Ever wonder what makes Thai people smile when they smell garlic sizzling in a hot pan? It’s Pad Kra Pao time!

This beloved stir-fry turns simple ingredients into Thailand’s ultimate comfort food. In just 15 minutes, you’ll create a dish that balances spicy chilies, aromatic holy basil, and savory sauces, all topped with a perfectly fried egg featuring crispy edges and a golden yolk.

From busy Bangkok streets to quiet village stalls, this crowd-pleaser has earned its place as Thailand’s unofficial national dish.

Street vendors toss fresh ingredients in smoking woks while hungry customers wait nearby, filling the air with holy basil’s distinctive aroma.

Simple cooking that delivers bold flavors over fluffy jasmine rice, which is authentic Thai comfort food at its finest.

What is Pad Kra Pao?

“Pad” means stir-fry in Thai, while “Kra Pao” refers to holy basil, the fragrant herb that turns ordinary ingredients into something special. This name tells you everything about the dish.

Unlike sweet Italian basil, holy basil delivers peppery, spicy notes with undertones of clove and anise. The dish features ground meat, typically pork, cooked with garlic, chilies, fish sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce.

This dish represents Thai culinary philosophy by achieving maximum flavor through simple techniques and quality ingredients.

Pad Kra Pao proves that the best food often comes from the simplest approach.

Pro Tip: Mix all your sauce ingredients in a small bowl before you start cooking. This makes the stir frying process much smoother and prevents burning.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create authentic Pad Kra Pao that tastes just like what you’d get from a Thai street vendor. The key is working quickly and keeping your heat high for that signature smoky flavor.

1. Prep All Ingredients

Start by mincing garlic finely, slicing chilies, and measuring sauce ingredients into a bowl. Have your protein ready and basil leaves picked.

This preparation is essential because Thai cooking moves fast once you start. Having everything prepped prevents burning and ensures smooth cooking.

Pro Tip: Keep a small bowl of water nearby to quickly cool your fingers if you accidentally touch hot chilies.

2. Heat the Wok Until Very Hot

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in your wok over high heat until it starts to shimmer. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil moves easily around the pan and starts to give off a light haze.

The high temperature is crucial for creating authentic “wok hei,” that distinctive smoky flavor that makes restaurant versions so special. Don’t rush this step, as proper heat is the foundation of great stir-fry.

Pro Tip: Test the heat by dropping in a small piece of garlic which should sizzle immediately and turn golden within seconds.

3. Sauté Garlic and Chilies Until Fragrant

Add minced garlic and sliced chilies to the hot oil. Listen for that satisfying sizzle as they hit the pan. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden.

This creates the aromatic base that flavors the entire dish. The garlic should smell toasted, and the chilies should release their heat into the oil. Don’t let the garlic turn brown, or it will taste bitter.

Pro Tip: Keep your spatula moving constantly to prevent the garlic from burning in the hot oil.

4. Add Protein and Cook Until Golden

Add your ground protein, breaking it up with your spatula as it hits the hot pan. The meat should sizzle immediately and start browning within seconds.

Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the meat develops golden-brown edges and is nearly cooked through. The high heat helps create those delicious caramelized bits that add so much flavor.

Pro Tip: Press the meat down occasionally with your spatula to get better contact with the hot pan for more browning.

5. Pour in the Sauce Mixture and Stir Quickly

Add your pre-mixed sauce combination and stir everything together rapidly. The sauces will bubble and steam as they hit the hot ingredients.

Stir for 1-2 minutes until the sauces coat the protein evenly, creating a glossy finish. The sugar in the sauce will help caramelize everything together beautifully.

Pro Tip: If the mixture looks too dry, add a splash of water to help the sauces coat everything evenly.

6. Toss in Basil Last and Remove from Heat

Remove the wok from the heat first, then immediately add the holy basil leaves. This timing is critical for preserving the basil’s fresh flavor and bright green color.

Toss quickly using your spatula. The residual heat will wilt the basil perfectly while preserving its bright flavor and aroma. Overcooked basil turns dark and bitter, so timing matters here.

Pro Tip: Save a few fresh basil leaves to sprinkle on top for extra aroma and visual appeal.

7. Serve Over Jasmine Rice with Fried Egg

Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice while everything is still piping hot. Top with a crispy-edged fried egg that has a perfectly runny yolk.

The runny yolk mixed with the spicy stir-fry creates the perfect creamy richness that makes this dish so satisfying. Don’t skip the egg as it’s essential for the complete Pad Kra Pao experience.

Pro Tip: Fry the egg in the same pan after removing the stir-fry to pick up any leftover flavors from the bottom.

Recipe Notes

Notes: Adjust chilies for heat preference. Thai basil works if holy basil is unavailable. Refrigerate leftovers 3 days.

Perfect Pairings for Pad Kra Pao

Complement your Thai basil stir-fry with these traditional accompaniments and beverages that enhance the dining experience.

1. Side Dishes

Fresh cucumber slices and tomato wedges provide cooling relief from the spicy heat while adding crisp texture contrast. Thai-style pickled vegetables offer tangy brightness that cuts through the rich, savory flavors.

Serve with prik nam pla (sliced chilies in fish sauce) on the side for extra heat. A simple clear soup like tom kha gai balances the intensity with soothing, creamy coconut broth.

2. Beverage Pairings

Thai iced tea’s sweet creaminess perfectly counteracts the dish’s spicy kick while complementing the aromatic basil. Fresh coconut water provides natural cooling properties that soothe the palate.

Light lagers or wheat beers work wonderfully with the bold flavors without overwhelming them. For non-alcoholic options, try lime soda or jasmine tea to cleanse the palate between bites.

3. Complete Meal Ideas

Create a Thai feast by serving alongside som tam (papaya salad) for fresh, tangy contrast. Add mango sticky rice for dessert to end the meal on a sweet, comforting note.

For family-style dining, pair with Thai green curry and pad thai for variety. This combination offers different flavor profiles while maintaining authentic Thai dining traditions.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Based on the recipe serving 4 people with ground pork:

Disclaimer: These values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and cooking methods. Values include rice and fried egg.

The serving size of 350g represents a typical portion including the stir-fry, jasmine rice, and fried egg combined.

Delicious Variations (Thai Basil Stir-Fry Ideas)

Each variation brings its own character while maintaining the essential Pad Kra Pao flavor profile that makes this dish so beloved.

1. Pad Kra Pao Moo (Pork)

Ground pork remains the most popular choice in Thailand, with its natural richness creating perfect harmony with holy basil and chilies. The pork’s sweetness balances beautifully against the salty-savory sauce mixture.

Choosean 80% lean to 20% fat blend for ideal flavor and texture. The rendered fat carries the holy basil’s peppery notes throughout every bite.

2. Pad Kra Pao Gai (Chicken)

Ground chicken offers a milder option perfect for families, with its neutral taste allowing spices to shine. It absorbs sauce quickly and cooks evenly for weeknight dinners.

This lighter protein pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice and fried egg. Use ground chicken thigh meat for better moisture and flavor.

3. Pad Kra Pao Nuea (Beef)

Ground beef provides the heartiest option with substantial flavor that stands up to intense seasonings. Its natural umami creates complex flavors with pungent holy basil.

Choose beef with fat content (80/20 blend) for richness and tenderness. The bold character pairs perfectly with rice and extra sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Keep your Pad Kra Pao delicious with these simple storage and reheating tips.

• Serve fresh for optimal holy basil aroma and flavor
• Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in an airtight container
• Freeze up to 2 months (basil loses some vibrancy)
• Reheat in a wok with a splash of water over medium heat
• Always fry eggs fresh – reheated eggs turn rubbery

Pro Tip: Store the stir-fry and rice separately to prevent the rice from getting soggy and mushy.

Cook Thailand’s Favorite Comfort Food Tonight!

Pad Kra Pao proves that exceptional meals come from quality ingredients prepared with proper technique, not complicated recipes or expensive equipment.

This quick dish requires only basic pantry staples and a hot pan to create restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen.

The bold, balanced flavors showcase exactly what makes Thai cuisine so beloved worldwide. Each bite delivers layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more.

Learn this authentic recipe, and you’ll have a reliable comfort food that satisfies any craving for something spicy, savory, and deeply satisfying.

Ready to bring Thailand’s favorite comfort food to your kitchen? Try this recipe tonight and share your results in the comments below!