Authentic Thai Pad Prik Khing Recipe (ผัดพริกขิง) – Spicy Stir-Fried Curry Paste
Pad Prik Khing (ผัดพริกขิง) is a classic Thai stir-fry dish featuring meat or seafood cooked with a fragrant, thick red curry paste. Unlike regular Thai curries, Pad Prik Khing is dry-fried — meaning the sauce clings to the ingredients without excess liquid.
This dish is known for its bold flavors, combining spicy, aromatic, and slightly sweet notes. Traditionally made with pork, chicken, or green beans, it’s a favorite in Thai homes and street food stalls alike.
🥗 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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✅ Quick and easy – ready in 20 minutes
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✅ Fragrant and flavorful – rich curry paste with bold Thai spices
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✅ Dry-fried perfection – sauce clings beautifully to meat or vegetables
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✅ Customizable – works with pork, chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu
🧂 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
For the Stir-Fry:
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300 g meat of choice (chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp)
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2 tbsp red curry paste (Prik Khing paste)
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1–2 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced
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1 tbsp vegetable oil
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1–2 long green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
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1 tbsp fish sauce
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1 tsp sugar
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Optional: Thai basil for garnish
🍳 How to Make Pad Prik Khing
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Prepare the ingredients:
Slice meat into bite-sized pieces and cut green beans. Thinly slice kaffir lime leaves. -
Heat the curry paste:
In a wok or pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add red curry paste and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until aromatic. -
Cook the meat:
Add the meat and stir-fry until it is nearly cooked through. -
Add vegetables and seasoning:
Add green beans and kaffir lime leaves. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes. Season with fish sauce and sugar, mixing well so the sauce coats the ingredients evenly. -
Serve:
Garnish with Thai basil if desired. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice for an authentic Thai meal.
🌶️ Tips for Perfect Pad Prik Khing
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Use fresh kaffir lime leaves for authentic aroma.
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Adjust spice level by adding more or fewer curry paste.
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Keep the stir-fry dry — avoid adding water to maintain the thick, clinging sauce.
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Cook meat quickly to preserve tenderness.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Serve as a main dish with steamed jasmine rice.
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Pair with other Thai dishes like Tom Yum Soup or Som Tam (Papaya Salad) for a complete Thai meal.
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Garnish with fresh Thai basil or sliced red chilies for added color and aroma.
💡 Fun Fact
Pad Prik Khing is considered one of Thailand’s classic home-cooked stir-fries. Unlike curries with more liquid, this dry-fried version highlights the intense flavor of the curry paste, making it a bold and aromatic dish perfect for spice lovers.
