Pad Ka-Prao (Thai Basil Stir-Fry)
Try this Pad Ka-Prao recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Pad Ka-Prao recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 pound of ground pork beef, or chicken (you can do what i do here which is chop up 1 pound of skinless chicken breasts with a cleaver. you get better texture that way.)
- 7 (26g) large cloves of garlic peeled
- 7 (16g) bird’s eye chilies (or however many you can
- 1 large shallot (20g) peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons thin/light soy sauce or seasoning sauce (such as g
- 1 tablespoon dark sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 1 cup holy basil leaves packed
- Carbohydrate 1.31040000066465 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 10.2421500043841 g
- Fiber 0.0270000010728836 g
- Protein 0.576900000923934 g
- Saturated Fat 0.756750937823299 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (255g)
- Sodium 940.770001409638 mg
- Sugar 1.28339999959176 g
- Trans Fat 0.130662187553696 g
- Calories 98 calories
Step-by-step
- If you have a mortar, pound together the garlic, chilies, and shallot until you get a coarse paste. If no mortar, either chop them all up with a cleaver on a chopping block or pulse them into a coarse paste in a mini-chopper.
- In a skillet, heat up the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the paste to it and fry until fragrant.
- Add the meat to the skillet and break it up with the spatula into small pieces.
- Add the remaining ingredients (except the basil leaves), correcting seasoning as needed.
- Once the meat is cooked through, check the amount of liquid in the skillet. If it’s too dry, add a little bit of water or sodium-free broth.
- Before taking the skillet off the heat, add the basil leaves to the mixture and give it a couple of stirs. We only want to wilt the basil with the residual heat that is still in the pan so as not to mute the fragrance of the fresh holy basil leaves.
- Serve over rice. A Thai-style crispy fried egg on top and a tiny bowl of nam-pla prik would be nice.
My Favorite Weeknight Dinner: Pad Ka-Prao
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can be a challenge. But I've discovered a secret weapon in my kitchen arsenal: Pad Ka-Prao. This vibrant Thai basil stir-fry is not only incredibly flavorful but also incredibly quick to prepare. It's become a staple in our family's weeknight dinner rotation, and I'm excited to share my simple recipe and why it's become such a lifesaver.
The beauty of Pad Ka-Prao lies in its simplicity. The key is fresh ingredients and a good balance of savory and slightly spicy flavors. I often use ground chicken or pork, but you can easily substitute with beef or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The holy basil, with its unique licorice-like aroma, is a must-have ingredient, and gives this dish its distinct character. While traditional recipes call for specific amounts of fish sauce and soy sauce, I encourage you to experiment and adjust the seasoning to your own preference. A little bit of sweetness from dark soy sauce is often a lovely addition, and don't forget the garlic, chilies, and shallot - these form the fragrant base of the dish and create depth of flavour. This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust the level of spice to your liking, and it's incredibly forgiving, meaning that minor variations in the ingredients won't significantly affect the outcome.
What I love most about Pad Ka-Prao is its versatility. I can easily adapt it depending on what I have in my fridge. Sometimes I add extra vegetables like sliced bell peppers or snow peas, adding to the nutrition and color of the dish. On busy weeknights, when I don't have time to chop everything from scratch, I'll use pre-chopped garlic and chilies, saving precious minutes without sacrificing flavor. Serving it with fluffy steamed rice is a classic combination, but a side of noodles also works well for something a little different. The leftovers are also great for lunch the next day, making it an economical and convenient meal to prepare. I often double the recipe, storing half for lunches throughout the week which is very helpful indeed.
Beyond its convenience, Pad Ka-Prao represents a culinary adventure for me. It's a dish that transports me to bustling Thai street food markets, where the aromas of sizzling meat and fragrant herbs fill the air. Each bite is a tiny escape, a reminder of the simple joys of flavorful food. Even better, it’s a meal that the whole family enjoys; my children have no problem finishing it off with gusto and ask for more.
For a touch of elegance, you can garnish your Pad Ka-Prao with a crispy fried egg, adding a rich, savory element to the dish. A simple side of nam pla prik, a Thai dipping sauce, adds another layer of flavor and elevates the entire dining experience. The crispy fried egg does elevate it a notch. I love the simplicity of this dish and the ability to change it to your own personal preference.
This dish is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple, flavorful cooking, a reminder that even on the busiest of days, a delicious and satisfying meal is within reach. It's my go-to dish when I want something quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. This dish has become a regular feature in our home because it's so easy to make, the whole family loves it and it’s a healthy option too!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of chilies to your preference. Start with fewer and add more as needed.
- Protein Choices: Ground turkey, shrimp, or tofu can all be used successfully.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Consider adding vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, carrots, and snow peas for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Make it Ahead: Prepare the garlic, chili, and shallot paste ahead of time to save time during the week.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying weeknight dinner, give my Pad Ka-Prao recipe a try. You won't regret it!
