🇹🇭 Thailand · Food
Thai Holy Basil Pork
By eatmundo · August 3, 2026
🇹🇭 THThe ultimate Thai street food dish, featuring savory minced pork stir-fried with intense aromatics and the peppery punch of fresh holy basil.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Crush the garlic and bird's eye chilies together in a mortar and pestle until they form a rough paste.
- 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok over medium-high heat until it begins to smoke slightly.
- 3
Add the garlic and chili paste to the wok, stir-frying for 30 seconds until the aroma fills your kitchen—don't let it burn.
- 4
Add the minced pork, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until it is no longer pink, about 3 minutes.
- 5
Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar, ensuring the meat is evenly coated and caramelized.
- 6
Toss in the fresh Thai basil leaves at the very last second to keep them vibrant.
- 7
Turn off the heat immediately and stir for 10 seconds until the basil leaves are just wilted but still bright green.
- 8
Serve immediately over jasmine rice, ideally with a crispy fried egg on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular basil?+
You can, but Thai holy basil has a unique peppery, spicy flavor that is essential for the authentic taste of this dish.
Why is it called 'Pad Krapow'?+
Krapow refers to the holy basil plant. Without it, the dish is technically just stir-fried pork.
How spicy should it be?+
It is intended to be quite spicy. Adjust the bird's eye chilies to suit your tolerance, but 3-5 is standard.
Should the pork be very fine?+
Yes, standard minced pork works best, but some prefer hand-chopped pork belly for a heartier texture.
🇹🇭 THMundo Match
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