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Thai Basil Pork Stir-Fry

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Best Season: Summer, Spring, Suitable throughout the year
Description

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.

Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 to 3 4 Thai bird’s eye chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 1 pound ground pork (or substitute with 1 pound chicken)
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup Thai holy basil leaves (sweet basil can be used as a substitute)
  • 4 eggs (optional, for serving)
  • Steamed jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
    Prepare the Aromatics:
  1. 1
    Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. 2
    Add the garlic and chilies, and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Reduce the heat slightly if necessary to avoid burning.
    3. Cook the Pork:
  3. 3
    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.
    4. Season the Stir-Fry:
  4. 4
    Add the oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar to the pan. Stir well to evenly coat the chicken in the sauce.
    5. Add the Holy Basil:
  5. 5
    Toss in the basil leaves and stir-fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until the basil is wilted and aromatic.
    6. (Optional) Fry the Eggs:
  6. 6
    In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat.
  7. 7
    Crack the eggs into the pan and fry for about 2–3 minutes, until the edges are crispy and the yolks remain runny.
    8. Serve:
  8. 8
    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.
Keywords: Pad Gaprao recipe, Thai holy basil pork, Thai stir-fry with basil, spicy pork stir-fry, how to make Pad Gaprao, Thai street food recipes, basil stir-fry with rice, Thai pork dish with fried egg
Read it online: https://maricelskitchen.com/recipe/thai-basil-pork-stir-fry/