Pad Krapow (Basil Stir-Fry)
+2 photos

Pad Krapow (Basil Stir-Fry)

This recipe for pad krapow, a Thai stir-fry beloved for its simplicity and flavor, gets its distinctive character from the "krapow," or holy basil (plus Thai chiles, garlic, and fish and oyster sauces). Serve over jasmine rice with a wok-fried egg.

Ingredients

  • thai chile peppers
    5
  • garlic cloves
    6
  • neutral oil

    such as vegetable or canola, divided

    3 tbsp
  • ground chicken
    1 lb
  • oyster sauce
    2 tbsp
  • fish sauce
    3 tbsp
  • sugar
    2 tbsp
  • holy basil leaves
    ¼ c
  • eggs
    4
  • cooked jasmine rice
    8 c

Directions

  1. 1

    Roughly chop Thai chilies and garlic before adding them to a mortar and pestle. Smash using an up and down motion with a pestle until combined (mixture doesn't have to be ground into a paste), about 1 minute.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in wok over high heat until shimmering. Add chile mixture and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Add ground chicken to wok and stir-fry until meat turns opaque, about 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Stir in oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar and cook until liquids evaporate.

  5. 5

    Turn off heat, transfer chicken mixture to a large bowl, and immediately stir in basil leaves.

    Step 5
  6. 6

    In the same wok, heat remaining 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Crack an egg into wok. As egg cooks, spoon oil over yolk. Cook egg until edges are crispy and whites are cooked through but yolk is still runny, about 1 minute.

  7. 7

    Repeat with remaining eggs. Divide rice and chicken mixture between 4 bowls. Top each with an egg and serve immediately.

    Step 7
Pad Krapow (Basil Stir-Fry)
+2

Pad Krapow (Basil Stir-Fry)

4.1(10)842 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Excellent

Based on 10 ratings

foodandwine.com
4.1(10 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Craving the vibrant, bold flavors of authentic Thai street food right in your own kitchen? This Pad Krapow (Basil Stir-Fry) recipe delivers that unmistakable taste experience, bringing restaurant-quality results to your dinner table with satisfying simplicity.

What makes this Pad Krapow truly special is its reliance on holy basil, the "krapow" that gives the dish its name. Unlike other basil varieties, holy basil provides a distinct peppery, slightly anise-like aroma and flavor that’s crucial to its authentic character. Paired with the fiery kick of Thai chiles, pungent garlic, and the savory depth of fish and oyster sauces, every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and umami.

Expect a deeply savory and aromatic dish with a delightful spicy warmth that builds with each bite. The ground chicken provides a comforting texture, beautifully coated in the rich, fragrant sauce. Served traditionally over fluffy jasmine rice and crowned with a crisp, wok-fried egg, this Pad Krapow is a hearty and incredibly satisfying meal. It’s a dish that engages all your senses, from its enticing aroma to its complex flavor profile.

This recipe is quite adaptable to your palate. While the 5 Thai chile peppers provide a significant kick, you can easily adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the number of chiles. If you prefer less spice, deseed the chiles before mincing them. For a touch more sweetness or savory depth, feel free to tweak the sugar, fish sauce, or oyster sauce to your preference.

Pad Krapow is the perfect dish for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Serve it immediately after cooking, ensuring each plate gets a generous portion of the stir-fry, a scoop of jasmine rice, and, of course, that essential wok-fried egg with its runny yolk ready to mix into the spicy, savory goodness.

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