Stir-Fried Thai Basil (Pad Ka Prow-Vegetarian)

2 Reviews / 5 Stars Average

By Sho @ Hungry for Thai on Aug 11th 2024 Sho

Stir-Fried Thai Basil (Vegetarian) is a quick and easy vegetarian street food option that captures the bold and aromatic flavors of traditional Thai cuisine. Cooked with Beyond Meat, garlic, chili, and fragrant holy basil, this dish offers a delicious and satisfying taste experience for everyone, perfect for a fast and flavorful meal.


Stir-Fried Thai Basil (Pad Ka Prow-Vegetarian)

Pad Ka Prow, also known as Thai Basil Stir-Fry, is one of the most popular and beloved street food dishes in Thailand.

This spicy Thai stir-fry is made with holy basil (ka prow), garlic, fresh chilies, and your choice of protein—whether it’s chicken (Pad Ka Prow Gai), pork (Pad Ka Prow Moo), or even crispy pork belly (Pad Ka Prow Moo Krob).

What makes this dish a must-try? It’s bold, garlicky, and packed with spicy flavors, making it the ultimate Thai comfort food.

Plus, you can adjust the spice level to your liking, whether you prefer it mild or extra fiery.

Served over fluffy jasmine rice and topped with a crispy Thai-style fried egg (kai dao), this dish is a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

If you love authentic Thai recipes or want to try an easy Thai stir-fry, Pad Ka Prow is a must-add to your home-cooked meal list! 🇹🇭🔥

Ingredients of Stir-Fried Thai Basil (Pad Ka Prow-Vegetarian)

What you'll need

  • Beyond Mince : A plant-based protein that mimics the texture and taste of meat, perfect for vegetarian & vegan dishes.
  • Holy Basil Leaves : Adds a distinctive peppery flavor and fragrance, essential to authentic Thai basil stir-fry.
  • Garlic : Infuses the dish with a rich, aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor.
  • Chili : Brings a spicy kick that elevates the dish, adding heat and vibrant color.
  • Cooking Oil : Used for sautéing ingredients to create a flavorful stir-fry.
  • Mushroom Sauce : Adds a savory, umami depth to the dish, complementing the other flavors.
  • Salt : Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
  • Water : Helps create a slightly saucy consistency, ensuring the flavors coat every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Stir-Fried Thai Basil (Pad Ka Prow-Vegetarian) Recipe 🩷

✔ Authentic Thai Flavor – This vegetarian Pad Ka Prow delivers all the bold, garlicky, and spicy flavors of the classic Thai basil stir-fry—without meat!

✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes, this stir-fry is perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal when you’re short on time.

✔ Customizable Spice Level – Love extra heat? Add more chilies! Prefer it milder? Tone it down—you control the spice.

Healthy & Plant-Based – This recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan, packed with protein from tofu (or your choice of plant-based protein).

✔ Pairs Perfectly with Rice – Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice or brown rice for a satisfying and complete meal.

How to Cook Stir-Fried Thai Basil

Quick, easy, and delicious! 😊

  1. Heat a pan over medium-high heat, add cooking oil.
  2. Sauté minced garlic and chili until fragrant.
  3. Add Beyond Meat, stir-fry until cooked through.
  4. Season with mushroom sauce, salt, and black soy sauce. Adjust to taste.
  5. Add water if a saucier consistency is desired.
  6. Add holy basil, stir-fry until wilted.

What to serve with Stir-Fried Thai Basil (Pad Ka Prow-Vegetarian & Vegan)

Pad Ka Prow, is typically served with steamed jasmine rice, which helps balance out the spicy and savory flavors of the dish.

Here are some traditional accompaniments and side dishes that pair well with Stir-Fried Thai Basil:

  1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: The most common and traditional pairing that helps soak up the flavorful sauce of the dish.
  2. Fried Egg (Kai Dao): A fried egg with a runny yolk adds richness and complements the dish’s flavors.
  3. Sliced Cucumber: Served as a refreshing side to contrast the spiciness of the dish. After the meal: Complete your meal with Thai Sago Pudding or Bananas in Sweet Coconut Milk .

FAQs

🍖 Can I use a different protein instead of Beyond Meat?

Yes! You can substitute Beyond Meat with other plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or seitan for a similar texture and flavor.

🌱 Can I make Pad Ka Prow gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of the black soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.

🌿 What if I can’t find holy basil?

While holy basil gives this dish its signature flavor, you can substitute it with Thai basil or regular sweet basil. Keep in mind, the flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be delicious!

⏳ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the steps for a quick stir-fry.

🫑 Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Of course! Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or green beans to make this dish even more colorful and nutritious.


When Thai people are in need of a quick lunch, Pad Ka Prow is usually the top choice.

It’s super versatile—you can make it with any meat you like, or even tofu if you’re tofu lover.

Stir-Fried Thai Basil (Pad Ka Prow-Vegetarian)

Stir-Fried Thai Basil (Pad Ka Prow-Vegetarian)


Prep time

5 minutes

Cook time

10 minutes

Serves

2

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Ingredients

US Metric
  • Meal

Calories: 603kcal Total Fat: 40g Protein: 56g Carbs: 7g Sodium: 853mg

Steps

  • Prepare the Ingredients:

    1. Mince the garlic and chili.

      Garlic and chilli in a pestle and mortar Crushed garlic and chilli in a pestle and mortar
    2. Wash and pick the holy basil leaves from their stems and set aside.

  • Cooking Stir-Fried Thai Basil (Pad Ka Prow-Vegetarian & Vegan):

    1. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of cooking oil.

      Oil being poured into a pan
    2. Add minced garlic and chilli, sauté until fragrant.

      Garlic and chilli being fried in a pan
    3. Add beyond meat and stir-fry until cooked through.

      Beyond Mince added to the pan
    4. Season with mushroom sauce, salt, and black soy sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.

      Adding mushroom sauce to the panAdding salt to the panAdding black soy sauce to the pan
    5. Add water to the pan to create a sauce consistency if desired.

      Adding water into the pan
    6. Add holy basil leaves and stir-fry until wilted.

      Adding Holy basil to the panPad ka prow recipe finished

Nutritional info

% of daily value
protein: 56g
111%
fat: 40g
62%
carbs: 7g
2%
fiber: 1g
3%
saturatedFat: 7g
35%
sugar: 1g
sodium: 853mg
36%
cholesterol: 158mg
53%

Calorie Breakdown

Protein

220 cal

Fat

357 cal

Carbs

26 cal


Tips

  1. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer chili and garlic.
  2. If you don't have Thai basil, you can use Italian basil for this dish.

2 comments

J

Jessie Clark

Really really good. The mushroom sauce is excellent. I will be able to use that with so many other recipes. I also like the fact that it only took about 15 minutes.

14th February, 2025 at 21:35

1 reply

 Sho @ Hungry For Thai

Sho @ Hungry For Thai

It's super easy meal for a busy day but full of Thai favors. Also with amazing mushroom sauce you can use it in many recipes. Enjoy cooking! 👩‍🍳

15th February, 2025 at 0:16


N

Nick

Yum! This is so delicious!

7th January, 2025 at 13:12

1 reply

Sho @ Hungry For Thai

Sho @ Hungry For Thai

Thank you for your feeeback! 😊

14th January, 2025 at 20:46


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