Description
This Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao) stir-fry is a quick and easy weeknight dinner with bold, aromatic flavors. Made with ground chicken, savory sauces, and fragrant Thai basil, it’s served over steaming Jasmine rice and topped with a fried egg. This dish is spicy, savory, slightly sweet, and utterly irresistible—plus, it’s dairy-free!
Ingredients
-
For the Stir-Fry:
-
2 Tbsp neutral oil (such as grapeseed oil)
-
3 large scallions, thinly sliced
-
8 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
-
3 Birds eye chiles (Thai chiles), thinly sliced (use less for less spice)
-
2 medium shallots, peeled and finely chopped
-
2 lb (32oz) ground chicken
-
2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
-
2 Tbsp dark soy sauce
-
2 Tbsp oyster sauce
-
1 Tbsp fish sauce
-
1 Tbsp brown sugar
-
20–30 fresh Thai holy basil leaves (substitute with Thai sweet basil or Italian basil if necessary)
For Serving:
-
Cooked Jasmine rice (about ¾ cup cooked rice per person)
-
2 scallions, thinly sliced
-
1 large fried egg per person (optional but recommended)
-
Additional fresh basil leaves for garnish
-
Instructions
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Add 2 Tbsp of neutral oil, then add the thinly sliced scallions, chopped garlic, Thai chiles, and chopped shallots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the shallots or garlic. -
Add the Chicken:
Add the ground chicken to the wok and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s mostly cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. -
Add Sauce:
Once the chicken is almost fully cooked, add the following sauce ingredients: 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 2 Tbsp dark soy sauce, 2 Tbsp oyster sauce, 1 Tbsp fish sauce, and 1 Tbsp brown sugar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce. Stir in 20-30 fresh basil leaves and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
-
Assemble and Serve:
Serve generous spoonfuls of the Thai basil chicken over steamed Jasmine rice. Top each portion with a fried egg (a runny yolk is recommended, but cook to your preference), thinly sliced scallions, and extra fresh basil. Serve immediately!
Notes
-
This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the freshness of the basil and the richness of the fried egg.
-
Adjust the number of chiles for your desired spice level.
-
If you can’t find Thai holy basil, you can substitute with Thai sweet basil or Italian basil for a similar flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 30g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg