Pad kra pao (Thai holy basil and pork stir-fry)

Pad kra pao (Thai holy basil and pork stir-fry)

Ingredients

  • 9 oz ground pork
  • 3 Thai chilis
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 shallot
  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 0.5 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 0.5 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 cup holy basil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • oil

    for frying

  • jasmine rice

    for serving

Directions

  1. 1

    Roughly chop shallot, chili, and garlic then add to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Pluck the basil leaves. Mix light soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar together in a small bowl.

  2. 2

    In a frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Crack in the eggs and fry until the edge is crispy and the whites are set. Remove and set aside.

  3. 3

    In the same pan, heat more oil over medium heat. Add the shallot-chili paste and fry for approx. 2–3 min., or until fragrant. Add minced pork, breaking it up with a spatula into small pieces as it browns. Fry for approx. 3 min., until well browned. Add the sauce mixture and stir to combine. Add basil and briefly stir-fry until the leaves are wilted. Remove from the pan and serve with cooked rice and a fried egg (one per serving). Enjoy!

Pad kra pao (Thai holy basil and pork stir-fry)

Pad kra pao (Thai holy basil and pork stir-fry)

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About this Recipe

Craving a taste of Thailand's vibrant street food right in your kitchen? This Pad kra pao recipe delivers the authentic, spicy, and aromatic flavors of Thai holy basil and pork stir-fry.

The magic of this dish lies in the symphony of bold ingredients: fresh holy basil provides its unique peppery and anise-like notes, while a generous dose of Thai chilis brings exhilarating heat. Combined with the umami depths of fish sauce, oyster sauce, and dark soy sauce, these elements create a complex yet harmonized flavor profile that truly sings.

Prepare for an aromatic journey that begins the moment you start cooking. You'll experience a wonderfully savory and spicy stir-fry, where succulent ground pork is infused with the distinct, peppery essence of holy basil and the fiery punch of Thai chilis. Each bite offers a balance of rich umami from the sauces and a fresh, herbaceous counterpoint. Served with fluffy jasmine rice and a perfectly fried egg, this dish is a hearty, satisfying experience, brimming with authentic Thai flavors.

Customization & Variations

  • Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the Thai chilis to your preference.
  • While ground pork is traditional, you could substitute it with ground chicken or firm tofu for a different protein.
  • If fresh holy basil is hard to find, Thai basil or even Italian basil (though it will alter the flavor profile) can be used as alternatives.

This intensely flavorful Pad kra pao is a perfect main course for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests with bold Thai cuisine. Serve it immediately over a bed of warm jasmine rice, topped with a perfectly fried egg for an added layer of richness.

Frequently Asked Questions