The Thai Dish - Phat Kaphrao (Pad Krapow)

7uto...gqhu

29 Jan 2024

Pad Krapow, also known as Pad Kra Pao or Pad Kaprow, is a popular Thai stir-fried dish known for its bold and flavorful profile. The dish's name refers to one of its key ingredients, holy basil, which is called "krapow" or "kra pao" in Thai. The word "pad" simply means stir-fried. The dish is also sometimes referred to as Pad Krapow Moo or Pad Krapow Gai, indicating the type of protein used—pork or chicken, respectively.

The history of Pad Krapow is not well-documented, but it has become a staple in Thai cuisine and is widely enjoyed both in Thailand and around the world. It is considered a popular street food and is often served with steamed rice and a fried or sunny-side-up egg on top. The combination of aromatic holy basil, garlic, chili, and a savory sauce gives Pad Krapow its distinctive and addictive flavor.

One interesting aspect of Pad Krapow is its reputation as a comfort food with a bit of a spicy kick. It is a dish that can be easily customized to suit individual preferences, with variations in the level of spiciness and the choice of protein. The use of holy basil is a key element, as its unique flavor contributes significantly to the overall taste of the dish.

While the specific origins of Pad Krapow are not clear, it has become a beloved and iconic dish in Thai cuisine, representing the bold and vibrant flavors that Thai food is known for. It's a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Thailand and its ability to create dishes that are not only delicious but also deeply satisfying.

Recipe for Pad Krapow with Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai):

Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, finely chopped or ground
2 cups holy basil leaves (Thai basil), loosely packed
4 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 Thai bird chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to spice preference)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup chicken broth or water
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 fried or sunny-side-up egg per serving (optional, for serving)
Steamed jasmine rice, for serving

Instructions:

Prepare Ingredients:
- Finely chop or grind the chicken.
- Mince the garlic and chop the Thai bird chilies.
- Wash and pat dry the holy basil leaves.

Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and chopped Thai bird chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until aromatic.

Add Chicken:
- Add the finely chopped or ground chicken to the wok. Stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through and starts to brown.

Prepare Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar.
- Add the sauce to the cooked chicken in the wok. Stir to combine.

Add Holy Basil:
- Add the holy basil leaves to the wok. Stir-fry until the basil wilts and is well combined with the chicken.

Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add salt, soy sauce, or fish sauce according to your taste.

Finish:
- Pour in the chicken broth or water to create a bit of sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for a minute or two.

Serve:
- Serve the Pad Krapow over steamed jasmine rice.
- Optionally, top each serving with a fried or sunny-side-up egg.

Enjoy your homemade Pad Krapow! Adjust the spice level and ingredients according to your preferences for a personalized experience.

I recommend you to watch these Pad Krapow recipe videos;

PAD KRA PAO Recipe;

Thai Basil Beef in 15 Minutes (Pad Kra Pao);

Thai Holy Basil Stir - Fry Recipe;

Thai Basil Chicken Recipe;

References;

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