Pad Kra Pao: A Flavor Explosion

Thailand, a country with streets buzzed with an incredible culinary scene – sizzling pans, tempting aromas, and flavors that popped with every bite. I sampled countless dishes, but Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Chicken) quickly became my favorite. It was a whirlwind tour for my taste buds, and Thailand definitely delivered on delicious adventures!

Pad Kra Pao is a popular Thai street food made with minced meat, holy basil, and a fiery chili-garlic sauce. It’s a dish that's incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you're craving a taste of Thailand ( you can also check out Thai Mango Sticky Rice ). This Pad Kra Pao recipe has become a staple in my household, and I'm sure it will in yours too.

Now, I'm excited to share my perfected Pad Kra Pao recipe with you. Together, let's unlock the secrets of this iconic dish and savor the bold flavors of Thailand.

Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Chicken)

For 4 Servings

Author: Chris

Total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground chicken (or pork, beef, tofu)
  • 1 cup Thai holy basil leaves
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3-4 Thai chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 fried egg per serving (optional, but recommended)

Steps:

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Mince the garlic and finely chop the Thai chilies. Wash and pick the holy basil leaves.
  2. Cook the Aromatics: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped chilies. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Cook the Meat: Add the ground chicken (or your choice of protein) to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it's no longer pink.
  4. Add the Sauces: Stir in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
  5. Simmer and Add Basil: Pour in the chicken broth or water. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the liquid reduces slightly. Add the holy basil leaves and stir until they wilt and release their aroma.
  6. Serve: Serve the Pad Kra Pao hot, ideally with a fried egg on top and a side of steamed rice.

Steps:

Notes:

  • If you can't find holy basil, substitute it with regular basil or Thai sweet basil.
  • For a vegetarian version, use tofu and substitute fish sauce with soy sauce.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 25g

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C.

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