When it comes to Thai street food, Pad Kra Pow (Thai Holy Basil Stir Fry) tops the list for Thais and tourists alike. This dish is a breeze to make, featuring fragrant Thai holy basil leaves paired with protein choices like tofu, pork, chicken, shrimp, or squid. In this version, we're using shrimp, creating a spicy sauce blend with fresh chili and Thai holy basil leaves. Serve it over jasmine rice with a fried egg, and you'll experience the authentic Pad Krapow Goong in under 20 minutes, start to finish.
Pad Krapow's signature flavors come from key ingredients like chili, garlic, and Thai holy basil, delivering a spicy, flavorful delight. The choice of basil is crucial, imparting a peppery, aromatic essence. Traditionally, this dish is best enjoyed over steamed jasmine rice, crowned with a fried egg or Thai omelet.
What exactly is Thai Holy Basil?
Thai basil is presented in two primary forms: sweet and Holy. Holy basil is the preferred choice for Pad Kra Pao dishes because of its peppery essence. It stands out with its serrated leaves and white blossoms, distinct from the smooth leaves and purple blooms of sweet Thai basil.
In case Holy basil isn't accessible at your local Asian markets, sweet Thai basil can step in as an alternative. While it won't replicate the precise taste, it will bring you closer to the authentic flavors of the Pad Krapow dish found in Thailand.
To make this recipe, you are going to need:
- 200 g. Shrimp
- 10 g. Garlic (minced)
- 5 bird’s eye chilis or Thai chili
- 1 Handful Thai holy basil
- 2 tablespoon oyster sauce
- ½ tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon fish sauce
- ½ tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoon cooking oil
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make Thai Holy Basil Shrimp Stir Fry (Pad Krapow Goong) Recipe
1 First, gather all your essential ingredients. Next, prepare the shrimp by giving them a good rinse in cold water. Remove the head, shell, and antennae, and be sure to devein and rinse them thoroughly.
2 Use a food processor to blend the garlic and chili together until they form a well-combined mixture.
3 Set your wok or pan over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the cooking oil, minced chili, and garlic. Keep stirring continuously until they release their fragrant aroma..
4 Now, add the shrimp to the wok and stir-fry them until they're nearly cooked.
5 Pour in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Keep stirring and stir-fry to thoroughly combine all the ingredients.
6 Add the Thai holy basil leaves to the mixture and turn off the heat. Give it one final stir to incorporate the basil leaves.
7 And that is it! Serve your delicious Thai Holy Basil Shrimp over fragrant Jasmine rice. Enjoy your meal!
Other Thai Recipes You Might Like
Here are some of my favorite Thai that I think you might like. For more Thai cuisine, check out my Thai recipe page.
Thai Holy Basil Shrimp Stir Fry (Pad Krapow Goong) Recipe
Make a tasty Thai Holy Basil Shrimp Stir Fry at home with our Pad Krapow Goong recipe. Easy, delicious, and full of authentic Thai flavors!
Ingredients
- 200 g. Shrimp
- 10 g. Garlic (minced)
- 5 bird’s eye chilis or Thai chili
- 1 Handful Thai holy basil
- 2 tablespoon oyster sauce
- ½ tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon fish sauce
- ½ tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoon cooking oil
Directions
- First, gather all your essential ingredients. Next, prepare the shrimp by giving them a good rinse in cold water. Remove the head, shell, and antennae, and be sure to devein and rinse them thoroughly.
- Use a food processor to blend the garlic and chili together until they form a well-combined mixture.
- Set your wok or pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the cooking oil, minced chili, and garlic. Keep stirring continuously until they release their fragrant aroma..
- Now, add the shrimp to the wok and stir-fry them until they’re nearly cooked.
- Pour in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Keep stirring and stir-fry to thoroughly combine all the ingredients.
- Add the Thai holy basil leaves to the mixture and turn off the heat. Give it one final stir to incorporate the basil leaves.
- And that is it! Serve your delicious Thai Holy Basil Shrimp over fragrant Jasmine rice. Enjoy your meal!
