Go Back
–+ servings

Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry (Pad Kra Pao)

Craving a fiery taste of Thailand? Look no further than our Pad Kra Pao recipe! Succulent ground meat (chicken, pork, or beef) sizzles with a symphony of holy basil, garlic, chilies, and savory sauces. Served over fluffy rice with a fried egg on top, this flavorful stir-fry is sure to transport you to the streets of Bangkok.
No ratings yet
Print Pin
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients
 

  • 1 pound ground chicken or pork*
  • 8 garlic cloves peeled
  • 4 thai chilis
  • 1 large shallot chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 cup holy or thai basil*
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil

Instructions

  • Using a mortar and pestle, pound together the garlic, thai chilis, and shallot until it is a coarse paste. If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, you can either chop them very finely or use a mini food-processor.
    8 garlic cloves, 4 thai chilis, 1 large shallot
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, chili, shallot paste and fry for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
    2 tablespoons neutral oil
  • Add the ground chicken and break it apart as it cooks.
    1 pound ground chicken or pork*
  • While the chicken is cooking, stir in the fish sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar.
    2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in the basil leaves, then immediately remove the pan from the heat. You don’t want to cook your basil, you just want it to wilt in the residual heat.
    1 cup holy or thai basil*
  • Serve over rice, top with a fried egg, and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can also finely chop up 1 pound of chicken breast or thigh and use that instead of ground meat. The texture will be better this way but it will take more time and effort!
  • Thai basil is sometimes difficult to find and holy basil even more difficult. You’re best bet is to look at your local Asian grocery store. If you can’t find either of these, you can substitute with sweet basil. The flavor will be different but it will still taste delicious!
Nutrition Facts
Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry (Pad Kra Pao)
Amount per Serving
Calories
259.25
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
15.75
g
24
%
Cholesterol
 
70
mg
23
%
Sodium
 
1000
mg
43
%
Potassium
 
187.5
mg
5
%
Carbohydrates
 
5.75
g
2
%
Sugar
 
1.75
g
2
%
Protein
 
22
g
44
%
Vitamin A
 
125
IU
3
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.