Spicy Thai Basil (Pad Kra Pao)
By Sho @ Hungry for Thai
on
Jan 28th 2025 
Thai Basil Minced Pork, known as "Pad Kra Pao Moo Sap" in Thailand, is a popular street food and a common dish enjoyed by many Thai people on a daily basis. It's cherished for its spicy-savory taste and served hot alongside steamed rice, making it a beloved staple of Thai cuisine.
Table of Contents
What you'll need
- Minced Pork - Finely ground pork meat that adds savory flavor and texture to the dish.
- Holy Basil Leaves - Also known as Thai basil, these leaves have a distinct peppery flavor with hints of anise, adding a fresh and aromatic touch to the dish.
- Garlic - Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Chili - Provides heat and spice to the dish, with its level of spiciness adjustable according to personal preference.
- Fish Sauce - A staple in Thai cuisine, fish sauce adds depth and saltiness to the dish.
- Light Soy Sauce: Gives a savory umami flavor
- Cooking Oil: Used to stir-fry the ingredients, ensuring everything cooks evenly.
- Oyster Sauce (optional)- Adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor, enhancing the umami profile of the dish.
- Dark Soy Sauce (optional)- Adds a rich, dark color and a hint of sweetness to balance the flavors.
- Water - Helps to adjust the consistency of the dish and blend the flavors together during cooking.
FAQs
What is Pad Kra Pao?
Pad Kra Pao (ผัดกะเพรา) is a spicy, savory stir-fry typically made with minced meat (often chicken, pork, or beef), fresh holy basil, garlic, and chili, all tossed in a rich umami-packed sauce. It's usually served over steamed jasmine rice and topped with a crispy fried egg (kai dao) for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
How to Make Pad Kra Pao
Making Pad Kra Pao at home is incredibly easy! With just a few ingredients, you can recreate this Thai street food classic in under 15 minutes. Whether you prefer Pad Kra Pao Chicken, Pad Kra Pao Beef, or even Pad Kra Pao Moo (pork), the key is in the sauce and the holy basil.
Pad Kra Pao Recipe (Easy & Authentic)
✔ Main Ingredients:
🥩 Your choice of minced chicken, pork, or beef
🌱 Thai holy basil (bai kra pao)
🧄 Garlic & bird's eye chilies
🧂 Oyster sauce, soy sauce, and fish sauce
🍚 Steamed jasmine rice
🍳 A crispy fried egg (optional, but highly recommended!)
Pro Tip:
If you can't find Thai holy basil, Italian basil can be a substitute.
What Does Pad Kra Pao Taste Like?
Pad Kra Pao has a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. The holy basil adds a distinct peppery, anise-like aroma, while the sauce gives it a deep umami taste. When paired with a crispy fried egg, the runny yolk enhances the richness of the dish.
Variations of Pad Kra Pao
- Pad Kra Pao Moo (Pork) – A popular version with minced pork.
- Pad Kra Pao Gai (Chicken) – A leaner alternative, perfect for a healthier meal.
- Pad Kra Pao Beef – Rich and flavorful, perfect for meat lovers.
- Vegetarian Pad Kra Pao – Swap the meat for tofu, Beyond Mince or mushrooms!
- Pad Kra Pao Sauce – Some prefer a saucier version, adjusting the seasonings to their taste.
What to Serve with Pad Kra Pao
- Jasmine rice – The fluffy, fragrant rice complements the bold flavors of the stir-fry.
- A crispy fried egg – The creamy yolk balances out the spice.
- Sliced cucumbers – Helps cool down the heat.
How Many Calories in Pad Kra Pao?
A standard serving of Pad Kra Pao Chicken with rice and a fried egg contains around 500-600 calories, depending on portion size and ingredients.
Where is Pad Kra Pao From?
Pad Kra Pao originates from Thailand and is a staple in street food stalls and home kitchens across the country. It's a go-to dish for locals when they need something quick, delicious, and satisfying.
Every local restaurant will have Pad Ka Prow at the top of the menu. It's the first choice for most Thai people when they can't decide what to eat. This easy meal gives you a true experience of Thai street food.
Spicy Thai Basil (Pad Kra Pao)
Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
10 minutes
Serves
2
Ingredients
Steps
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Prepare the Ingredients:
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Mince the garlic and chili.
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Wash and separate the holy basil leaves.
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Cooking:
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Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of cooking oil.
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Add minced garlic and chili, sauté until fragrant.
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Add minced pork and stir-fry until cooked through.
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Season with fish sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and dark soy sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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Add water to the pan to create a sauce consistency if desired.
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Add holy basil leaves and stir-fry until wilted.
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Nutritional info
% of daily valueCalorie Breakdown
Protein
212 cal
Fat
535 cal
Carbs
84 cal
Tips
- You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer chili and garlic.
- You can replace minced pork with chicken, beef, or vegetarian meat.
- If you don't have Thai basil, you can use Italian basil for this dish.
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