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Pad Kra Pow (VIDEO)

What is Pad Kra Pow?

Pad Kra Pow (also spelled Pad Krapow or Pad Gra Pow) is one of Thailand’s most popular everyday dishes. It is a spicy Thai stir fry made with minced meat, lots of garlic, chilies, savory sauces, and fragrant basil. It is fast, bold, and usually served over hot jasmine rice with a crispy fried egg on top.

This is the kind of meal you will find everywhere in Thailand, from street carts to home kitchens. It is loved because it is cheap, filling, and packed with flavor in under 30 minutes.

Why Pad Kra Pow Is So Popular

Pad Kra Pow hits all the right notes. It is spicy, salty, slightly sweet, and deeply savory. The dish is not meant to be saucy. Instead, the meat is stir fried hard so it gets slightly crispy, then coated in a glossy, punchy sauce.

It is also incredibly flexible. You can make it with chicken, pork, beef, or even tofu, and it adapts easily to what you have at home.

Key Flavor Components

Garlic
A lot of garlic. This dish relies heavily on garlic for its base flavor.

Chilies
Fresh green or red chilies give Pad Kra Pow its signature heat. You can adjust the amount, but it is traditionally spicy.

Savory Sauces
Fish sauce adds depth and umami. Oyster sauce adds richness. Soy sauce balances everything out.

Sugar
Just a touch to round out the saltiness and spice.

Basil (or substitute)
Traditionally made with Thai basil, but regular basil works very well and still delivers a fresh, aromatic finish.

High Heat Cooking
Cooking on high heat creates that slightly crispy texture that makes this dish addictive.

Jump to Recipe

FAQ

Is Pad Kra Pow very spicy?
Traditionally yes, but you can reduce the chilies to make it milder.

Can I make Pad Kra Pow without Thai basil?
Yes. Regular basil works well. Adding a little mint makes it even closer in flavor.

What meat is best for Pad Kra Pow?
Pork is the most traditional. Chicken is lighter and very popular outside Thailand.

Can I meal prep Pad Kra Pow?
Yes. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan for best texture.

Is Pad Kra Pow healthy?
It is high in protein and low in carbs on its own. Pairing with rice increases calories, but it is still a balanced meal when portioned well.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Use crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat and swap fish sauce for soy sauce or vegan fish sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving / Serves 2)

  • Calories: 480
  • Protein: ~45 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~10 g
  • Fat: ~27 g

Link to watch the video: https://www.instagram.com/amateurprochef/

To check out my other recipes, click here!

Pad Kra Pow
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Pad Kra Pow

Recipe by AmateurProChef
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

  • Ground chicken or pork, 450 g

  • Neutral oil, 2.0 tbsp

  • Garlic, 6 cloves, finely chopped

  • Green chilies or Thai chilies, 2 to 4, finely chopped (to taste)

  • Thai Basil, 1 packed cup (substitute with Regular basil, 1 packed cup if Thai Basil not available)

  • Sauce

  • Soy sauce, 1.0 tbsp

  • Oyster sauce, 1.0 tbsp

  • Fish sauce, 1.0 tbsp

  • Sugar, 1.0 tsp

  • Dark soy sauce, 0.5 tsp (optional, for color)

  • To Serve

  • Steamed jasmine rice

  • Fried Egg

Directions

  • Heat a wok or large pan on high heat. Add oil and let it get hot.
  • Add chopped garlic and chilies. Stir for 10 to 15 seconds until fragrant. Do not brown.
  • Add ground meat and spread it out. Let it cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes so it browns.
  • Break up the meat and stir fry until fully cooked and slightly crispy in spots.
  • Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and dark soy sauce if using. Stir and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until glossy.
  • Turn off the heat. Add thai basil (or regular basil). Toss just until wilted.
  • Serve immediately over hot rice. Top with a crispy fried egg if you want the full experience.

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