Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Stir Fry Recipe)

Make this Thai basil stir fry (Pad Kra Pao) in just 15 minutes! Ground pork or chicken, holy basil, chilies, and bold Thai seasonings. So addictive!

Prep Time10

Cook Time5

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: basil, bird's eye peppers, holy basil, soy sauce

Servings:

Calories: 479kcal

3 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil or other high temperature oil
1 shallot sliced
2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies or serranos sliced (Bird’s eye chilies are very spicy - start with 1-2 if you prefer milder heat. Use more for extra heat.)
4 cloves garlic minced
1 pound ground pork (or use ground chicken)
1 red bell pepper or other sweet pepper thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups holy basil leaves loosely packed - Thai basil or Italian basil can be used if needed (tender basil stems can also be stir-fried for extra flavor)
For serving. Cooked jasmine rice, optional crispy fried eggs

Whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili-garlic paste, and optional pinch of sugar in a small bowl. Whisk in 1-2 tablespoons water for a thinner sauce, if desired. Set aside.
Heat the oil over high heat in a wok. Add the shallot, chilies, and garlic and stir fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Add the ground pork and stir fry for 3-4 minutes, breaking it up as you go, until it mostly cooks through and crisps up.
Add the sliced red bell pepper and stir fry for 1 minute.
Stir in the reserved sauce and stir fry for 1-2 minutes.
Add the basil and stir fry until softened to your liking, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Serve over hot rice with an optional crispy fried egg on top.

Nutritional information estimated without rice.