Easy 15-min. Pad Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry)

Easy 15-min. Pad Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry)

Ground meat, holy basil, red chilis, and aromatics stir-fried in a spicy, savory sauce served over rice with a fried egg! This easy pad kra pao recipe uses simple ingredients and is ready in 15 minutes, making it a better-than-takeout main for busy weeknights!

4.88 from 8 votes

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Thai

Servings

Calories per serving 393 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb extra-lean ground chicken or ground pork / ground beef
1 cup Holy basil or Italian sweet basil, stems removed
1 shallot finely diced
2 large red chili or bird's eye chili for extra spicy, de-seed & finely chopped
5 garlic cloves minced
¼ cup chicken stock unsalted
3 tablespoon vegetable oil or any neutral oil

Sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce or vegetarian stir-fry sauce
2 teaspoon fish sauce
2 teaspoon white granulated sugar or granulated cane sugar
1 teaspoon regular soy sauce or light soy sauce
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce

Serve with:

2 fried eggs or as needed (optional)
cooked jasmine rice

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients as listed above until sugar has dissolved and set aside.
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, stir-fry the shallot, garlic, and chilis for about 30 seconds, until fragrant and slightly softened.
Add ground meat and break it up into smaller pieces (not chunks). Cook until liquids in the pan have evaporated and the meat is slightly browned.
Add the sauce and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Then pour in the stock and continue stir-frying for an additional 30 seconds.
Add basil and stir fry until slightly softened, about 15 seconds. Transfer the dish to a large serving plate.
Serve with steamed white rice and a fried egg on top. Enjoy!

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