Pad Krapow: Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry

Posted in Recipe Collections / Favorite Recipes: Thai, Persian, Korean, French, and More
Pad Krapow: Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry
Pad Kaprow, also known as Pad Krapao, is a staple in Thai cuisine, known for its vibrant flavors and the unique aromatic presence of Holy Basil. This dish combines the savory depth of ground pork with the spicy kick of Thai chilies, all brought together by the unmistakable scent of Holy Basil. Follow this recipe to bring the essence of Thai street food right into your kitchen, creating a dish that's both comforting and exhilarating.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup ground pork
  • 2 cups Thai holy basil
  • ½ cup yardlong beans
  • 1-4 thai hot chilies
  • 2-4 garlic cloves
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 2 tsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ¼ cup water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start with Holy Basil (Krapow), ensuring its strong, spicy scent is integral to the dish. Avoid substituting with Thai Basil as it has a different flavor profile. Prepare your ingredients by plucking basil leaves, cutting green beans, and crushing garlic and chilies lightly.

  2. Fry the Egg (Optional): If you enjoy a fried egg (Kai Dow) with your Pad Kaprow, cook it beforehand, aiming for crispy edges while keeping the yolk runny.

  3. Stir-Fry: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Begin by frying the garlic and chilies for about 30 seconds before adding the ground pork. Cook until nearly done, then incorporate the oyster sauce and soy sauces, followed by sugar and green beans.

  4. Final Touches: Add the dark sweet soy sauce, allowing the meat to brown slightly. Deglaze the pan with a bit of water, creating a savory gravy. Finally, stir in the Holy Basil just until wilted and remove from heat.

  5. Serve: Plate your Pad Kaprow alongside steaming Thai Jasmine rice, optionally topped with a fried egg, for a complete meal that's both simple and utterly delicious.

Tips for Perfect Pad Kaprow

  • Holy Basil is Key: The unique flavor of Holy Basil is non-negotiable in Pad Kaprow. Its aromatic quality cannot be replicated with other types of basil.
  • Adjust the Heat: The number of chilies can be adjusted according to your preference for spice. Start with fewer chilies if you’re sensitive to heat, as you can always add more.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pad Kaprow is traditionally served over rice with a side of crisp vegetables or a simple salad to balance the dish’s richness and heat.

This Pad Kaprow recipe promises a meal that’s bursting with the flavors of Thailand, offering a delicious way to explore Thai cuisine from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re a long-time lover of Thai food or new to its flavors, this dish is sure to become a fast favorite.

Exploring the Versatility of Pad Kaprow

Pad Kaprow, with its robust flavors and straightforward preparation, not only stands as a testament to the richness of Thai cuisine but also showcases the versatility of stir-fry dishes. Beyond the traditional recipe, this dish offers ample room for customization and experimentation, allowing cooks of all skill levels to adapt it to their dietary preferences and taste buds. Here are some ideas to inspire you to make Pad Kaprow your own:

  • Protein Variations: While ground pork is traditional, Pad Kaprow can be easily adapted to include ground chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Each protein brings its unique flavor and texture to the dish, allowing you to customize it according to your dietary needs or what you have on hand.
  • Vegetable Add-Ins: The simplicity of yardlong beans can be complemented with other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or eggplant to add color, nutrition, and variety to your dish. Adding vegetables not only enhances the dish’s flavor profile but also increases its nutritional value.
  • Heat Level Adjustments: The spiciness of Pad Kaprow is one of its defining characteristics, yet it can be easily adjusted to suit your heat tolerance. For those who prefer a milder dish, reducing the number of Thai chilies can tame the fire without compromising the dish’s overall flavor.
  • Accompaniments and Pairings: While Pad Kaprow is traditionally served with steamed jasmine rice, it can also be paired with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist. Additionally, serving it with a side of crisp cucumber salad or a clear soup can balance the dish’s heat and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • The Role of Holy Basil: The unmistakable flavor of Holy Basil (Krapow) is irreplaceable in this dish. However, for those unable to find it, experimenting with other herbs like Italian basil or mint could offer a new dimension to the dish, even if it strays from the traditional flavor.

Embracing Thai Cooking

Pad Kaprow is more than just a recipe; it’s a gateway to the broader world of Thai cooking, known for its balance of spicy, sweet, sour, and salty flavors. This dish, with its deep roots in Thai culinary tradition and its openness to adaptation, invites you to explore the complexities and nuances of Thai cuisine, encouraging you to incorporate traditional techniques and flavors into your everyday cooking.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to the kitchen, Pad Kaprow is a dish that rewards creativity and experimentation. By starting with this classic recipe and making it your own through variations and personal touches, you can enjoy a meal that’s both authentically Thai and uniquely yours.

Nutrition Facts

  • Servings Per Recipe: 2
  • Calories: 688

% Daily Value

  • Total Fat: 49g (63% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 18.1g (91% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 160mg (53% DV)
  • Sodium: 5454mg (237% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 29.5g (11% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 2.3g (8% DV)
  • Total Sugars: 15.8g
  • Protein: 46.7g
  • Vitamin D: 0mcg (0% DV)
  • Calcium: 244mg (19% DV)
  • iron: 6mg (33% DV)
  • Potassium: 520mg (11% DV)

Note: The “% Daily Value” (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Recipe analyzed by verywell.