Pad Krapow, or Thai Holy Basil Stir-fry, is hands down one of the most delicious Thai dishes out there. It’s known for its blend of tastiness and spiciness in a way that no other dish can compete with. In fact, it’s probably one of the most ordered dishes in Thailand by Thai people, which shows just how much we love it.
Typically, Pad Krapow is made with a mix of holy basil, fresh chili, fresh garlic, and minced pork, combined with three sauces—oyster sauce, soy sauce, and fish sauce—along with a touch of sugar. That’s it!
What truly defines Pad Krapow is the unmistakable aroma and taste of holy basil. You cannot substitute the basil with other vegetables, though some Thais may add carrots and long beans alongside the holy basil. There's no right or wrong here, as Thai food is very adaptable, and that is what makes Thai food so much fun to cook 😉.
For this recipe, we’ll be substituting the pork with mushrooms for a healthier, vegetarian-friendly option. This not only retains the rich taste of Pad Krapow but also adds an umami flavor, chewy texture, and a boost of nutrition.
It's quick, simple, easy, and most importantly, delicious. The key to this recipe is using Thai holy basil, which gives the dish its signature peppery flavor. If holy basil isn't available at your local Asian market, you can substitute it with sweet Thai basil. While the taste won't be exactly the same, it will get you close to the authentic flavor of Pad Kra Pao you’d find in Thailand.
If you're interested in more Thai taste dishes, you might want to check out these recipes: Authentic Thai Holy Basil Pork with Rice (Pad Kra Pao Moo) Recipe, Authentic Thai Drunken Noodle (Pad Kee Mao) Street Food Recipe, Thai stir-fried Noodle (Pad See Ew) Recipe, and Thai Seafood Stir-Fry Yellow Curry with Rice Recipe.
To make this recipe, you are going to need:
- 300 g. Mixed mushrooms
- 1 handful of Thai holy basil
- 4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 2- 4 fresh chili, minced (depending on your spiciness level)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry with Mushroom (Pad Krapow Hed) Recipe for Vegetarian
1 Start by gathering all the essential ingredients needed for the Thai Holy Basil Mushroom Stir-fry.
2 Clean the mushrooms and finely cut them into bite-sized pieces. Pick the basil leaves, then wash and drain them thoroughly.
3 Place a wok or pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add cooking oil, minced chili, and garlic. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes aromatic.
4 Add the mushrooms to the pan, then stir in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar.
5 Stir to combine until the mushrooms are evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is slightly reduced and the mushrooms are tender.
6 Sprinkle the Thai holy basil leaves over the mushrooms.
7 Continue to stir for about 30 seconds, making sure the basil leaves are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
8 Serve with steamed rice and enjoy!
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 Stir-Fry with Mushroom (Pad Krapow Hed) Recipe for Vegetarian
Pad Krapow is, hands down, the most delicious Thai dish out there, and this recipe is going to take it to the next level with a healthier, vegetarian-friendly twist. If you're looking for a vegetarian Pad Krapow recipe that’s both tasty and healthy, this is the one for you!
Ingredients
- 300 g. Mixed mushrooms
- 1 handful of Thai holy basil
- 4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 2- 4 fresh chili, minced (depending on your spiciness level)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Directions
- Start by gathering all the essential ingredients needed for the Thai Holy Basil Mushroom Stir-fry.
- Clean the mushrooms and finely cut them into bite-sized pieces. Pick the basil leaves, then wash and drain them thoroughly.
- Place a wok or pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add cooking oil, minced chili, and garlic. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes aromatic.
- Add the mushrooms to the pan, then stir in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar.
- Stir to combine until the mushrooms are evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is slightly reduced and the mushrooms are tender.
- Sprinkle the Thai holy basil leaves over the mushrooms.
- Continue to stir for about 30 seconds, making sure the basil leaves are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Serve with steamed rice and enjoy!
