Thailand · Meat Dishes

Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Chicken)

Thailand’s most popular everyday street food — minced chicken stir-fried with garlic, fresh chili, and holy basil in a savory oyster-fish sauce glaze.

25 min✻2 servings✻300 kcal
Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Chicken)

Ingredients

  • minced chicken300 g
  • garlic cloves4
  • fresh chili peppers2
  • soy sauce1 tbsp
  • oyster sauce1 tbsp
  • fish sauce1 tsp
  • peanut oil1 tsp
  • sugar1 tsp
  • cooked rice for serving1 cup
  • eggs, fried sunny-side up2
  • handful fresh Thai holy basil

Method

  1. 1Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Fry garlic and chili until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
  2. 2Add the chicken. Stir-fry constantly, breaking into pieces, until all moisture has evaporated and the meat is lightly golden.
  3. 3Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir well and cook 1–2 more minutes.
  4. 4Add basil leaves, toss for 10–15 seconds and remove from heat. Basil should just wilt.
  5. 5Serve with steamed jasmine rice. Top with a fried egg with runny yolk if desired.