Authentic Pad Krapow Recipe (Stir-Fried Holy Basil)
- Praphasri Panphasom
- Jun 20
- 2 min read
When Thai people don't know what to order, they order Pad Krapow (Stir-Fried Holy Basil). It is the undisputed king of Thai street food—a quick, intensely flavorful, and spicy stir-fry that perfectly hits the spot.
The star of this dish is the Holy Basil, which provides a peppery, clove-like aroma that cannot be substituted. Whether you prefer the classic minced pork or chicken, or a modern plant-based vegan option, this recipe will show you how to cook authentic Pad Krapow in just a few minutes!
Ingredients (Serves 1)
Choose Your Protein:
For Regular Version: 100 g sliced/minced pork or chicken
For Vegan Version: 100 g plant-based meat
Aromatics & Essential Ingredients:
1 tbsp chopped garlic
1-3 chili peppers, crushed (adjust to your spice tolerance!)
1 tbsp cooking oil
1/2 cup holy basil leaves
Choose Your Seasoning:
For Regular Version: 1/2 tsp sugar, 1/2 tbsp fish sauce, 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce, 1/4 cup water or stock
For Vegan Version: 1/2 tsp sugar, 1/2 tbsp vegan fish sauce (or soy sauce), 1/2 tbsp vegan oyster sauce (mushroom sauce), 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce, 1/4 cup water or vegetable stock
Step-by-Step Instructions
(Note: The cooking method is the same whether you are using meat or a plant-based alternative).
Heat the oil: Add the cooking oil to a wok over low heat.
Fry the aromatics: Add the chopped garlic and crushed chili peppers. Stir until fragrant. (Warning: The spicy aroma will make you cough—that means you are doing it right!)
Cook the protein: Add the pork, chicken, or plant-based meat and stir-fry until it is fully cooked.
Add liquid and seasonings: Pour in the water or stock. Increase to medium heat. Add sugar, your chosen fish sauce (or soy sauce), oyster sauce (or mushroom sauce), and dark soy sauce. Stir well to combine.
Add holy basil: Add the holy basil leaves, turn the heat to high, and stir-fry quickly for about 15 seconds.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately with hot rice. (Chef's tip: Top it with a crispy fried egg for the ultimate Thai street food experience!)
Learn to Cook Like a Local in Chiang Mai
Pad Krapow is all about speed, high heat, and balancing the salty-spicy sauce. Want to experience the thrill of a real Thai kitchen?
At Cookventure Home Cooking Studio, we offer [authentic Thai cooking classes] that teach you the true art of Thai street food. If you are a digital nomad or long-term traveler, we also offer certified [DTV Visa cooking programs] to help you secure your 5-year stay in beautiful Chiang Mai!
