Pad kra pao
Pad kra pao is a popular Thai dish that is loved by many people. It is a simple yet delicious dish made of ground meat sautéed with garlic, chili, and basil leaves. The dish is usually served over rice and topped with a fried egg. Pad kra pao is quick and easy to prepare, making it a popular choice for busy weeknight dinners.
The dish originated from the streets of Thailand and is often found in most Thai street food markets. Pad kra pao has become one of the most popular Thai dishes around the world, and many restaurants now offer it on their menus.
Pad kra pao is known for its bold flavors, thanks to the combination of garlic, chili, and basil. The heat from the chili is balanced by the sweet and savory flavors of the sauce, and the fragrant aroma of the basil adds an extra layer of depth to the dish.
The traditional recipe for pad kra pao calls for ground pork, but it can be made with other forms of ground meat, such as chicken, beef, or turkey. Vegetarians can also substitute the ground meat with tofu or tempeh. The dish is highly adaptable, and the ingredients can be adjusted to suit personal tastes and preferences.
To make pad kra pao, you will need a few key ingredients, including ground meat, garlic, chili, basil leaves, oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and vegetable oil. These ingredients can be found at most Asian grocery stores or online.
The dish starts by heating up some oil in a wok or frying pan. Once the oil is hot, you can add the garlic and chili and stir-fry until fragrant. Then, add the ground meat and continue to stir-fry until it is cooked through. Next, add the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar, and stir until the sauce has thickened and coated the meat. Finally, add the basil leaves, and stir until they wilt.
To serve, spoon the pad kra pao over a bowl of rice, and top with a fried egg. The crispy edges of the egg complement the bold flavors of the dish and add an extra layer of texture. Garnish with extra basil leaves and sliced chili peppers for a visually appealing presentation.
In conclusion, pad kra pao is a delicious and easy-to-make Thai dish that can be customized to suit individual tastes. The combination of garlic, chili, and basil creates bold flavors that are both sweet and savory. It is a dish that can easily become a family favorite and is perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2-3 Thai chilies, chopped
- ½ pound of ground chicken or beef
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 2 cups of cooked rice
Instructions:
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Heat up the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and chilies into the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes.
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Add ground chicken or beef into the skillet and Cook until brown.
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Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar into the skillet and mix everything together.
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Once everything is mixed, add fresh basil leaves and stir until they have become wilted with the meat and sauce.
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Serve the mixture over 2 cups of cooked rice.
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Garnish with more fresh basil leaves.
Enjoy your delicious Thai Pad Kra Pao!