Name: Easy 15-min Pad Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 tsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tsp regular soy sauce; 1 tsp dark soy sauce; 2 tsp white granulated sugar; 1 lb extra-lean ground chicken (or ground pork or ground beef); 1 cup Holy basil (leaves only, stems removed); 1 shallot (or 1/4 cup onion, finely diced); 2 large red chili (deseeded & thinly sliced); 5 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 cup chicken stock (or beef stock); 3 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 fried eggs (optional); cooked jasmine rice

Jump to Recipe

Bright, punchy, and utterly satisfying, this Easy 15-min Pad Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry) is my favorite speedy dinner fix whenever I’m craving something bold and deeply comforting. Packed with fragrant holy basil, juicy ground chicken, and a perfectly balanced sauce, this dish delivers all the heat, savoriness, and fresh aroma you expect from real Thai street food—yet it comes together in almost no time at all. All it takes is a handful of pantry staples and fresh herbs to turn out a meal that’s guaranteed to chase away dinner indecision, cravings, and hunger in one swoop!

Easy 15-min Pad Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry) - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe has a special role to play, providing either the backbone of flavor, a burst of aroma, a tender bite, or vibrant color. You’ll notice how classic ingredients, when combined just right, capture everything irresistibly delicious about street-style Thai food—without needing anything too exotic.

Ground chicken (or pork or beef): Extra-lean meat breaks up easily for those signature craggy, juicy bits that soak up the sauce perfectly.
Holy basil: The peppery, slightly spicy note of this fresh herb is the soul of Pad Kra Pao; if you can’t find it, Thai or even regular basil still provide an aromatic, delicious punch.
Shallot (or onion): Finely diced for sweetness and depth, shallots melt into the stir-fry without overpowering the other flavors.
Red chili (or Thai chilies): The pop of heat and color brings vibrancy; adjust type and amount based on your own spice tolerance!
Garlic: Essential for that intensely savory, slightly nutty backbone; more cloves means more flavor.
Chicken stock (or beef stock): Adds a juicy, savory base that takes the sauce from good to absolutely crave-worthy.
Vegetable oil (or neutral oil): Helps everything fry quickly and evenly without altering taste.
Oyster sauce: Delivers glossy richness and umami; swap for vegetarian alternative, if desired.
Fish sauce: Absolutely key for that deep, funky, salty-sweet undertone authentic to Thai dishes.
White granulated sugar: Balances out the heat and salt, rounding each bite with a gentle hint of sweetness.
Regular soy sauce: For balanced saltiness and color, without overpowering the aromatics.
Dark soy sauce: Just a little lends that glossy, dark-brown finish and savory boost.
Fried eggs (optional): The runny yolk makes every bite extra luscious and comforting.
Cooked jasmine rice (or other rice): The perfect fluffy canvas to soak up all that flavor-packed sauce.

How to Make Easy 15-min Pad Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry)

Step 1: Mix Up the Sauce

Start by combining all the sauce ingredients—oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauces, and sugar—in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves fully. This quick step also makes upleveling your stir fry a breeze once you’re at the stove. You want the sauce ready to go so nothing slows you down later!

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your chopped shallots, minced garlic, and thinly sliced chilies. Toss and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until everything is wonderfully fragrant (don’t wander—it goes fast!).

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Add your ground chicken (or pork or beef) right into the pan, breaking it up with your spatula so you get small, even bits. Cook until any liquid has evaporated and the meat’s starting to brown; those little caramelized pieces are where tons of extra flavor comes in.

Step 4: Pour in Sauce and Stock

Pour your pre-mixed sauce into the pan, stir-frying constantly to coat all the meat. Let it sizzle and start caramelizing for about 30 seconds; then add the chicken stock and stir everything together for another half a minute so it all comes together as a glossy, slightly sticky sauce.

Step 5: Wilt the Basil

Now for the final flourish! Toss in all your basil leaves; stir just until the leaves are wilted, about 15-20 seconds. Take the pan off the heat immediately—this keeps the basil vibrant and aromatic, never mushy. Serve at once over hot rice with a fried egg if you like.

How to Serve Easy 15-min Pad Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry)

Garnishes

Nothing brightens up your plate quite like a sprinkle of extra fresh basil on top, a wedge of lime for tang, or a few slices of crisp cucumber to cool everything down. If you like even more heat, a drizzle of chili vinegar or sliced fresh chili is always welcome!

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, serve this stir-fry with a refreshing Thai cucumber salad or some simply steamed vegetables. The vivid, peppery flavors also pair beautifully with classic Thai iced tea or a crisp green papaya salad for a real street food vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun presentation, mound your Easy 15-min Pad Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry) into a shallow bowl with the fried egg perched right on top, letting the yolk flow into the rice. Or, fill lettuce cups with the stir-fry for handheld bites at a party or picnic. You’ll impress every single time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they rest, making those next-day bites especially irresistible. Just make sure to chill everything quickly after cooling for maximum freshness.

Freezing

This stir-fry freezes quite well, especially if you omit the basil until reheating. Portion the meat mixture into freezer-safe containers, then add fresh basil after thawing for peak aroma. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners—just thaw, heat, and toss with basil!

Reheating

Reheat your Easy 15-min Pad Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry) gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring until heated through. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of stock or water. Top with a fresh fried egg when serving to revive that just-cooked feel.

FAQs

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Just use finely chopped mushrooms or crumbled firm tofu instead of ground meat, and switch out oyster and fish sauces for vegetarian stir fry sauces or mushroom-based alternatives. The dish is just as delicious and still loaded with flavor.

Is Thai holy basil essential for this recipe?

Holy basil is traditional and gives Pad Kra Pao its signature spicy-peppery depth, but don’t worry if you can’t find it—Thai basil, sweet basil, or even regular basil will deliver plenty of aroma and freshness. The dish will still taste fantastic!

How spicy is Easy 15-min Pad Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry)?

It all depends on your chilies! Using regular red chilies gives a milder heat, while Thai bird’s eye chilies will amp it up in a big way. Feel free to seed the chilies or just use less (or more!) according to your tastes.

What kind of rice should I serve with it?

Steamed jasmine rice is classic and soaks up the sauce perfectly, but honestly, any fluffy white rice (or even brown rice for a bit of nuttiness) will work just fine with Easy 15-min Pad Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry). It’s hard to go wrong with a simple rice base!

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! This is the kind of dish that’s great for feeding a crowd or prepping for meals later in the week. Just be sure not to overcrowd your pan—make it in batches if needed so you still get those beautiful crispy, caramelized bits on the meat.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Easy 15-min Pad Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry) at home, trust me—now’s your moment! It’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable, and nothing beats that aroma of sizzling basil and garlic filling your kitchen. Give it a try and I promise it’ll have a spot on your regular dinner rotation in no time.

Easy 15-min Pad Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry)

★★★★★

5 from 28 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Experience the bold flavors of Thai cuisine with this quick and easy Pad Kra Pao recipe. A fragrant stir-fry featuring holy basil, chili, and garlic, served with your choice of protein and rice. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal!

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
Stir-Fry: Heat oil in a pan. Fry shallot, garlic, and chilies until softened.
Add ground meat, cook until browned.
Stir in the sauce, then add stock and cook briefly.
Toss in basil leaves, cook briefly, then serve with rice and fried eggs.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Thai