Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Stir-Fry) — Ad-Free Recipe, Ingredients First

It has to be holy basil, not sweet Thai basil. Holy basil (kra pao) brings a peppery, clove-like heat that defines the dish; sweet basil turns it into a different, licorice-scented stir-fry entirely.

The Ingredients — and where to get them

Cook for 2 servings

Holy basil

Kra pao — peppery and clove-scented, wilted in at the end; sweet basil is not the same herb.

2 cups

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Ground chicken or pork

Hand-chopped or coarse-ground so it stays juicy, not pasty.

3/4 lb

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Thai bird chilies

Pounded with garlic; adjust count to taste, but real pad kra pao bites.

4-8

Local / market

Garlic

Pounded rough with the chilies into a coarse paste.

6 cloves

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Oyster sauce

For savory body; a good brand tastes of oyster, not just salt.

1 tbsp

Local / market

Fish sauce

The salt and funk; look for one listing just anchovy and salt.

1 tbsp

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Eggs

Fried crisp in hot oil for the classic topping.

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The Rundown

Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat

A reasonable little indulgence.

EffortSome doing

Cook it with

Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot

The Method

Pound the pasteBruise garlic and chilies in a mortar into a rough paste.
Fry the aromaticsSizzle the paste in hot oil just until fragrant, not browned.
Cook the meatAdd the meat and stir-fry hard, breaking it up, until cooked and lightly caramelized.
Season and basilAdd oyster sauce, fish sauce, a pinch of sugar, and a splash of water, then fold in the holy basil until just wilted.
ServeSpoon over jasmine rice and top with a crispy fried egg.

The Toolkit

Wok · Mortar and pestle · Wok spatula

Straight Answers

Can you make Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Stir-Fry) in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Stir-Fry)? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Stir-Fry) ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Stir-Fry) gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Stir-Fry) vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.991

Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Stir-Fry), and where to source it