A Thai Classic You Can Make in Minutes

Pad Kra Pao is one of the most beloved street foods in Thailand, and for good reason. It’s salty, spicy, a little sweet, and full of aromatic basil. This version is fast, satisfying, and hits all the flavor notes in under 20 minutes. Whether you use chicken, pork, or beef, it’s guaranteed to bring bold flavor with minimal effort.

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Ingredients for Pad Kra Pao

The beauty of Pad Kra Pao is how simple the ingredients are, yet they create such bold flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients

• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed or minced
• 2 Thai chili peppers, smashed or minced
• 6 oz ground meat (chicken, pork, or beef)
• 1 handful Thai basil leaves

Sauce

• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Optional

• Fried egg, for topping
• Steamed jasmine rice, for serving

These ingredients are easy to find at any Asian market, and you can swap proteins depending on what you have on hand. Thai basil adds that classic peppery flavor that sets this dish apart, so don’t skip it if you can help it.. You’ll need garlic and Thai chili for the spice, onion for sweetness, ground meat for protein, and Thai basil for that signature licorice-like aroma. The sauce is a quick combo of soy sauces, fish sauce, and sugar, nothing fancy, but it delivers.

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How to Make Pad Kra Pao

Step-by-Step Instructions

First finely grind your garlic and Thai chilies.

Start by heating a bit of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add your onions, garlic, and Thai chilies and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until fragrant.

Next, add your ground meat of choice. Stir and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the meat is mostly browned.

Pour in the sauce mixture and stir everything well. The sauce should coat the meat and reduce slightly, clinging to each bite.

Add a big handful of Thai basil and stir just until wilted. You want it to retain its vibrant color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot with rice and, if you like, a crispy fried egg on top for that perfect contrast of textures.

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Pad kra Pao Customization and Substitutions

Can I Use Different Proteins?

Yes. While chicken and pork are the most common, ground beef, turkey, or even crumbled tofu all work well. Just adjust the cook time as needed and make sure whatever you use can hold up to the sauce.

What if I Don’t Have Thai Basil?

Thai basil has a unique flavor, but in a pinch, you can use Italian basil or even a mix of basil and mint to mimic the profile. It won’t be quite the same, but it will still taste great.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pad Kra Pao supposed to be very spicy?
Traditionally yes, but you can reduce the number of chilies or remove the seeds to adjust the heat to your taste.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative, and replace the fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce.

What kind of rice should I serve it with?
Jasmine rice is the classic pairing, but it also works with short-grain white rice or brown rice.

How do I make the perfect crispy egg?
Fry an egg in hot oil until the edges bubble and crisp up, then spoon hot oil over the top to cook the whites. Keep the yolk runny for best results.

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You Might Also Like

• Looking for another Thai dish? Try my Pad See Ew
• Craving more basil flavor? Check out my Drunken Noodles
• For another 20-minute meal, don’t miss my Honey Lemon Chicken