If you ever find yourself in Thailand wondering what to eat, you can’t go wrong with Thai Basil Stir Fry (Pad Kra Pao)—Thailand’s ultimate comfort food.
This simple yet flavorful dish is a staple in Thai households, a go-to meal when people want something quick, delicious, and satisfying.
Today, we’re learning how to make it the authentic way, straight from a Thai chef
—ready in just 20 minutes and budget-friendly!
Table of Contents
1. Key Ingredients for Thai Basil Stir Fry (Pad Kra Pao)
To make this dish, you’ll need: Ground pork, Chili peppers, Garlic, Holy basil (Thai basil)
2. Essential Seasonings of Thai Basil Stir Fry (Pad Kra Pao)
Sugar, Salt, Oyster sauce, and Soy sauce
3. Step-by-Step Cooking Guide for Thai Basil Stir Fry (Pad Kra Pao)
a. Prep the aromatics: Finely chop the chili peppers and garlic. Heat some oil in a pan, then stir-fry the mixture until fragrant
b. Cook the pork: Add the ground pork and stir-fry until fully cooked.
c. Season the dish: Add sugar, salt, oyster sauce, and soy sauce, stirring well until the pork turns a rich brown color.
d. Finish with basil: Toss in Thai holy basil leaves and stir-fry on high heat for a few seconds until wilted.
4. The Perfect Thai Basil Stir Fry (Pad Kra Pao) – Final Dish
And there you have it—Thai Basil Pork Rice, ready to enjoy!
A Shortcut: Pre-Made Thai Basil Stir Fry (Pad Kra Pao) Sauce/Powder
Don’t have time to cook from scratch? No worries! Many Thai supermarkets carry ready-made Pad Krapow sauce, making cooking this dish even faster.
If you’re outside Thailand,Amazonalso stocks great options.
There are organic, pure herb premium options.
Many YouTubers showcase how to make Thai Basil Stir Fry (Pad Kra Pao). You can learn a restaurant-style version from certified Thai chefs like Pailin’s Kitchen or a quick homemade version from the TikTok video below.
If you prefer a Thai supermarket brand, I often buy this brand in Thailand. also available on Amazon.
It’s a popular household brand, and I’ve used it for countless gatherings—it never disappoints! (Honestly, most brands work pretty much the same.) The flavors are rich, and it makes cooking Pad Krapow effortless. You can find it on Amazon.
5. Why Is It Called “Pad Kra Pao” ( Thai Basil Stir Fry)?
In Thai, “Krapow” refers to holy basil, a fragrant herb similar to Italian basil but with a stronger, slightly peppery flavor. Since this dish is always made with basil, it naturally gets the name Pad Krapow (which means “stir-fried with basil”).
Local Thailand Experiencce/Recommendation!：
🍜 Bangkok Food
【Unique Thai Snacks】Exotic Thai Street Food Experience
【Top Buffet】Copper Beyond Buffet at Gaysorn Amarin – A World-Class Culinary Experience
【Classic Thai Seafood】Great Harbour International Buffet Dining Experience at ICONSIAM
【Beachfront Thai Seafood】Discover Thailand’s Best Coastal Eateries
【Michelin Thai Buffet】Market Café by Khao at Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit – Enjoy $90 Worth of Dishes for $24
【Thai Local Delicacies】Experience Thailand's street food stalls! How to say "not spicy" in Thai?
🚆 Bangkok Transportation Tickets and Passes
【Getting Around】Common ways to navigate Bangkok’s city traffic.
【Airport Transfers】Private car transfers from BKK/DMK airports to Bangkok city hotels.
【Bangkok Ride-Hailing】Comparing Thai taxis vs. Grab—which is more cost-effective?
【First-Time Visiting Thailand?】Get One-day Bangkok sightseeing passes
【Taking the Train in Bangkok】Experiencing Thailand’s railways—waiting for trains on the tracks!
⛱️ Skip the Planning! Join a Local Day Tour & See More Attractions.
【Must-See for 1st-Timers】Floating Market Day Tour from Bangkok: Damnoen Saduak, Maeklong Market & Amphawa Fireflies Cruise
【Thai Costume Experience】One Day - SENSE OF THAI Costume Rental Experience
【20K+ Rave Reviews】Let’s Relax Spa – Bangkok’s Award-Winning Massage & Spa
【Complete Thailand Golf Guide】A Full Overview of Thailand’s Golf Courses
【Bangkok Golf】Introduction to Bangkok Golf Courses, Prices, and Booking
【Pattaya Golf】Top Golf Courses in Pattaya: Reviews & Prices
【Chiang Mai Golf】Total Guide to Chiang Mai Golf Courses, Recommendations, Prices, Rankings, and Booking
⚙️Useful Tools for Travelers in Thailand
【Unlimited Internet in Thailand】The most popular eSIM and SIM card options among travelers.
【Luggage Delivery】Luggage Concierge | Same-day delivery from BKK Airport to hotels in Bangkok.
🛏️ Accommodation in Bangkok
【Bangkok Hotels】Recommendations for 20 high-value hotels in Bangkok (including low and high season prices).
😎 About Me
I have been stationed in Thailand for many years (seeAbout me), speak Thai, and serve as your local insider guide. Feel free to join my Facebook Page:LiangYu in Thailand - Eight Years as an Expat in Thailand, Firsthand Insights into Thai Life, where we can share experiences about work, life, travel, and business in Thailand.
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Most reservations for Thai restaurants, itineraries, and vacation apartments in Thailand require a local Thai bank account for booking. (Popular cafes in Thailand like the Maldives-themed Bubble in the Forest Cafe and many unique accommodations outside major cities, such as those in the Pilok area of Kanchanaburi, often do not have online booking and payment mechanisms.) If you needassistance on booking or order thai goods, please reach out on :Facebook
