Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Stir-Fry)

Pad Kra Pao is the ultimate Thai comfort food—fast, spicy, and deeply satisfying. The secret? Get a good sear on your ground pork and use the right basil (holy basil if you can find it, otherwise Thai basil).

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground pork
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-4 Thai chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp neutral oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce, mix dark and light
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 cup holy basil leaves (or Thai basil)
• Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
• Fried egg, for topping
• Sliced cucumber on the side

Instructions

1. Prep everything first. This goes fast!
2. Heat oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add ground pork and let it sear—don’t stir too much at first. You want crispy, browned bits.
3. Add garlic and chilies, stir-fry until fragrant.
4. Toss in onion (if using), then add soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir well.
5. Turn off the heat and fold in the basil. Let it wilt from the residual heat.
6. Serve over hot jasmine rice, topped with a crispy fried egg.

Notes:

• Holy basil gives the most authentic flavor, but Thai basil works in a pinch. Regular Italian basil is not it.