Authentic Pad Kra Pao Recipe: Quick Thai Basil Stir-Fry

Sizzling woks and bustling street markets echo the vibrant flavors of this authentic pad kra pao recipe straight from Thailand’s culinary heart.

Fragrant basil leaves dance with tender chicken, creating a spicy symphony that captures the essence of street food magic.

Bold chili peppers add a fiery kick that will make your taste buds tingle with excitement.

This classic dish brings the electric energy of Bangkok’s food stalls directly to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and aromatic notes that define Thai cuisine.

Simple ingredients combine to deliver an explosive flavor profile that will transport you to the bustling streets of Southeast Asia.

You’ll be amazed at how quickly this restaurant-worthy meal comes together, making it your new go-to weeknight dinner solution.

What You’ll Need for Authentic Pad Kra Pao

• Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds savory depth with less salt, perfect for balanced flavor profiles.
• Fish Sauce: Brings authentic Thai umami punch, select high-quality brands for best taste.
• Brown Sugar: Provides subtle sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce, choose organic for richer flavor.
• Oyster Sauce: Delivers rich, complex taste with deep brownish undertones, look for gluten-free options.
• Lime Juice: Brightens and balances the entire dish with zesty freshness, use fresh-squeezed for maximum impact.
• Ground Coriander, Ground Ginger, White Pepper: Creates complex spice blend, ensure spices are fresh and fragrant.
• Asian Chili Sauce: Adds controlled heat and tangy complexity, adjust according to personal spice tolerance.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty aroma and depth, use sparingly for maximum effect.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken sauce and create glossy texture, ensure no lumps when mixing.

• Vegetable Oil: Creates non-stick cooking surface, choose high smoke point varieties.
• Lean Ground Beef: Quick-cooking protein that absorbs flavors beautifully, select fresh, high-quality meat.
• Garlic: Provides intense aromatic base, crush for maximum flavor release.
• Jalapenos or Serrano Chili Peppers: Introduces fresh, vibrant heat, remove seeds for milder experience.
• Sweet Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and texture, slice thinly for even cooking.

Tools to Cook Pad Kra Pao Properly

• Wok or Large Cast Iron Skillet: Essential for high-heat stir-frying and achieving the perfect sear on the beef.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for whisking together the flavorful sauce ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure sauce components for balanced flavors.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for breaking up beef and stirring ingredients during cooking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, bell peppers, chilies, and garlic.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Pad Kra Pao

Pad Kra Pao Culinary Adventure

• Flavor Foundation

Create a zesty sauce that blends sweet, salty, and spicy notes. Mix liquid seasonings until they dance together harmoniously.

• Beef Sizzle

Heat a wide pan until it whispers with energy. Drop ground beef and let it caramelize, creating deep golden edges. Break into rough chunks, allowing each piece to develop rich, crispy surfaces.

• Vegetable Harmony

Toss chopped onions, peppers, and fiery chilies into the sizzling beef. Watch them soften and mingle, releasing aromatic waves that wake up your kitchen.

• Sauce Transformation

Pour prepared sauce over the beef mixture. Stir gently, allowing each ingredient to absorb the complex flavor profile. Let everything bubble and merge into a cohesive, mouth-watering blend.

• Herbal Finale

Scatter fresh basil leaves across the pan. Their bright green will wilt and release an intoxicating aroma. Remove from heat when beef looks perfectly cooked and vegetables maintain a slight crunch.

• Serving Magic

Cascade the spicy mixture over steamed rice. Garnish with extra chili or a squeeze of lime for personal flair. Each bite promises a journey through Thai street food excitement.

Variations for Pad Kra Pao

• Flavor Boosters: Swap traditional Thai basil with holy basil for an authentic, spicier kick that transforms the dish's entire taste profile.
• Protein Alternatives: Ground chicken, pork, or tofu work brilliantly if beef isn't your preference, offering delightful texture variations while maintaining the classic recipe's spirit.
• Heat Control: Adjust chili pepper quantities to match your spice tolerance – remove seeds for milder version or add extra for fiery enthusiasts seeking bold, intense flavors.
• Serving Suggestions: Top the dish with a crispy fried egg for added richness, or garnish with chopped green onions and crushed peanuts to introduce delightful textural contrast and nutty undertones.
• Quick Meal Prep: Double the recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers – this dish reheats wonderfully and tastes even more delicious the next day as flavors continue to develop and meld together.

Plate Pad Kra Pao with Jasmine Rice

• Flavor Explosion Plate: Serve this spicy beef dish over fragrant jasmine rice, creating a colorful and aromatic base that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
• Garnish Galore: Top with fresh Thai basil leaves, thinly sliced red chilies, and a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of freshness and tang that elevates the entire dish.
• Crispy Companion: Add a crispy fried egg on top with a runny yolk to create a rich, creamy element that blends perfectly with the spicy beef and rice.
• Texture Boost: Sprinkle some crushed roasted peanuts or crispy fried shallots over the dish for an incredible crunch that adds depth and excitement to every bite.

Store Leftovers to Keep the Flavor Intact

• Fridge Fast-Track: Store leftover Pad Kra Pao in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate the rice and meat to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Freezer Friendly Batch: Freeze the meat mixture without rice for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and quickly reheat in skillet for best flavor restoration.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare sauce and chop vegetables in advance. Keep ingredients separately in sealed containers, allowing quick 15-minute cooking during busy weeknights.
• Leftover Lunch Transformation: Repurpose cold Pad Kra Pao by turning it into a delicious wrap or stuffing for lettuce rolls. Add fresh herbs for extra zesty flavor boost.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15minutes

Cook Time: 7minutes

Total Time: 22minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Spicy Thai Pad Kra Pao Recipe

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• Total Time: 22minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Authentic pad kra pao blends spicy Thai basil chicken with aromatic ingredients for a quick street-style meal. Chefs can master this classic Bangkok dish through precise techniques and fresh components that deliver explosive flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
• 6 cloves garlic
• 1–2 jalapenos or serrano chili peppers
• ½ sweet onion
• 1 small bell pepper
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup Thai basil leaves
• 2 tbsps reduced sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsps fish sauce
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp Asian chili sauce
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp white pepper

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk sauce ingredients in a small bowl, allowing flavors to meld while preparing other components.
2. Heating Surface: Position wok or large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until surface reaches optimal temperature.
3. Protein Searing: Introduce ground beef to hot surface, strategically spreading to develop caramelized exterior. Break meat into refined fragments while ensuring uniform browning, then drain excess fat.
4. Aromatic Integration: Swiftly add onions, bell peppers, chilies, and garlic, creating a dynamic flavor profile through continuous rapid stirring.
5. Sauce Incorporation: Pour prepared sauce over ingredients, vigorously mixing to ensure comprehensive flavor distribution and precise ingredient integration.
6. Final Flourish: Gently fold Thai basil leaves into mixture, cooking until beef reaches complete doneness and vegetables achieve desired tenderness.
7. Plating Presentation: Serve over steamed jasmine rice, garnishing with optional chili condiment, fresh pepper slices, or lime wedge to enhance culinary experience.

Notes

• Sauce Preparation Timing: Whisk sauce ingredients early to allow flavors to meld and intensify while preparing other recipe components.
• Wok Temperature Mastery: Heat cooking surface to medium-high for optimal caramelization and flavor development of ground beef.
• Beef Browning Technique: Position meat strategically in hot pan, turning carefully to create a robust caramelized exterior and break into uniform small pieces.
• Herb Integration Trick: Fold Thai basil leaves gently at the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant flavor and aromatic qualities, ensuring maximum freshness and color retention.

• Prep Time: 15minutes
• Cook Time: 7minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg