Pad Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry) Recipe
A flavorful and spicy Thai holy basil stir-fry made with ground chicken, fresh holy basil, red chilies, and a savory sauce. This quick and easy Pad Kra Pao recipe is ready in just 15 minutes and is perfect for a delicious and satisfying main course that rivals takeout.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Meat and Herbs
- 1 lb extra-lean ground chicken
- 1 cup Holy basil or Thai basil / Sweet Basil, stems removed
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 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
Liquids and Oils
- 3 tablespoon vegetable oil or any neutral oil
- ¼ cup chicken stock or beef stock, low-sodium
Sauce
- 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
To Serve
- Cooked jasmine rice or any white rice of choice
- 2 fried eggs (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, regular soy sauce, and dark soy sauce. Stir until the sugar has fully dissolved. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the finely diced shallot, minced garlic, and chopped chilies. Stir-fry until they soften and become fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Cook Ground Meat: Add the ground chicken to the pan and break it up into small pieces using a spatula. Cook the meat, stirring frequently, until the liquid has evaporated and the meat starts to brown slightly.
- Add Sauce and Stock: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked meat and stir-fry for 30 seconds to combine. Then, add the chicken or beef stock and continue stir-frying for another 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate Basil: Toss in the holy basil leaves and quickly stir-fry until they just soften, about 15 seconds. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate.
- Serve: Serve the Pad Kra Pao hot over steamed jasmine rice. Top with fried eggs if desired for an authentic touch. Enjoy your flavorful Thai holy basil stir-fry!
Notes
- Adjust the number of chilies according to your spice preference; removing seeds reduces heat.
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground pork, beef, or turkey.
- Using fresh holy basil is key to authentic flavor, but Thai basil or sweet basil can be used as alternatives.
- Fried eggs on top are traditional and add richness, but are optional.
- Use low-sodium stocks and sauces to control salt levels if desired.
