Pad Kra Pao Recipe (Authentic Thai Basil Pork)

User Reviews

5

38 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Servings

    2 people

  • Calories

    657 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Thai

Pad Kra Pao Recipe (Authentic Thai Basil Pork)

Pad Kra Pao features ground pork stirred with minced garlic, chilies, and a combination of oyster, soy, and fish sauces, topped with aromatic holy basil. The dish balances savory, spicy, and slightly sweet notes, with the fresh herbal punch of the basil delivering a distinctive finish. The quick stir-fry method creates a moist yet richly flavored pork topping that pairs well with steamed rice and an optional fried egg to add creaminess.

Description

The Pad Kra Pao Recipe combines ground pork with a pungent mix of crushed garlic and chilies cooked in neutral oil. Sauces including oyster, soy, and fish sauce along with sugar and a seasoning powder provide its characteristic umami and savory-sweet balance. The final toss of holy basil leaves, distinct from sweet basil, adds an aromatic layer that defines this Thai stir-fry. Cooking over medium-high heat for just a few minutes ensures the pork retains moisture while absorbing the robust flavors.

The texture is slightly saucy but can be adjusted with water for a moister consistency based on preference. Typically, this dish is served over steamed rice, topped with a fried egg for a contrasting creamy texture. The intense herbal and savory components make it a practical meal option for those who enjoy spicy, flavor-packed meat dishes prepared swiftly.

It's important to use holy basil for the authentic flavor, and the recipe suggests alternatives for seasoning powder to accommodate ingredient availability. To maintain the dish's texture, adjusting water quantity after adding sauces can prevent dryness.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 tbsp neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 4 chilies add to taste
  • 1.5 cup ground pork
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce light
  • 1/2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1/2 tbsp rosdee seasoning powder see notes
  • 1 1/2 tbsp white sugar
  • a handful holy basil
  • 1 egg optional, fried

Instructions

  1. Roughly crush the garlic and chilies using a mortar and pestle.
  2. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a wok pan or skillet. Add the crushed chili-garlic paste, stir-fry for 20 seconds, or until the garlic turns golden and the paste becomes fragrant.
  3. Toss in ground pork and break up any clumps. If you’re comfortable with it, cook over high heat, stirring continuously until the meat is fully cooked through which typically takes about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add oyster sauce, fish sauce, white sugar, light soy sauce, and flavor seasoning. Continue stir-frying until sugar is dissolved and sauces are well mixed.
  5. Turn off the heat and toss in holy basil, gently mix and serve.

Notes

  • RosDee seasoning powder can be substituted with golden mountain seasoning sauce if unavailable.
  • Serve Pad Kra Pao immediately with rice and optionally a fried egg for best texture and flavor.
  • If the stir-fry appears too dry, add a small amount of water to achieve desired moistness.
  • Ensure holy basil is used to preserve traditional taste, not sweet basil.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 657kcal (33%) Carbohydrates 19g (6%) Protein 33g (66%) Fat 50g (77%) Saturated Fat 14g (70%) Polyunsaturated Fat 7g (41%) Monounsaturated Fat 25g (125%) Trans Fat 0.1g (5%) Cholesterol 122mg (41%) Sodium 1954mg (81%) Potassium 859mg (18%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 11g (22%) Vitamin A 870IU (17%) Vitamin C 132mg (147%) Calcium 58mg (6%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 657 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 657kcal 33%
Carbohydrates 19g 6%
Protein 33g 66%
Fat 50g 77%
Saturated Fat 14g 70%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7g 41%
Monounsaturated Fat 25g 125%
Trans Fat 0.1g 5%
Cholesterol 122mg 41%
Sodium 1954mg 81%
Potassium 859mg 18%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 11g 22%
Vitamin A 870IU 17%
Vitamin C 132mg 147%
Calcium 58mg 6%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5

38 reviews
Excellent

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