Picture the sizzle of garlic and chilies dancing in a hot wok, filling your kitchen with a fragrant, mouthwatering aroma.
Pad Krapow is a breeze to make, offering a comforting, flavorful escape into Thai cuisine right from your home.
Watch as simple ingredients like ground meat and vibrant basil transform into a savory delight.
Ready to start on this culinary journey? Let’s bring this dish to life together!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 wok or large frying pan
- 1 spatula
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring spoons set
- 1 bowl
Ingredients
- 250 grams ground chicken or pork
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 red chilies, sliced
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Pad Krapow, follow this timeline:
- Reading the Recipe (2 minutes):
- Take a moment to read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Prep Work (10 minutes):
- 0:00-2:00: Gather all ingredients and equipment listed in the recipe.
- 2:00-5:00: Mince the garlic and slice the red chilies.
- 5:00-7:00: Measure out the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar.
- 7:00-10:00: Prepare the Thai basil leaves (pluck from stems if necessary) and set aside.
- Cooking Pad Krapow (15 minutes):
- 10:00-10:30: Heat the wok and add vegetable oil.
- 10:30-11:00: Add minced garlic and sliced chilies; stir-fry until fragrant.
- 11:00-13:00: Add ground chicken or pork; cook until browned.
- 13:00-14:00: Stir in oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar.
- 14:00-15:00: Add Thai basil leaves; stir-fry until wilted.
- 15:00-19:00: In a separate pan, fry the egg to your preference.
- Serving (1 minute):
- 19:00-20:00: Serve the Pad Krapow over cooked jasmine rice and top with the fried egg.
Adjust the timeline as necessary based on your cooking speed or if you prefer to prepare ingredients in advance.
Recipe Instructions
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and sliced red chilies to the wok, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground chicken or pork and cook, stirring frequently, until browned.
Stir in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar until well combined.
Add the Thai basil leaves and stir-fry until they’re wilted.
In a separate pan, fry the egg to your preference and set aside.
Serve the Pad Krapow over cooked jasmine rice, topped with the fried egg.
Serving Tips
- Cucumber Slices: Serve alongside Pad Krapow for a rejuvenating contrast to the spicy flavors.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime adds a zesty brightness to the dish.
- Chili Vinegar: Offer a small dish of chili-infused vinegar for an extra tangy kick.
- Fried Shallots: Sprinkle on top for added crunch and a sweet, savory flavor.
- Steamed Vegetables: Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans for a nutritious side.
Storage
To store Pad Krapow, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Cook jasmine rice fresh and fry a new egg for best taste.
Freezing
To freeze Pad Krapow, allow it to cool completely.
Then transfer it to an airtight container.
Store the cooked dish without the egg for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat Pad Krapow, gently warm it in a skillet over low-medium heat.
Add a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.
Stir occasionally for even heating.
Final Thoughts
Pad Krapow is a flavorful and aromatic Thai dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
The combination of spicy chilies, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil creates a deliciously balanced flavor profile.
To achieve the best results, it’s recommended to use Thai holy basil for an authentic taste.
Adjust the number of chilies according to your spice preference, and consider serving with cucumber slices to complement the dish’s heat.
With minimal prep and cook time, you’ll have a tasty meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Enjoy your Pad Krapow with a fried egg on top and a bed of jasmine rice for a delightful dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Tofu Instead of Meat for a Vegetarian Version?
You can easily swap tofu for meat, creating a vegetarian twist. Press and cube the tofu, then fry until golden. It’ll soak up the sauces beautifully, maintaining the dish’s flavor while providing a delightful texture contrast.
What Other Side Dishes Pair Well With Pad Krapow?
You can pair it with a revitalizing cucumber salad to balance the heat, or try a tangy papaya salad for a burst of flavor. Steamed vegetables also add a healthy, complementary touch to your meal.
How Do I Properly Clean and Store Fresh Thai Basil?
To clean Thai basil, rinse leaves gently under cool running water, then pat them dry with a towel. Store them unwashed in a plastic bag in the fridge’s crisper drawer. Confirm excess air is removed to maximize freshness.
Is There a Substitute for Fish Sauce in the Recipe?
You can substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari for a similar umami flavor. Consider adding a splash of lime juice or vinegar for acidity, which helps mimic the tanginess fish sauce typically provides in recipes.
What Drink Complements Pad Krapow Best?
You’re considering the best drink pairing. A cold Thai iced tea complements spicy and savory flavors beautifully. Its sweetness and creamy texture balance the heat, enhancing your overall dining experience with this delightful dish. Enjoy!

Pad Krapow
Equipment
- 1 Wok or large frying pan
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Measuring spoons set
- 1 Bowl
Ingredients
- 250 grams ground chicken or pork
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 red chilies sliced
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cooked jasmine rice for serving
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sliced red chilies to the wok, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground chicken or pork and cook, stirring frequently, until browned.
- Stir in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar until well combined.
- Add the Thai basil leaves and stir-fry until they are wilted.
- In a separate pan, fry the egg to your preference and set aside.
- Serve the Pad Krapow over cooked jasmine rice, topped with the fried egg.