Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow)

Quick 15-minute stir fry with less than 10 ingredients. Perfect weeknight dinner option with bold Thai flavors.


Ingredients


Instructions

  1. Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and chilies. Stir-fry for 1 minute, then add onions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions are translucent.

  2. Cook chicken: Add ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spoon. Fry for 6-7 minutes until cooked through and light golden brown.

  3. Add sauces: Add dark soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until sauces combine and chicken becomes glossy.

  4. Finish with basil: Tear basil leaves with your hands and add to wok. Stir until basil is wilted.

  5. Serve: Serve immediately with steamed or jasmine rice.


Nutrition Information

Per serving (recipe makes 4 servings)

  • Calories: 225
  • Protein: 13g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
    • Fiber: 1g
  • Fat: 16g
  • Sodium: 1,269mg (55% DV)

Notes

Storage: Best served immediately. Can be refrigerated for 2-3 days but basil will darken and lose vibrancy.

Uses:

  • Serve over steamed jasmine or white rice
  • Use as filling for lettuce wraps
  • Serve with fried egg on top (traditional Thai style)

Tips:

  • Ground chicken cooks quickly - don't overcook or it will dry out
  • Tear basil leaves by hand rather than cutting to prevent bruising
  • Thai basil (bai krapow or holy basil) is preferred for authentic flavor
  • Dark soy sauce adds color and depth - regular soy sauce is lighter
  • Adjust chilies to your heat preference

Variations:

  • Use diced chicken thighs instead of ground chicken (breasts tend to dry out)
  • Substitute Thai basil with Italian basil in a pinch (flavor will be different but still good)
  • Make coriander chicken by substituting fresh coriander (cilantro) for basil
  • Add sliced bell peppers for extra vegetables
  • Top with a fried egg for traditional presentation
  • Use ground pork or beef instead of chicken

Source

From My Food Story

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Servings: 4