Description
This Shortcut Pad Kra Pao is a quick and flavorful Thai-inspired stir-fry made with ground meat, basil, and a savory sauce. It delivers the essence of the classic dish in a simplified version perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, thinly sliced (or 1 serrano chili)
- 1 pound ground chicken, pork, or turkey
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves (or Italian basil if unavailable)
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
- Fried eggs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sliced chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and water. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Add the basil leaves and stir until wilted, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Serve immediately over cooked jasmine rice. Top with a fried egg if desired.
Notes
- Use Thai basil for authentic flavor, but Italian basil can be substituted in a pinch.
- Adjust the number of chilies depending on your spice tolerance.
- This dish is traditionally made with holy basil, but Thai basil is a common substitute.
- Ground chicken, pork, or turkey all work well for this recipe.
- Serve with a crispy fried egg for a more traditional presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (without rice and egg)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
