Pad Kra Pao, also known as Thai basil stir-fry, is one of Thailand's most beloved street-food dishes—fast, fragrant, spicy, and loaded with flavor. It's a go-to comfort meal for busy cooks around the world, and its growing popularity in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the UK is no surprise. With a perfect balance of savory sauce, aromatic basil, and sizzling ground meat, Pad Kra Pao is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into something exciting.
This in-depth guide walks you through how to make Pad Kra Pao at home, the best ingredients to use, variations for different diets, serving suggestions, and tips to help you master this iconic Thai recipe.
What Is Pad Kra Pao?
Pad Kra Pao is a classic Thai stir-fry made with ground meat, garlic, chilies, and Thai holy basil. The sauce is a blend of umami-rich seasonings that caramelize beautifully when cooked over high heat. Traditionally served with jasmine rice and topped with a crispy fried egg, this dish is fast, bold, and deeply aromatic.
Its signature qualities include:
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Punchy garlic and chili heat
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Sweet-salty-savoury sauce
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A burst of fresh basil aroma
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Tender minced meat that absorbs rich flavor
Why Pad Kra Pao Has Become a Global Favorite
1. Ready in Under 20 Minutes
This dish is perfect for busy households wanting fast, flavorful meals without long prep time.
2. Naturally Balanced Flavor
It blends sweet, spicy, salty, and aromatic notes—appealing to a wide range of palates.
3. Highly Customizable
Whether you prefer chicken, pork, beef, tofu, or plant-based options, Pad Kra Pao adapts easily.
4. Comfort Food with Fresh Ingredients
It's a satisfying stir-fry that feels hearty yet vibrant, making it ideal for lunch or dinner.
5. Loved Across International Kitchens
With more people exploring global cuisine at home, Pad Kra Pao has become a must-make for food lovers in North America, Australia, and the UK.
Ingredients for an Authentic Pad Kra Pao Recipe
Protein Options
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Ground pork
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Ground chicken
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Ground beef
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Shrimp
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Firm tofu or plant-based mince
Aromatics
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Garlic
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Thai bird's eye chilies (or substitute with serrano or red chili for less heat)
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Onion (optional)
Sauce Ingredients
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Oyster sauce
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Soy sauce
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Dark soy sauce
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Fish sauce
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Sugar (typically palm sugar or brown sugar)
Greens & Herbs
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Thai holy basil (ideally)
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Thai sweet basil or regular basil if holy basil is not available
For Serving
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Steamed jasmine rice
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Fried egg with crispy edges
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Lime wedges (optional)
How to Make Pad Kra Pao: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep the Aromatics
Finely chop garlic and chilies. Traditional Pad Kra Pao uses a mortar and pestle, but chopping or crushing is perfectly acceptable.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Chilies
Heat oil in a wok or skillet on high heat. Add garlic and chilies and stir-fry until fragrant—about 20–30 seconds.
Step 4: Add the Protein
Add your ground meat or tofu. Stir continuously to break it apart. Cook until lightly browned and cooked through.
Step 5: Pour in the Sauce
Add the sauce mixture to the pan. Stir to coat the meat and allow it to caramelize slightly, intensifying the flavor.
Step 6: Add Basil
Turn off the heat and immediately fold in the basil. The residual heat will wilt the leaves perfectly, releasing their aroma.
Step 7: Serve
Spoon the stir-fry over hot jasmine rice. Add a crispy fried egg on top—the runny yolk enhances the flavor and texture.
How to Make the Perfect Crispy Fried Egg
The classic Thai-style fried egg is crispy at the edges with a molten center.
Steps
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Heat a generous amount of oil in a small pan on medium-high heat.
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Crack an egg into the hot oil.
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Tilt the pan slightly so the edges crisp quickly.
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Remove when golden and bubbly at the edges.
This egg completes the traditional Pad Kra Pao experience.
Flavor Variations You Can Try
1. Mild Pad Kra Pao
Use fewer chilies or replace bird's eye chilies with mild red peppers.
2. Extra Spicy Version
Add more chilies or stir in chili paste.
3. Vegetarian or Vegan Version
Use plant-based mince or firm tofu and substitute fish sauce with a vegan alternative.
4. Low-Sodium Variation
Use reduced-sodium soy sauces and adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Saucy Pad Kra Pao
Add a splash of water or broth for extra sauce—great for rice lovers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Wrong Basil
Holy basil provides the signature peppery aroma. Sweet basil works as a substitute but changes the flavor profile slightly.
Not Cooking on High Heat
Wok-style stir-fries require high heat for authentic texture and flavor.
Overcrowding the Pan
Too much protein at once prevents browning and leads to steaming instead of stir-frying.
Too Much Sugar or Sauce
Pad Kra Pao should be bold but balanced—not overly sweet or overly saucy.
Serving Suggestions
1. Classic Rice Bowl
Serve Pad Kra Pao over jasmine rice with a fried egg.
2. Lettuce Wraps
Use butter lettuce leaves for a lighter variation.
3. Noodle Stir-Fry
Mix Pad Kra Pao with rice noodles or egg noodles for a hearty twist.
4. Thai Meal Spread
Serve alongside papaya salad, fried rice, or Thai soup for a complete meal.
5. Meal Prep Option
Pad Kra Pao reheats well and pairs perfectly with steamed vegetables and rice for balanced weekly meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pad Kra Pao have to be spicy?
Traditionally, yes—but you can adjust chili levels to your preference.
Can I make Pad Kra Pao without fish sauce?
Yes. Use extra soy sauce or a plant-based alternative.
What's the best meat for Pad Kra Pao?
Ground pork is most traditional, but chicken, beef, and tofu all work beautifully.
What type of basil is best?
Holy basil is the gold standard, but sweet basil is a fine substitute.
Is Pad Kra Pao good for meal prep?
Yes, it stores very well and reheats quickly.
Why This Pad Kra Pao Recipe Appeals to International Cooks
Home cooks across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the UK love recipes that are:
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Fast
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Flavor-packed
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Customizable
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Made with easy-to-find ingredients
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Versatile enough for both lunch and dinner
Pad Kra Pao delivers all of this while bringing the vibrant flavors of Thailand into everyday kitchens. It's ideal for those who want bold taste without complicated steps.
Pad Kra Pao is a simple yet powerful stir-fry that captures the heart of Thai comfort food. With minimal prep, everyday ingredients, and quick cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anyone craving authentic Thai flavor at home.
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