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–+ servings
Pad Kra Pao

Flavorful Pad Kra Pao Stir-Fry: Quick, Comforting Delight

Pad Kra Pao is a flavorful and customizable Thai stir-fry that is quick to prepare, making it perfect for any weekday dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Stir-Fry
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil can substitute with canola or sunflower oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced; fresh ginger works well for a different twist
  • 2 pieces Thai bird's eye chilies chopped; adjust to spice level
  • 1 pound ground chicken, pork, or beef feel free to use firm tofu for vegetarian
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce use mushroom sauce for vegetarian option
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce substitute with extra soy sauce or tamari for vegetarian
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 tablespoons chicken broth or water vegetable broth for vegetarian
  • 1 cup Thai holy basil leaves or Thai sweet basil or Italian basil
  • 1 medium onion optional; can swap for green onions
  • 4 servings cooked jasmine rice or brown rice or cauliflower rice
  • 2 eggs fried eggs optional; served on top

Equipment

  • large skillet or wok

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pad Kra Pao
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 chopped Thai bird's eye chilies. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add 1 pound of ground chicken, pork, or beef to the skillet and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
  3. Stir in 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, along with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Mix well for about 1 minute.
  4. Pour in 3 tablespoons of chicken broth or water and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  5. If using, add 1 sliced onion and stir-fry for an additional 1–2 minutes.
  6. Turn off the heat and fold in a handful of Thai holy basil leaves. Stir until they wilt.
  7. Serve your Pad Kra Pao immediately over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, topped with a fried egg if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish is easily customizable with proteins and vegetables of your choice.

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