Pad Kra Pao
AI-generated image
Thai

Pad Kra Pao

A fast, savory Thai stir-fry of fragrant ground pork, garlic, chilies, and holy basil, served over jasmine rice with crisp-edged fried eggs. The sauce is balanced with soy, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar.

30 min 4 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Cook the rinsed jasmine rice according to the package method, then cover and keep warm. The grains should be tender and separate.
2
Stir the soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar together in a small bowl until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
3
Heat 30 ml of the oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until it shimmers. Add the garlic and chilies and stir-fry for 20–30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
4
Add the ground pork and stir-fry for 4–6 minutes, breaking it into small pieces, until browned in spots and cooked through to 74°C/165°F.
Ground pork browning with garlic and chilies in a wok AI-generated image
5
Pour in the sauce and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits, until the pork is glossy and lightly coated.
6
Turn off the heat, add the holy basil, and toss for 30–45 seconds until the leaves wilt and release their peppery aroma.
7
Heat the remaining 30 ml oil in a clean skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the eggs one or two at a time for 2–3 minutes, spooning hot oil over the whites, until the edges are crisp and the whites are fully set.
8
Divide the warm rice among four bowls. Spoon the basil pork alongside or over the rice, top each serving with a fried egg, and serve with lime wedges.
Pad kra pao with jasmine rice and crisp fried egg AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

High heat creates browned, savory pork while the garlic, chilies, and basil add perfume and freshness. A small amount of sugar rounds the salty sauce, and a crisp fried egg provides a rich contrast.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Store the stir-fry and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Refrigerate fried eggs separately and use within 1 day.

How to reheat it

Reheat the pork stir-fry and rice separately in a skillet or microwave until steaming hot, reaching 74°C/165°F for the pork. Fry a fresh egg for the best texture.

Nutrition / serving

890kcal
38.99 gprotein
66.61 gcarbs
51.20 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 20 Aug 2026 · updated 20 Aug 2026