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Pad Kra Pao (Holy Basil Stir-Fry)

Cooks in 10 min Difficulty Easy
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When you think of Thai food, chances are Pad Thai is the first dish to come to mind. Unless you’re Thai, or are well-versed in Thai culture, you would know that Pad Kra Pao is the quintessential Thai dish. Spicy, savory, sweet, aromatic – this dish encapsulates all that is great about Thai food.

Whether you’re using ground pork or your favorite protein, this Thai classic is the perfect weeknight dinner that’s ready in minutes.

🕐 Why You’ll Love This Pad Kra Pao

  • Done in just 10 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights
  • Uses simple pantry sauces and fresh herbs
  • Customizable with any ground protein
  • Authentic flavor that rivals your favorite Thai takeout
  • Perfect served with rice and a crispy fried egg on top 🍳
🔥 Pad Kra Pao (Holy Basil Stir-Fry)

🔥 Pad Kra Pao (Holy Basil Stir-Fry)

Recipe by Patrick Kong
Course: MainCuisine: ThaiDifficulty: Easy
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Servings

2

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

5

minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground pork (or substitute with ground chicken, beef, or plant-based protein)

  • 0.5 shallot, minced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • Thai chilies, as many as you can handle (start with 2–3 and adjust)

  • 1.5 cups holy basil leaves

  • 1 Tbsp fish sauce

  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce

  • 2 tsp dark soy sauce

  • 2 tsp oyster sauce

  • 1 tsp sugar

Directions

  • Mince shallot, garlic, and chilies. Pick basil leaves off the stems. Have all sauces ready—this dish cooks fast!
  • Heat a bit of oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallot, garlic, and chilies. Stir-fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  • Add ground pork and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks (about 3–4 minutes).
  • Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Mix well to coat the pork evenly. Let it simmer for another 1–2 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and immediately toss in the holy basil. Stir until just wilted and glossy.
  • Serve over steamed jasmine rice with a crispy fried egg for the ultimate Thai street food experience.

🔁 Optional Add-Ins & Variations

  • More veggies? Add green beans for texture
  • Extra spicy? Add more chilies

✅ Final Thoughts

This 10-Minute Pad Kra Pao is bold, spicy, and impossibly satisfying—made for busy nights when you want big flavor fast. It’s proof that authentic Thai food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.