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Flavorful Thai Pad Krapow Basil Stir-Fry

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A quick and easy Thai stir-fry featuring ground pork, fresh holy basil, and a spicy kick from bird’s eye chilies. Perfect for busy weeknights and packed with bold, authentic flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground pork (or ground chicken/turkey)
  • 1 cup fresh holy basil leaves, loosely packed (substitute Thai basil or sweet basil if unavailable)
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2–4 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Optional: 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
  • Steamed jasmine rice, for serving
  • Optional: Fried egg, for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: mince garlic and chilies finely; pick and roughly chop basil leaves, discarding thick stems; slice shallots thinly if using. This takes about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 1-2 minutes).
  3. Add minced garlic, chilies, and shallots (if using). Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add ground pork to the pan. Break it up with a spatula and cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink and slightly browned.
  5. Pour in fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well to coat the meat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Add chopped holy basil leaves and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the leaves wilt but remain vibrant green. If sauce seems dry, splash 1-2 tablespoons water or stock before adding basil.
  7. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice. Optionally top with a fried egg for a classic Thai street food experience.

Notes

Use high heat to keep meat juicy and get slight caramelization. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Fresh holy basil is key for authentic flavor. Adjust chilies to control spiciness. Let cooked meat rest briefly off heat before adding basil for better texture. If sauce is dry, add a splash of water or stock before adding basil. Serve with steamed jasmine rice and optionally a fried egg.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai stir-fry, Pad Krapow, basil stir-fry, spicy Thai recipe, ground pork stir-fry, easy Thai dinner, holy basil recipe

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/flavorful-thai-pad-krapow-basil-stir-fry-easy-spicy-recipe-for-beginners/