Pad Kra Pao is a classic Thai dish featuring minced chicken stir-fried with garlic, chilies, and Thai basil leaves. It’s known for its bold and aromatic flavors, often complemented by a fried egg on top and served over steamed jasmine rice. This dish is a quick and satisfying meal that balances spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 500g minced chicken
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4-6 bird’s eye chilies, sliced (adjust to spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- Optional: Fried egg (for topping)
- Steamed jasmine rice (for serving)
Preparation
- Prepare the ingredients: Mince garlic and slice chilies. Wash and pick Thai basil leaves.
- Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium heat. Add garlic and chilies, stir-fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir-fry: Add minced chicken and cook until no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces.
- Season: Stir in oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add basil: Turn off the heat and toss in the Thai basil leaves. Stir until the basil is wilted.
- Serve: Spoon over steamed jasmine rice and top with a fried egg, if desired.
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Serves
- 2-3 people
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
Notes
- Adjust the heat: Add or reduce the chilies to suit your spice tolerance.
- Protein substitution: Ground pork, beef, or tofu can be used instead of chicken.
- Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with tofu and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
- Rice pairing: Jasmine rice is traditional, but you can use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
Enjoy this aromatic and flavorful dish!