Pad Kra Pao is a Thai dish that is both flavorful and iconic.
If you’re a fan of Thai cuisine, chances are you’re already aware with the dish known as Pad Kra Pao. Because of its savory and fiery flavor profile, this stir-fry dish has established itself as a fundamental component of Thai cuisine. It is a dish that is simple to prepare at home and can be altered according to individual preference. Everything you need to know about Pad Kra Pao is included in this article.
What is Pad Kra Pao?
Stir-fried meat, typically pork or chicken, with garlic, chili peppers, and Thai basil are the primary components of the Pad Kra Pao cuisine, which originates in Thailand. The meal is traditionally served over rice, and a fried egg is frequently placed on top before being served. It is a meal that is loved by both Thai natives and foreigners alike because of its uncomplicated nature and its robust flavor, and it can be found in the majority of Thai restaurants.
Background on the Pad Kra Pao
It is generally agreed that Pad Kra Pao was created in the central part of Thailand, more precisely in the area surrounding Bangkok. Chinese migrants who had established in the region were the ones who brought this cuisine for the first time to the Thai royal court. It won over the working-class community over the course of time and eventually established itself as an essential component of Thai cuisine.
The name of the dish, Pad Kra Pao, is a reference to the stir-frying method that is used to prepare the dish as well as the essential role that Thai basil plays in the cuisine. A variety of basil with a flavor that is characterized by undertones of pepper and spice, Thai basil is also known by the name holy basil. It is frequently used in Thai cuisine and is an essential part of the dish known as Pad Kra Pao.
Components needed to make Pad Kra Pao
In order to prepare Pad Kra Pao, you are going to need the following components:
- Meat is an alternative for vegetarians, and you can use pork, chicken, beef, or tofu in its place.
- Garlic: Adding minced garlic to the recipe gives it a more savory flavor.
- Chili peppers: If you want a little bit of heat, you can add Thai bird’s eye chili peppers or any kind of chili pepper.
- This plant, known as Thai basil, is responsible for the dish’s recognizable taste.
- The use of soy sauce imparts a flavor that is both salty and savory.
- The dish receives its signature umami flavor from the use of fish sauce.
- Oyster sauce is a rich, black sauce that gives the dish a touch of sweetness as well as an additional layer of taste.
- Sugar brings harmony to a dish by balancing out the saltiness and the spiciness of the other components.
- When it comes to the oil, stir-frying calls for either vegetable oil or another type of neutral oil.
- Rice: This dish is traditionally served with jasmine rice; however, you are free to substitute any other variety of rice you like.
- The addition of a fried egg, while not required, will give the dish an even deeper flavor.
The following is a detailed description of how to make Pad Kra Pao:
- Put a wok or a large skillet on the stove and set the heat to high.
- Put some oil in the pan and move it around with your hand.
- Stir-frying garlic mince and chili peppers for around ten to fifteen seconds, or until the garlic and peppers acquire a pleasant aroma.
- To finish cooking the meat, add it to the pan and stir-fry it for a few minutes until it is done.
- Stir-frying the food in the pan for an additional thirty seconds after adding the soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce.
- Stir-frying the ingredients for another thirty seconds after adding sugar and Thai basil to the pan.
- Place on top of rice, and garnish with a fried egg (optional).
- Several takes on the Pad Kra Pao
You can experiment with several different iterations of the dish known as Pad Kra Pao. Here are a few concepts to consider:
You may make this dish vegetarian by using tofu, pig, chicken, or beef for the traditional cuts of meat.
Experiment with a chile pepper of a different kind: You can substitute another kind of chili pepper for the Thai bird’s eye chili peppers if you are unable to obtain them. Chili peppers are known for their intensity.