Pad Krapow: Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry

Posted in Asian Recipes, Quick and Easy Recipes
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.

Thai Takeout Favorite at Home

This is one we order regularly from the Thai restaurant near our house, but making it at home is also delicious and less oily. It still has the same spicy, savory, basil-heavy punch, especially if you can find holy basil.

The fried egg is optional, but it makes the plate feel complete. Serve it over jasmine rice so the sauce has somewhere to go.

Tips and Variations

  • Holy basil has the most traditional flavor, but Thai basil works when that is what you can find.
  • Start with fewer chilies if you are unsure; the dish can get hot quickly.
  • Use ground chicken, beef, tofu, or mushrooms instead of pork.
  • Add bell pepper, mushrooms, eggplant, or extra yardlong beans.
  • Cucumber slices or a simple salad help balance the heat.

Nutrition Facts

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Servings Per Recipe: 2
  • Calories: 690

% Daily Value

  • Total Fat: 49g (63% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 18g (90% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 160mg (53% DV)
  • Sodium: 1800mg (78% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g (11% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% DV)
  • Total Sugars: 16g
  • Protein: 47g
  • Vitamin A: 220mcg (24% DV)
  • Vitamin C: 35mg (39% DV)
  • Calcium: 240mg (18% DV)
  • iron: 6mg (33% 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.

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients and preparation.