Authentic Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Chicken) is arguably Thailand’s most popular street‑food dish—found everywhere from busy Bangkok markets to local village kitchens. Known for its fiery aroma, savory-sweet sauce, and fresh basil fragrance, it’s a simple yet addictive stir-fry that takes less than 15 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients for Pad Kra Pao (2 servings)

Protein

300g minced chicken (or pork, beef, tofu)

Aromatics

6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
5–10 Thai chilies (adjust spice)

Sauce

1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp dark soy (for color)
1 tsp sugar
2 tbsp water

Final Touch

1 full cup fresh Thai basil leaves
2 tbsp vegetable oil

Serving

Hot jasmine rice
Optional: Fried egg (Khai Dao)

🔥 How to Make Pad Kra Pao (Step-by-Step)

1️⃣ Prepare the aromatics

Pound or chop garlic and chilies together into a coarse paste.
This releases the signature pad kra pao fragrance.

2️⃣ Stir-fry the garlic & chili

Heat oil in a wok.
Add the chili-garlic mixture and fry for 10 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn it).

3️⃣ Add chicken

Add minced chicken and stir-fry on high heat until lightly browned.

4️⃣ Add sauces

Pour in oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy, sugar, and water.
Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.

5️⃣ Add Thai basil

Turn off the heat.
Throw in the basil leaves and let them wilt naturally.

6️⃣ Serve hot

Plate over jasmine rice.
Top with a crispy fried egg for the true Thai experience.

⭐ Chef Tips for Perfect Pad Kra Pao

Use holy basil (Kra Pao), not sweet basil
Do not overcook the basil
Cook over maximum heat for wok-style aroma
Add extra water if you prefer more sauce
Swap chicken for minced tofu for a vegetarian version

🍽️ Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: ~420
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 18g
Sodium: 890mg

Authentic Thai Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Chicken)

Quick, Spicy & Packed with Iconic Thai Flavors

Pad Kra Pao (ผัดกะเพรา) is arguably Thailand’s most popular street food dish—found everywhere from busy Bangkok markets to local village kitchens. Known for its fiery aroma, savory-sweet sauce, and fresh basil fragrance, it’s a simple yet addictive stir-fry that takes less than 15 minutes to prepare.

This version uses authentic Thai holy basil, fresh chilies, garlic, and perfectly seasoned minced chicken. When served over steaming rice (and with a crispy fried egg on top), it becomes the ultimate comfort dish of Southeast Asia.