Pad Krapao recipe – Thai recipe with Thai basil

Sometimes it is the simple and fast dishes that are the most delicious. During my last trip to Thailand, I made one and cooked one of my favorite Thai dishes – Pad Krapao. This is a Thai basil recipe that is guaranteed to put you in the vacation mood.

And this is exactly the delicious Pad Krapao recipe I brought home to show you here so you can cook it too! Similar to the Pad Krapao recipe is my recipe for (Thai meat salad with mint and coriander).

The perfect Pad Krapao recipe

The famous stir-fry technique used for pad krapao originated in China. Although this cooking method is now virtually synonymous with Chinese food, it wasn't until the 17. Known in the nineteenth century for the high price of edible oil. When the Chinese immigrated to Asia, they brought their woks with them and a new way of cooking to the country. And this is how the Thai basil recipe made it to Thailand.

The ingredients for the Pad Krapao with Thai basil

What is Pad Krapao? A fried Thai dish. Main ingredient for this Pad Krapao recipe is meat. By the way, in this case you can use pork, beef or chicken. Or you can omit the meat and use shrimp or squid instead. A vegetarian version with mushrooms or hundred year old eggs (you have to like it!) is also possible.

What must not be missing is the Thai basil or also called holy basil and a good portion of chilies. The flavors in this dish are typically Thai, with a classic balance of salty, sweet, sour and spicy.

Read this article if you want to learn more about all of them.

Did you know that chilies actually came to Thailand via Portuguese missionaries? Previously, only pepper was used for spicy dishes.

In this recipe minced beef is used. The mincing and high heat prevents the minced meat from becoming dry and keeps it nice and juicy. Yummy!

You can also replace the beef with minced chicken thigh meat or pork. To do this, simply cut the meat into thin strips, cut them crosswise and chop them with a heavy knife until the pieces reach the desired size.

The most important thing in the Thai basil recipe

Holy basil is said to originate from India, where it has been known and used for more than 5000 years under the name Tulsi. It is also used in Ayurveda, for its healing properties attributed to it. Holy basil is considered a true elixir of life, promoting health and longevity.

Since holy basil is a little harder to find in Asian stores than Thai basil, you can simply use Thai basil for the Pad Krapao recipe.

Preparation of the Pad Krapao:

You will need the following ingredients for this Pad Krapao recipe:

• 150 g minced beef
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 egg
• 20 g sliced onion
• 3 cloves of garlic finely chopped
• Finely chop 2-4 small chilies
• 30 g of Holy Basil or Thai Basil
• 3 tablespoons Oyster Sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Preparation of Pad Krapao:

First you need to mix the sugar, fish sauce and oyster sauce in a small bowl to make a sauce. Until it is creamy and the sugar has completely dissolved. You don't have to heat this sauce, just stir it patiently.

Then preheat a large wok to high heat and stir-fry the beef, chili, onion and garlic for two minutes until very hot. The meat should be a little crispy and the onions glassy.

Then deglaze with the previously stirred sauce and cook for another minute while stirring. Finally, add the Thai basil and saute very briefly.

During preparation, fry an egg in a separate pan and serve it together with the Pad Krapao. Ready!