Thai Basil Pork Stir-Fry
Pad Gaprao, or Thai Holy Basil Pork Stir-Fry, is a bold and aromatic dish that’s a staple of Thailand’s street food scene. Featuring ground pork stir-fried with garlic, chilies, and fresh holy basil, this dish offers a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors.
Served over jasmine rice and often topped with a crispy fried egg, Pad Gaprao is a quick, satisfying meal that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. It’s a true taste of Thailand that brings vibrant flavors and unforgettable aromas to the table.
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Ingredients
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Instructions
Prepare the Aromatics:
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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Add the garlic and chilies, and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Reduce the heat slightly if necessary to avoid burning.
Cook the Pork:
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Add the ground pork to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Stir-fry until the pork is fully cooked and slightly browned, about 3–4 minutes.
Season the Stir-Fry:
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Add the oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar to the pan. Stir well to evenly coat the chicken in the sauce.
Add the Holy Basil:
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Toss in the basil leaves and stir-fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until the basil is wilted and aromatic.
(Optional) Fry the Eggs:
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In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat.
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Crack the eggs into the pan and fry for about 2–3 minutes, until the edges are crispy and the yolks remain runny.
Serve:
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Spoon the stir-fry over a bed of jasmine rice and top with a crispy fried egg. Serve immediately and enjoy the bold flavors of this classic Thai dish
Maricel's Tips
- Thai bird’s eye chilies pack a punch, so start with 1-2 chilies for a milder version and add more if you like it spicier.
- While ground chicken is traditional, you can use ground pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- If you can find holy basil (it has a slightly spicy, peppery flavor), it’s worth seeking out. Sweet basil works in a pinch, but the flavor will be milder.
- For a perfectly crispy egg, spoon hot oil over the top while frying to cook the whites evenly while keeping the yolk soft and runny.
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