Try this Pad Kra Pao recipe for a quick Thai dinner packed with ground pork, garlic, chilies, and basil. Serve it over rice and a crispy fried egg for a satisfying meal.
If you’re looking for an easy dinner recipe, this Pad Kra Pao is a must-try. It’s ready in just 15 minutes, but the flavors taste like you spent much longer on it.
Oyster sauce, fish sauce, and soy sauce give the ground pork a deep, savory flavor. Fresh basil adds a sweet, peppery kick that brings a nice freshness to the dish. The chilies make it pretty spicy, but you can easily adjust the heat to your tolerance.
Simple, fast, and packed with flavor, this one a must-add to your dinner rotation.
What Is Pad Krapow?
Pad krapow is a popular Thai stir-fry made with ground meat, chilies, garlic, and holy basil in a salty, savory sauce. It’s traditionally served over rice with a crispy fried egg on top.
You’ll see the name spelled several ways, including pad krapow, pad kra pao, and pad gaprao. The Thai name is ผัดกะเพรา, and pad gaprao is a closer transliteration, but pad krapow is a very common spelling in English.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground meat. Pork is the classic choice for pad kra pao, but you can also use ground chicken, beef, or turkey.
- Garlic. Adds that punchy, savory flavor that makes the pork extra flavorful.
- Red chilies. These bring the heat to pad krapow. Adjust them depending on your spice tolerance.
- Oyster sauce. Adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor and gives the pork more depth.
- Fish sauce. Salty, savory, and a big part of that classic Thai flavor.
- Soy sauce. Adds another layer of saltiness and umami.
- Sugar. To balance out the salty sauces and heat from the chilies.
- Basil. Holy basil is the traditional choice, but Thai basil or regular sweet basil will work too.
Recipe for Pad Krapow
Here’s a quick look at how to make it:
1. Sauté the aromatics. Heat the oil, then cook the garlic and chilies for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Sear the pork. Add the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
3. Season. Stir in the oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar.
4. Finish with basil. Turn off the heat and stir in the basil just until wilted.
5. Serve. Spoon over rice and top with a crispy fried egg. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Pad Krapow
- Sear pork in high heat. Get your pan nice and hot before adding the pork. This helps it brown instead of steaming in its own juices.
- Adjust the chilies to your taste. Three gives the dish a good kick, but use fewer for mild or add more if you love heat.
- Definitely add a fried egg. It’s technically optional, but that crispy-edged egg with a runny yolk is the perfect finishing touch.
What Is Holy Basil?
Compared to regular basil, holy basil has a more peppery, slightly spicy flavor. Traditionally used in pad kra pao, it has a stronger, more savory taste. It can be a little harder to find in the US, but Asian markets often carry it.
Is Holy Basil the Same as Thai Basil?
No, holy basil and Thai basil are different herbs. Holy basil has a peppery, slightly spicy flavor, while Thai basil is sweeter with hints of anise or licorice. Holy basil is the traditional choice for pad kra pao, but Thai basil works as a substitute.
Regular sweet basil works too. It’s milder, but it will still give you a delicious pad kra pao.
Can I Use Regular Basil?
Yes! Regular basil works just fine. It’s sweeter and milder than holy basil, so you won’t get quite the same peppery kick. The flavor will be a little different from traditional pad kra pao, but it’ll still be delicious.
How to Serve with Pad Kra Pao
Pad kra pao is traditionally served over rice with a crispy fried egg (khai dao) on top. The runny yolk mixes with the savory, spicy pork and helps mellow out the heat.
More Easy Asian Recipes
Pad Kra Pao
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 red chilies finely chopped, or more or less to taste
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves holy, Thai, or regular
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and chilies and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the ground pork and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and cooked through.
- Add the oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir until pork is well coated.
- Turn off heat and stir in the basil until just wilted.
- Serve with rice and a fried egg, if desired.
