Translated as stir-fry (Pad) and sacred basil (Kra Pao), Pad Kra Pao is, as its name suggests, a Thai basil stir-fry. Traditionally cooked with ground pork, this iconic Thai cuisine recipe also comes in other variations (seafood, chicken, beef, tofu...). Discover the authentic Pad Kra Pao recipe to take your taste buds on a journey to the Kingdom of Siam...

What is Pad Kra Pao?

Also spelled Pad Ka Prao, Pad Gaprao or Phat Kaphrao, Pad Kra Pao is among the iconic dishes of Thai cuisine. It is equally beloved by locals and tourists alike. It is a stir-fry of ground meat (or seafood or tofu for vegetarians) infused with Thai basil leaves (also called sacred basil) and accompanied by a savory-sweet sauce. It is enjoyed with rice and typically topped with a fried egg.

What are the different variations of Pad Kra Pao?

While the most popular Pad Kra Pao recipe uses ground pork (Pad Kra Pao Mou), numerous variations can be found in Thai street food restaurants and stalls. Something for every palate!

Among the different Pad Kra Pao variations, you'll find:

• Pad Kra Pao Kai: with chicken,

• Pad Kra Pao Nuea: with beef,

• Pad Kra Pao Kung: with shrimp,

• Pad Kra Pao Pla Muek: with squid,

• Pad Kra Pao Ruam Mit Thale: with mixed seafood,

• Pad Kra Pao tofu: with tofu...

Is Pad Kra Pao Spicy?

Thais are known for enjoying very spicy food. It's therefore no surprise that they cook and enjoy Pad Kra Pao with plenty of chili. The good news? Like most Thai dishes, it is generally prepared to order. In other words, you can ask the person taking your order to prepare a Pad Kra Pao without chili.

To do this, you can tell them: "Ao maï phèt" which means "without spices" in Thai. If you can't handle spicy food, this phrase should be part of the essential vocabulary to know when traveling to Thailand.

The Authentic Pad Kra Pao Recipe

Ingredients for 2 people:

• 200 g ground meat (pork, chicken, beef...) or seafood or tofu,

• 2 servings of Thai rice,

• 2 eggs (1 per person),

• 4/5 garlic cloves,

• Thai green chilies (quantity to taste),

• 1 handful of Thai basil,

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil (sunflower or palm...)

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce,

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional),

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce,

• 1 tablespoon water,

• 1 teaspoon palm sugar,

• Salt, pepper.

Note: Many Thais add green beans called "asparagus bean" or "yard-long bean". These are cut into very small pieces and are half-cooked, adding a crunchy texture to the stir-fry!

Pad Kra Pao Preparation

Step 1: Cook the rice and set aside (keep warm if possible).

Step 2: Peel and remove the germ from the garlic cloves. Rinse and cut the chilies. Pound the garlic and chilies in a mortar until you reach a paste-like consistency. Rinse the basil, discard the stems, and keep only the leaves.

Step 3: In a wok, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil over high heat. Add the paste made from the chili and garlic mixture. Stir-fry the paste for 1-2 minutes until it browns slightly.

Step 4: Add the ground meat (or other proteins of your choice: seafood, shrimp, tofu...). Cook for 5 minutes while stirring.

Step 5: Add the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce (optional), and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and reduce heat to allow the meat to absorb the sauce and flavors for a few minutes.

Step 6: Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan or wok. Crack the eggs and cook them to make 2 fried eggs with well-browned, slightly crispy edges (feel free to add more oil if needed). Season with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Add 1 tablespoon of water to the meat and add the Thai basil leaves. Cook until the basil leaves soften.

Step 8: Place the warm rice in one corner of the plate (you can use a bowl to create a mound of rice as they do in Thailand!). Add the stir-fry mixture to the side and place a fried egg on top of the rice.

Enjoy your meal!

To go further...

You love Thai cuisine and want more? Discover:

• The culinary specialties to taste in Northern Thailand,

• The recipe for the iconic Pad Thai,

• The recipe for Tom Kha Kai, the coconut milk chicken soup,

• The recipe for Som Tam, the Thai green papaya salad.

And why not plan a Thai cooking class during your next trip to Thailand?