Thai Pork and Basil Stir Fry (Pad Kra Pao)

Juicy, crispy stir-fried pork and aromatic Thai basil over a bed of Jasmine rice. This street-style dish is ready in just under 25 minutes.

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Why You'll LOVE this Pad Kra Pao Recipe
What is Pad Kra Pao?
What is Pad Kra Pao Made Of?
Difference Between Thai Holy Basil, Thai Basil, and Italian Basil?
How Do I Make This Recipe Low(er) Carb?
Recipe for Pad Kra Pao
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Why You'll LOVE this Pad Kra Pao Recipe

Ready in under 25 minutes - this pad kra pao dinner will be done in the time it takes for a pot of rice to cook!
Cook with your eyeballs - this isn't a recipe with strict steps or measurements. You can pretty much measure by eye for the seasonings (our favourite type of recipe).
Tangy, sweet, crispy, juicy - an odyssey of textures all on one plate, which is why Southeast Asian food is so delicious!

What is Pad Kra Pao?

Pad Kra Pao is a popular Thai dish that's stir-fried juicy pork with Thai holy basil (more about this below). It's seasoned with soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, garlic, and chili.

It's a famous street food in Thailand and is often served with a fragrant bed of white Jasmine rice and a runny, golden fried egg on top!

homemade thai pad kraw paw with a sizzling fried egg

What is Pad Kra Pao Made Of?

Ground pork
Thai holy basil (or Thai Basil)
Oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce (all Asian cooking pantry staples)
Garlic
Thai birds eye chili
Brown sugar
Cilantro and extra basil for garnish
Optional (but not really 😉 ): white Jasmine rice, crispy fried egg, garlicky/spicy fish sauce dressing

Difference Between Thai Holy Basil, Thai Basil, and Italian Basil?

Thai Holy Basil: this is a unique basil with a fennel-like flavour. In Canada, it's nearly impossible to find in Asian grocery stores. If you can get your hands on it though, consider yourself lucky! This will make your Pad Kra Pao the most authentic.
Thai Basil: also known as Cinnamon Basil, this is the typical "Thai Basil" you'll find in the grocery store. This is what I used and tastes great in this dish.
Italian Basil: this is what you should use if you can't find Thai Basil. Italian basil has a sweeter, more delicate, and pepperier flavour than it's Thai cousins.

How Do I Make This Recipe Low(er) Carb?

Swap out the rice with lettuce boats! I recommend butter/Boston lettuce since they naturally have a cup-like shape. Fill each lettuce boat with the pork and fried egg to create a delicious, high fiber meal.