Why You’ll Love Mushroom Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Stir-Fry) Recipe
This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it great for a quick lunch or dinner. The mushrooms soak up the savory sauce beautifully while still keeping a satisfying bite. Fresh basil adds a fragrant finish, and the chiles bring customizable heat. It is also easy to make vegetarian or vegan with simple sauce swaps.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb fresh mushrooms of choice, such as king oyster, shimeji, oyster, cremini, or button mushrooms
- Neutral oil, for cooking
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1–2 bird’s eye chiles, adjusted to taste
- 1 green chili, sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce, or vegetarian alternative
- 1 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp sugar, adjusted to taste
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/4 cup packed fresh holy basil or Thai basil leaves
- Steamed rice, to serve
Directions
Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat with a little neutral oil. Once hot, add the mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and begin to brown. Let them sit undisturbed for a short time if you want a light char and deeper flavor.
Move the mushrooms to one side of the pan. Add a little more oil, then sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant.
Add the red bell pepper, bird’s eye chiles, and sliced green chili. Cook for 1–2 minutes, just until slightly tender while still crisp.
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, fish sauce or vegetarian alternative, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, dark soy sauce, and water until the sugar dissolves.
Pour the sauce into the pan and toss everything together. Let it simmer briefly so the sauce coats the mushrooms well.
Turn off the heat and add the basil leaves. Toss until the basil wilts. Serve immediately over steamed rice, with chili oil or a crispy fried egg if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
Use different mushrooms depending on what you have. King oyster mushrooms give a meaty texture, while shimeji, oyster, cremini, or button mushrooms work well too.
For a vegan version, use a vegetarian fish sauce alternative and make sure your oyster sauce is vegetarian or mushroom-based.
For extra protein, add tofu, tempeh, or a fried egg on top if you are not keeping it vegan.
For a milder dish, use fewer bird’s eye chiles or replace them with a mild green chili. For more heat, add chili oil before serving.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each one, until hot.
For best texture, store the stir-fry separately from the rice when possible.
FAQs
Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
Yes, but Thai basil or holy basil gives the most authentic flavor. Regular basil will still taste good, though it will be slightly sweeter and less peppery.
Is Mushroom Pad Kra Pao spicy?
It can be spicy because of the bird’s eye chiles, but you can adjust the amount to your preference.
What mushrooms work best?
King oyster, shimeji, oyster, cremini, and button mushrooms all work well. A mix gives the best texture.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes. Use vegetarian oyster sauce and a vegan fish sauce alternative, or replace fish sauce with extra soy sauce.
What should I serve with it?
Steamed jasmine rice is the classic choice. You can also serve it with brown rice or noodles.
Can I add tofu?
Yes. Pan-fried tofu works well and makes the dish more filling.
Can I make it less sweet?
Yes. Start with less sugar and adjust after tasting the sauce.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, but it tastes best fresh. Store the stir-fry and rice separately for better texture.
Why add basil after turning off the heat?
Adding basil at the end keeps its flavor fresh and prevents it from overcooking.
Can I use a wok?
Yes. A wok is ideal because it cooks quickly over high heat and helps the mushrooms brown nicely.
Conclusion
Mushroom Pad Kra Pao is a quick, flavorful stir-fry with savory sauce, tender mushrooms, fresh basil, and just the right amount of heat. It is easy to customize, satisfying over rice, and perfect for a simple Thai-inspired meal at home.
