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Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Chicken) with chicken, thai basil and oyster sauce — Thailand recipeThailandThailand
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Sergei Martynov

Пад Кра Пау — это тайская уличная еда в самом чистом виде. Говорят, что это блюдо едят каждый день миллионы тайцев. Если не знаешь что заказать в Таиланде — закажи пад кра пау с яйцом. Это никогда не ошибка.

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The basil goes in last, off the heat or in the final seconds — it should just wilt from the residual heat. Overcooked basil loses all its fragrance. The fried egg on top is not optional in Thailand — it is the dish.

Meat Dishes

Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Chicken)

🌶️Spicy🌾Gluten-free💪High-protein

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. Finished with a crispy fried egg on top and a drizzle of runny yolk over jasmine rice. Ready in under 15 minutes.

⏱️
25
Minutes
👥
2
Servings
🔥
300
kcal
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IngredientsInstructionsCommentsRelated Recipes

Key Ingredients

minced chickenthai-basiloyster-saucefish-saucegarlic cloves

What you'll need

Ingredients

How to make it

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Fry garlic and chili until fragrant and slightly caramelized.

  2. 2

    Add the chicken. Stir-fry constantly, breaking into pieces, until all moisture has evaporated and the meat is lightly golden.

  3. 3

    Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir well and cook 1–2 more minutes.

  4. 4

    Add basil leaves, toss for 10–15 seconds and remove from heat. Basil should just wilt.

  5. 5

    Serve with steamed jasmine rice. Top with a fried egg with runny yolk if desired.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is pad kra pao and why is it the most popular street food in Thailand?

Pad kra pao is stir-fried minced meat with Thai holy basil, garlic, and chili. It is eaten by millions of Thais every day — cheap, fast, and intensely aromatic. In Thailand they say: if you don’t know what to order, order pad kra pao with an egg on top.

How does Thai basil differ from regular basil — can regular basil be substituted?

Thai holy basil (kra pao) has a spicier, almost clove-peppery aroma unlike Italian basil. Substitute: regular basil plus a pinch of mint. The flavor will differ but be close. Thai basil is available in Asian grocery stores.

Why is there a fried egg on top of pad kra pao — is it necessary?

The fried egg (kai dow) is an inseparable part of the dish in Thailand. The runny yolk mixes with the spicy sauce and rice creating a soft sauce effect. Technically optional, but without the egg it is not quite the full pad kra pao experience.

Can pad kra pao be made with ground chicken or only with chopped meat?

Minced meat is the traditional and most common version. Finely chopped breast or thigh also works well. The difference is texture — minced meat becomes crumbly and evenly coated in sauce, chopped meat stays juicier.

What is oyster sauce and what can replace it in Thai cooking?

Oyster sauce is a thick dark sauce made from oyster extract — salty and slightly sweet. It is the flavor backbone of many Thai and Chinese dishes. Substitute: hoisin sauce plus a few drops of fish sauce. Vegetarian option: mushroom oyster sauce (available in Asian stores).