If you've ever wandered the bustling streets of Bangkok, you know the irresistible aroma of sizzling woks and the sight of locals hunched over plates of rice topped with a fiery, fragrant stir-fry. That dish is very often Pad Krapao Moo (ผัดกระเพราหมู) – a beloved Thai street food classic.

And the best part? You don't need a plane ticket to enjoy it. This authentic Pad Krapao recipe is your ticket to a 15-minute, restaurant-quality meal that’s bursting with the bold, savory, and spicy flavors of Thailand.

What is Pad Krapao?

Pronounced "pad gra-prow," the name breaks down simply:

• Pad (ผัด) = Stir-fried

• Krapao (กระเพรา) = Holy Basil

• Moo (หมู) = Pork

So, it's Holy Basil Stir-fried Pork. The star ingredient is unmistakably Holy Basil (Bai Krapao), which has a unique, peppery, and slightly anise-like flavor that is completely different from the sweet Thai Basil or Italian Basil. It’s this herb that gives the dish its signature scent and taste.
 

🐷 Pad Kra Pao Moo (Stir-Fried Pork with Holy Basil)

Ingredients (2 servings)

• 200g ground pork (or finely chopped pork shoulder)

• 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)

• 3–5 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste, chopped)

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp dark soy sauce (for color, optional)

• 1 tsp fish sauce

• 1/2 tsp sugar

• 2 tbsp water or stock

• 1 handful holy basil leaves (substitute with Thai basil if holy basil unavailable)

• Cooked jasmine rice

• 1–2 eggs (for crispy fried egg topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare rice: Cook jasmine rice so it’s hot and fluffy, ready for serving.

2. Make chili-garlic paste: Pound chilies & garlic together in a mortar, or chop finely.

3. Fry egg(s): Heat oil in a pan or wok, crack egg and fry until edges are crispy (kai dao style). Remove and set aside.

4. Cook pork: Add a bit more oil if needed. Stir-fry garlic & chili until fragrant. Add ground pork, stir until cooked through.

5. Season: Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and splash of stock/water. Stir well.

6. Add basil: Toss in holy basil leaves, stir just until wilted (don’t overcook or the basil loses aroma).

7. Serve: Place stir-fry over rice, top with fried egg.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken (gai), beef (neua), or even seafood instead of pork.

• If you like it extra spicy, leave the chili seeds in.

• Street vendors often add a little long bean or onion, but the classic version is just meat + basil.

• For the most authentic flavor, use Thai holy basil (ใบกะเพรา), not sweet basil.

Serving Your Holy Basil Pork (The Right Way!)

In Thailand, Pad Krapao is not just a dish; it's an experience. Serve it like a local:

• Over Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy rice is the perfect canvas for the flavorful sauce.

• With a Fried Egg (Khai Dao): This is essential. Top your rice and pork with a perfectly crispy-edged, sunny-side-up fried egg. Breaking the yolk and letting it run over the spicy pork is a life-changing moment.

• With a Side of Prik Nam Pla: A simple condiment of sliced chilies in fish sauce with a squeeze of lime to add an extra punch.

FAQs & Expert Tips

Q: I can't find Holy Basil. What can I use?
A: Unfortunately, there's no perfect substitute. Thai Basil or Italian Basil will create a different, but still tasty, dish. The flavor profile will change, but it's better than no basil at all!

Q: How can I make this vegetarian?
A: Easily! Use crumbled firm tofu or a plant-based ground "meat." Substitute the oyster sauce with vegetarian oyster sauce and the fish sauce with soy sauce.

Q: It's too spicy for me! How can I adjust the heat?
A: Control the spice by reducing the number of Thai chilies or removing the seeds before chopping. You can even use a milder chili like a serrano.

Chef's Tip: The key to a great stir-fry is HIGH heat. Your wok should be smoking hot before you add anything. This creates the "wok hei" (breath of the wok) and prevents the ingredients from stewing.

Ready in 15 Minutes!

This Pad Krapao Moo recipe is faster than ordering takeout and infinitely more satisfying. It’s the ultimate quick weeknight dinner that delivers an explosion of authentic Thai flavor. So, grab your wok, find that holy basil, and get ready to make one of Thailand's most iconic dishes right in your own kitchen.