Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry Recipe (Pad Kra Pao) ผัดกะเพรา - Hot Thai Kitchen!

This popular Thai dish has many English spellings: Pad Gaprao, Pad Kra Pao, Pad Ka Prao, Pad Ka Pow...etc. But they all point to this same delicious, rustic, spicy stir-fry featuring the aroma of holy basil. For a truly classic way to serve this dish, pour it over rice and top with a fried egg!
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About Pai:
Pailin “Pai” Chongchitnant is the author of the Hot Thai Kitchen cookbook, co-host of a Canadian TV series One World Kitchen on Gusto TV, and creator and host of the KZbin channel Pailin's Kitchen.
Pai was born and raised in southern Thailand where she spent much of her "playtime" in the kitchen. She traveled to Canada to study Nutritional Sciences at the University of British Columbia, and was later trained as a chef at Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in San Francisco.
After working in both Western and Thai professional kitchens, she decided that her passion really lies in educating and empowering others to cook at home via KZbin videos, her cookbook, and cooking classes. She currently lives in Vancouver, and goes to Thailand every year to visit her family. Visit her at hot-thai-kitchen.com
#ThaiFood #ThaiRecipes #AsianRecipes

[@PailinsKitchen]

HELLO LOVELY VIEWERS! Important Note: If you have questions about this recipe, you can post it here for the community to answer. But if you want to ask me, please get in touch via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or my website (all links are in the description above). If you leave questions in the comments I may not see them due to the large volume of comments I receive across the hundreds of videos on this channel. Also, before sending on any questions be sure to read the written recipe on the website as I often add extra tips and notes not covered in the video. Thank you for watching!

[@p.s.5135]

Do u also use hoi sin sauce in thai recepies??

[@aprilbennett4161]

@@p.s.5135 Hoisin is more Vietnamese and Chinese. That said; I recommend using hoisin sauce in place of oyster sauce in recipes. That's what I usually do, at any rate. I cook for someone with a shellfish allergy, so oyster sauce is a no-no. It tastes amazing in basil stir fries.

[@p.s.5135]

@@aprilbennett4161 hoi sin is completly different then oyster sauce ... i dont care if its more vietnamese then chinese i wanted to know if she uses it in thai dishes

[@aprilbennett4161]

@@p.s.5135 I thought that I was clear enough in saying that hoisin isn't a Thai ingredient. I cannot recall a single time that she's used hoisin. If that isn't good enough of an answer, utilize the other websites that she listed to get a direct response from her.

[@angeloharris86]

Do you use Thai Soy Sauce in this recipe?

[@dannyoktim9628]

You're the reason I don't watch Food Network, true personality with cooking skills and you teach with passion, the way students need to learn. I'm a fan, stay true to the art you deserve.

[@luckynothirteen]

So I really ended up making this for dinner last night and guess what, my husband said I really hit it out of the ballpark 😂 It was so good. My husband had it again for breakfast and said it was the best breakfast. Thank you for the video recipe and I really look forward to making more of your cookings.

[@annother3350]

You're spoiling him!

[@nanalita8185]

Perfect dish for breakfast. I ate it everyday in Thailand

[@vamperkillzshy]

Why do people always talk about their husband?

[@shaneshoemaker7064]

After living in Thailand for a few years, this became me all-time favorite! I was very disappointed when I came back to the USA and ordered this and they used Thai basil and not the Holy Basil. But with the right ingredients this is a fantastic dish anytime!

[@omgwth7567]

@@vamperkillzshy bc they're normal. 😑

[@wlid88]

I ordered a holy basil plant from overseas just so that I can cook this dish. The things you do for food.

[@heartsmich6208]

I almost wanted to because there's only 1 place that sells thai basil in my whole country! But i live in Singapore and its small so i'll just travel 1 and half hours there instead. lolol

[@beargrylls38]

Michelle Ho have you tried Golden Mile? There is this market on the 2nd level... plenty

[@carpii]

Hah yeah me too. I had to mail order a green papaya at huge expense, just because I wanted to make som tum. Worth it though!

[@heartsmich6208]

Yes! I went to GM for the basil, but after that i found out Big Box supermarket at Jurong has basil too which is so much nearer to me. lol

[@TUBESTEAKNIG]

LOL that's hilarious

[@gmilne67]

My wife and I are from Canada living in Thailand in Mae Hong Son. Due to the Covid virus and the need to stay home I was missing Pad Krapao from my fav restaurant. So I followed your recipe and made it myself...and we love it!! Thank you so much! I will be trying your other recipes too now.

[@adamthehtkminion6750]

YAY! Adam

[@ashleyramsuchit3201]

Made this recipe today and I'm amazed on how we only needed a few tablespoons of the sauces, but had so much flavour. Everyone loved it. Very quick and easy to make.

[@rukminimenon]

I lived in Thailand for 6 years and this was my fav, feel good, go-to dish whenever i wanted a quick yet hearty meal; so watching you make it, made me relive all that! You made the recipe super easy (as u do with all your other recipes) so i was able to recreate my favorite Thai dish! Thanks so much and keep going!

[@naruoze]

I did a part-time job in a Thai restaurant in Beijing last month, and this dish is one of the most frequently ordered dishes😊

[@Mjot101]

Was in Chiang Mai for a month and there was this little street stall right next to our hostel that sold this stuff and it was some of the best meals I’ve ever had. I was trying to try out new and different meals but by the end of the trip I was just eating that dish every single day

[@pabotulis]

Oooo this looks so good! I love this dish but we can never find krapao so I've never tried to make it other than use a premade sauce pack. You make it look so easy! Love your videos!

[@xnkayys]

This dish has been my go-to to order at Thai restaurants for years. I tried making it at home following this recipe and it was super tasty and quite easy to make. Thank you for the recipe!!

[@Diosabellissima]

After watching your original video on this way back back, I started making this dish weekly. It's the perfect thing to make a pile of on Sunday and eat for lunches throughout the week (I think the sauce gets even better in the 'fridge for a day, since the meat really soaks up all the chili flavor). You even got me making and eating fried eggs for the first time in my life. I'm glad you did an update!

[@1DLover46]

I just made this and followed all your instructions and recipe and it was so flavoursome!! It tasted even better than most of the Thai restaurants I've been to :) thank you!

[@17025601]

And here I thought Holy Basil and Thai basil were the same. Thanks!

[@Dirkschneider]

+GizmoBee1702 It's confusing. Even thai people call the holy basil "thai basil" when they refer to it in english. To avoid confusion; ask for grapao (holy basil). Thai basil is horapa which is good in a red curry.

[@17025601]

+Dirkschneider Thank you. I live in northern Nevada. A local Pacific Rim business brings in "basil" from San Francisco every Thursday. I'll be sure to ask him what I'm buying. For sure, it's not Italian basil.

[@Dirkschneider]

The thai basil taste a bit like anise (or liquorice) and has smooth edges. Holy basil has jagged edges. You can keep that in mind if there's confusion. Like I said many label both sweet and holy basil as thai basil. I noticed that even Pailin put 'thai basil' in the title of this video. But it is Holy basil.

[@17025601]

+Dirkschneider Right! Jagged vs. smooth leaf edges. That's a clear indicator. Thank you very much.

[@PailinsKitchen]

+Dirkschneider Ooh, good catch! Fixed it!

[@tookitogo]

I am so glad that (thanks to Thailand being a favorite holiday destination for the Swiss) I can get holy basil, Thai basil, long coriander, cilantro with roots, and other Thai vegetables at the large Thai grocery store literally in the building next door, here in Zurich!

[@tookitogo]

@Snow prince Very interesting!! I suppose everyone loves places that are different from where they live! My theory is that Switzerland has great Thai food (both restaurants and shops) for two reasons: 1. Swiss people going to Thailand on holiday and getting to know the food there, and 2. Swiss people going to Thailand on holiday and eventually returning with a Thai spouse (who then wants real Thai food here). (I’ve seen a few restaurants here that have a menu that is half Swiss food, half Thai food! I always assume it’s a Swiss-Thai couple that runs it!)

[@shilpaparikh3321]

Made this for lunch today. It was a hit! I can't believe how it tasted just like how I get it here in the Thai restaurant. It took me around 20 mins and it was yummy, flavourful and spicy. Super delicious. 👍🏽

[@cheesegirlk22]

Made this today and it was delicious!! Tasted exactly like the one I get from the restaurant. So glad I can make my own now since restaurants have become so expensive. Made a huge serving for my whole family and they all loved it 🥰. Thank you!

[@whispechoes]

You've got such great energy while explaining the dish. I really enjoyed watching this video and definitely want to try making this dish myself.

[@bowlofcompassion]

We have just made your Krapao ❤️🙏🏻 I loved the addition of Fishsauce. My wife was coughing too and asked me if Thai people also still cough doing it :) Thank you for your beautiful recipe and greetings from Germany

[@jeanettelow1181]

Sawadeeka from Malaysia! Found holy basil in my garden and cooked your delicious recipe ... yums! It is now a regular lunch dish for us at home.

[@apiwatford7346]

Pailin, I stumbled on your shows two days ago. I’ve learned quite a bit from watching you cook Thai food, you made everything look easy. Thanks so much. I also enjoy your witty comments. Pias

[@niceguyjayson]

Great video. I can hear the birds in the background when you are outside and makes me miss Thailand!

[@amorserenade891]

This dish has always been my fav & 1st choice to choose whenever I'm at a Thai restaurant in my country...next is the green curry or maybe tomyum :)

[@user-ri9tt2ip4m]

Knowing that i won't be able to find Holy Basil in the US, i brought some seeds with me from Bangkok, lol. Now, it is weeding in my Alabama back yard ❤️

[@adamthehtkminion6750]

Awesome! :)

[@omgwth7567]

The tree last only 2-3 yrs. Don't forget to collect the seeds. 😉

[@chrisd5964]

Thank you. I just followed this recipe and it is perfect. Unless you really love heat, I’d recommend 5 Birds Eye chillis but no less than that or else you won’t get the real flavour. Holy basil is difficult to grow here in the UK, so I used regular Thai basil of which I have a bumper crop this year. Thanks Pailin.

[@beammeupscotty1955]

I just picked up the first of this season's Holy Basil at my local farmers market on Tuesday. A Lao family of farmers grow it all the way down in Fresno (3 to 4 hours away) and drive to my town twice a week, in season. Made up a huge batch of this, half to eat now for breakfasts this week and half frozen for later. It is one of my favorites made even more special because it is so seasonal. Once you have had this dish with the correct basil, substituting Horapa or Italian basil doesn't cut it any more. Oddly, when I first started eating this dish it was at a local thai restaurant in San Francisco, back in the late eighties. They substituted mint for the Ka Pow basil and it made an acceptable, though different dish. I am very lucky to have easy access to probably the only source for fresh Ka Pow basil in the Bay Area east of the hills. Without this I'd have to drive 30 or more miles to Berkeley or Richmond to get this basil.

[@susi-vz5os]

Hi, I tried this recipe today and it was absolutely amazing! It was a perfect balance of salty, sweet and umami flavors. I doubled the sauce since I like to have more sauce to go with rice. Thank you very much for this great recipe.

[@mollyher6097]

Thank you for all of your recipes!! I've made at least 3 of your recipes and they always turn out so gooood!!!

[@sconet7634]

Love your energy and explanation. You made it look so simple. You inspire me to try your recipes. Please keep the thai dishes coming.

[@paulwebber9296]

Just made this for my boys & myself & all we can say is wow. Really easy to follow recipe as always 👍🏼

[@GreatBritishBak3r]

You are the voice of the new generation 😭 My mom is a great Thai chef, but since I moved out, it's a lot harder to hound her for a recipe that she doesn't write down lol. Hopefully I can surprise her with knowing how to make Thai food! Kop khun kha, na kha P'Pai!

[@blsimba64]

Hi Pailin, just tried your recipe and cooked my first Thai basil pork! It was sooo good! Thank you so much!

[@MariaMorales-kr1ps]

All the recipes you share I really love. I will put this one on top of my list. perfect for breakfast.

[@Bayk897]

Perfect recipe. This is my all time favourite dish and have ordered it in many different locations. Your recipe provides the taste I love the most. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@everythingexplained]

My favorite thai dish. Both my kids love it as well. Luckily we have had imported holy basil for at least the last 10 years way up north in Norway.

[@Mykohori]

Hello Pailin, I loved this dish! Made it just like you did this week and it was the tastiest thing ever. Although I forgo the fried eggs, everything else was wonderful, thank you for the recipe!

[@dmarkj22]

I have been making this recipe for the last several weeks and it has become my go to dish. It’s super delicious and simple. I have been using ground turkey and have been substituting Thai chilies with Serranos.

[@frenchiechanel64]

Hi Pai love your channel and a fan of yours!

[@jasminloberg7521]

I just want to THANK you many times for showing how to really make my favorite dish! 😃👏🏽 I always order it at the restaurant. But I must say that it tastes twice as good, in the way you have shown. Thanks for sharing this! Now I can finally make the dish that even tastes far better than when I order! YUMMY i’m just saying! 😋

[@uodige1]

Thank you Pailin, with your channel, i was able to make Thai curry, tom yum soup , pad Thai and this Pad g Gaprao!! always appreciate your enthusiasm!!!

[@elfinryan9626]

Love every dish you show us, I always love my egg well done & crispy on both sides with a sprinkle of salt, thanks once again for a yummy dish....

[@roshanivijayan]

I'm Indian, and I live in Singapore, but I spent my entire childhood in Bangkok, and this video just reminds me so much of it, I feel like I could cry rn, I miss Bangkok so much

[@juliarudinsky447]

Hello!!! I just wanted to let you know that this recipe is absolutely amazing!!! I’ve made it 4 times and just made it again tonight. Added more veggies and it was delicious! Thank you for sharing this recipe!!! ❤️ ps I love all your recipes!!!

[@dbhhattac]

I tried this recipe yesterday. It is so easy and came out so tasteful. It was much better than the variety that I usually buy from restaurants. Thanks for posting this recipe.

[@CC-TimesTwo]

I'm so glad crispy fried eggs are finally getting recognized. So delicious!

[@Smartbad]

I live in Japan and it's harder to source some of these ingredients simply because Japanese local equivalents are often softer in flavor, but I really wanted to learn how to do this because I always eat this at my favorite Thai restaurants in Osaka and Nagoya. I finally tried to make this last night and I bought more ingredients today just so I could try cooking it again. I am pretty determined to perfect that authentic flavor-kick (despite the available ingredients I have), so I will keep on trying/experimenting/fine-tuning. Thank you so much for making these cooking videos. I have, since about a year ago, been on a mission to become a kick-ass home cook, and this helps tons.

[@ERone43]

From the minute I learned about adding Kai Dao I never ordered it without it again, sooo glad you included that 🇹🇭😊

[@cigar69]

just cooked this dish using your recipe! thank you! loved it and it was spot on!

[@georgethomas9436]

Hello. I watched all 5 rice episodes which I didn't know there were so many. I spent one year in Thiland while in the Air Force. Lived in town, ate at many local food places. I'm happy that Thialand is promoting thier rices. Love your videos. From far away in Oklahoma USA.

[@Lee-yn1by]

Thanks for this recipe. It was delicious!

[@shen4660]

i have tried SO many recipes but this one is THE BEST 🥰🥰🥰

[@JJC007]

I am so grateful to find your channels, great Thai recepes! Thank you so much

[@gilleslauer5011]

sawadee khrap I have tears in the eyes and flavor in the mouth I love this recipe Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@ThatJapaneseManYuta]

I'm totally going to cook this.

[@ThatJapaneseManYuta]

I made it and it was sooo good!

[@victortriump1563]

@@ThatJapaneseManYuta Did you manage to find "holy basil" in your country? :)

[@woodkey1]

@@victortriump1563 Holy basil is hard to find. I just use any type of basil i can find. If fail i just use cilantro or other veges. Not as good as with basil but still a good quick meal :)

[@Vintagecasios]

Like Totally!

[@fattony9227]

@@victortriump1563 Tuck Frump!

[@ryunaonlineshop1258]

Hi, i just try ur recipe soooo damnnn gooodd 😍😍😍😍 thanks for sharing the recipes

[@minimottoworldwide2569]

Thank you so much for this channel! After 2 years of living in bkk I really needed this so I can learn to cook the things I miss here in Hawaii until I get back home. It’s so easy to not learn in bkk when everything is cheap outside on your soi

[@fradog23]

I've cooked this, or something extremely similar, very often. It is soooooo good. Thanks for the recipe!

[@monicamanibusan3172]

I've never tried this dish before and looks pretty easy to make,. I'm going to fit this in to my weekly dinner, thank you and keep up the great work!

[@rajkumarraja6631]

In India, Holy Basil is called Thulasi which is a medicinal plant to heal cold, cough, insect bites.😊

[@jonestacara]

I drink the Tulsi Tea with Holy Basil and Ashwandaga

[@arlexzender2449]

Did you know there are countless sub species of holy basil. I have the red thai holy basil and its has taken over my garden. I eat this every week. Sinply my favourite quick stir fry. Fish sauce is essential. Many people in Laos cook it with soy only.

[@charlesolney2391]

Aaaah! I can almost smell it! I love your presentations! Thank you for sharing!

[@davidjustdavid3955]

my family loves this, simple easy and soo tasty.

[@raykarimi6648]

Thank you for such a beautiful looking dish. I think Pailin is the real Holy on here. Beautiful Looking & smile! Viva Canada.

[@irishhoward1083]

Hi Pailin thank you so much for this recipe ! My husband loves it! It becomes his number one favorite...

[@stephenpalmer3850]

I've cooked pad gaprao many times. I tried your recipe and wow! It's the best I've ever had. Cheers.

[@stephenbouchelle7706]

I go to Thailand every year. This is the dish by which I judge my various lunch spots. Thanks for showing me how I can try it at home. Just discovered your channel this morning.

[@BangkokSong]

That's pretty much what Thai people do too :-)

[@hnkabraham]

I made it today and my kids and wife loved it. Thank you very much 😊. We don’t get Thai Chilli here so I substituted it with canned Paprika and it came out nice. 😊

[@jeannieb2575]

I tried this recipe several times, and my mom liked it. Thank you so much!

[@megann317]

love your dishes! thanks for sharing...

[@Sharamiko]

Thai food it’s incredible delicious! made it for dinner and loved it. Your instructions were so simple that I have no issue what so ever to make it. Just a little difficulty because it was a bit to spicy for my liking but I added more sugar and sauce and it fixed it a great deal! Next time I think I will only use 2 hot peppers instead of 4 and a bit more garlic and basil . To be my first time making it it was Simply delicious. THANKS

[@simonmorter9341]

Pai’s comment on the neighbors being able to smell it as well as Adam’s cough accurately describes how ~spicy~ the air can really get in a Thai restaurant 😁

[@adamthehtkminion6750]

Yea no kidding! :)

[@dennydenlim]

Hi, Pailin! Even though, I haven't tried this dish before but it looks delicious so I cannot wait to try it. it looks easy to make.

[@amadoeustaquio1153]

I'm all about that Kai Dao - brown crusty crispy edges and golden gooey yolk. Perfect for any rice dish especially for Filipino breakfasts. Thanks for sharing. 😋

[@witachapinamk1507]

i hate cooking it. now i have burnt scar from oil because of it

[@michaelchristensen340]

best thai dish ever and cooked by a pretty lady. thanks again for the video keep up the good work.

[@sonnssning]

I made this and it was amazing! I used 4 thai chilis and it was the perfect spiciness. I used minced pork and made kai dao as well. I think since it’s so tasty it would still be delicious without chilis. Thanks Pailin!

[@dw9461]

I like this one so much I added the ingredients to my garden this summer. I have tried every thai restaurant nearby trying to find real version and it's impossible.

[@badibahu8159]

I am just gonna make it..and I'm blessed that i am in Thailand right now😇

[@felicia8086]

Ate it for the first time when i was in Phuket last week. Fell in love since. So flavourful, spicy and delicious. Told myself when i go back home i need to try this. Thanks for the video.

[@panfilobhutia]

Hi Pailin! Would love a video showing and explaining the outdoor kitchen in Thailand. Here in Sweden its become quite popular with outdoor kitchens in summer and I would love to see the one you have so one can do good wok even here. Thanks in advance! Your videos are great by the way and I love following your recipes.

[@MaZEEZaM]

I really like that you offer the Thai names and then the translations.

[@BGraves]

I made it with crumbled super firm tofu!!! Perfect texture

[@Bearhawk58]

YES!

[@mysticworld3699]

I just cooked for my friends using your recipe and they loved it! They asked me when I am gonna cook again 😂

[@leerobbins5636]

I usually cook for my sister and brother in-law. Sometimes she helps me, but like your friends they ask when will I make it again. HTK is the best.

[@dsingapura1234]

Like the way you explain and Canadian availability of ingredients - awesome presentation and very energetic - love all your dishes

[@TheAserak]

One of my absolute favorite dishes when visiting Bangkok. Happy to see your recipe - kor khun krub

[@alonzomartii]

When someone was coughing I said...yup that must be smelling real good and spicy.

[@rexheway2314]

this dish is a match made in heaven. This combination on your spoon with rice, meat, veggie and the creamy egg yolk. Bam!!

[@Pelinore_04]

Had this dish just recently for the first time at a restaurant and loved it. Will be trying out your recipe to see if I can capture the same magic at home.

[@vaioboy1410]

oh god tried this today. I love love love love it!!

[@DanTraxex]

I can smell it through my screen

[@Kanti12311]

Daniel D. Muhahaha

[@connorpowers6057]

Seriously though. I smelt the chiles and garlic frying.

[@ookaninam2013]

Hi Pailin, I couldn't find any Thai chilies in the supermarket (I live in Seattle) so I used roasted jalapenos from an open flame instead for the mortar and pestle garlic paste. And I couldn't find my sugar so I used bourbon maple syrup for the sauce. For the holy basil, I just used Trader Joe's basil. It sounds crazy, but it turned out pretty good and delicious! The roasted jalapeno added this smokiness and body with the maple syrup in the fish, soy, oyster sauce. I guess the point I wanted to make was that you don't have to have the exact ingredients, but subbing for a few ingredients doesn't kill the dish. Thanks for this recipe!

[@omgwth7567]

You better sub with Italian Basil. 🤔

[@debyyong]

tried this recipe... so easy and taste so authentic like the one I bought in thai restaurant! love it! Thank you Pailin

[@johndevan22]

Thank you Pailin . I followed exactly how you showed us and it turned out so delicious wow 🤩 thanks so much

[@nikkiforster9772]

I made this and it's exactly like in thailand so happy 😍😍

[@GoranMak]

My mouth was watering!!!!!

[@GarrySkipPerkins]

Yeah, she is hot

[@heatherliv5339]

I love this dish it sooo good I , I got plenty of basil in my garden

[@seratsui]

I love the outdoor kitchen! It must be so relaxing and fun to cook outside :)

[@brandon3872]

Fried eggs are always better with crispy brown edges! 😅 Thank for making this video, it's nice to get a better insight to Thai culture, you're doing your country proud! 🇹🇭

[@rob.7597]

I just made my Thai wife angry so she refused to cook me lunch. I don't cRe though because I've now just been taught how to cook for myself. Delicious. Thank you for this recipe

[@lettymac1726]

New subscriber here 😊This dish is really good 😋. I love all the ingredients you’ve used. I’ve tried cooking today and used chicken and it turned out really good. Thank you for sharing this recipe it’s actually easy to follow.

[@boba017]

My favorite Thai food !! Thankyou for the recipes