

Step 5: Toss in the Holy Basil

Finally, add your fresh holy basil leaves to the pan and give it a quick 15-second toss until the leaves just wilt. Holy basil’s aromatic bite is what truly distinguishes Pad Kra Pao, delivering that authentic Thai street food vibe right in your kitchen.

Step 6: Plate and Enjoy

Transfer your fragrant, spicy stir-fry to a serving plate. For a traditional touch, top it with a crispy fried egg and serve alongside steamed jasmine rice. The runny yolk pairs perfectly with the robust flavors of the Pad Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry) Recipe, making every mouthful sensational.

How to Serve Pad Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry) Recipe

A close-up of a white plate with a dish consisting of three layers: the bottom layer is white rice with a soft texture, the middle layer has cooked ground meat mixed with green leafy vegetables and small pieces of red chili, showing a slightly moist and crumbly texture, and the top layer features a fried egg with a bright yellow yolk centered and surrounded by firm white edges. A spoon holding a portion of the middle layer is lifted above the plate, with a woman's hand visible holding the spoon. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing with a perfectly fried egg is the classic way to serve this dish. The rich yolk adds a silky texture and mellow creaminess that balances the bold heat. Additionally, a wedge of lime can brighten up the dish, while sliced fresh red chili offers extra visual appeal and spice for chili lovers.

Side Dishes

Pad Kra Pao shines when served with fluffy jasmine rice that soaks up the spicy sauce perfectly. You can also pair it with simple steamed vegetables like bok choy or snap peas for a refreshing contrast. For a crunchy element, some pickled vegetables or a crisp Asian cucumber salad makes a wonderful sidekick.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling adventurous? Try serving Pad Kra Pao as a filling for lettuce wraps for a low-carb, hand-held delight. Another fun twist is spooning the stir-fry over a mound of crispy fried rice or mixing it into a noodle bowl. No matter how you present it, this recipe adapts beautifully to your style and mood.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your fresh Pad Kra Pao, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days without losing much of its delicious flavor or texture, making it ideal for quick meals throughout the week.

Freezing

This Pad Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry) Recipe also freezes surprisingly well. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to reawaken the aromatic basil and spices. Adding a splash of chicken stock or water can help loosen the sauce. Alternatively, use the microwave for convenience, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use pork or beef instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground pork and beef are popular alternatives in this dish and work wonderfully. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked and nicely browned.

What if I can’t find holy basil?

Holy basil has a unique, peppery aroma that’s hard to replicate, but Thai basil or even sweet basil can be used as substitutes. They won’t provide the exact flavor but will still give a lovely herbal freshness to your stir-fry.

How spicy is this Pad Kra Pao recipe?

This recipe packs a good amount of heat from the red or bird’s eye chilis, but you can easily adjust the spice to your liking by reducing or increasing the quantity of chilis used.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives. Check the labels of your condiments to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

What’s the best type of rice to serve with Pad Kra Pao?

Steamed jasmine rice is traditional and perfect because of its fragrant aroma and sticky yet fluffy texture that pairs beautifully with the spicy stir-fry.

Final Thoughts

You’re just a few simple steps away from bringing authentic Thai flavors into your home with this Pad Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry) Recipe. It’s quick, packed with layers of flavor, and endlessly versatile. So gather your ingredients, crank up the heat if you love spice, and make this dish a staple in your weeknight rotation. Once you try it, I promise it’ll become a beloved favorite, begging to be made again and again!