Pad Krapao - a classic Thai wok dish

Pad Krapao – The Thai classic

Holy basil from Thailand meets aromatic meat from Bavaria.

A perfect match.

Pat Kaprao is a favorite dish for many Thais, often served at lunch. Whether at the office, at home, or just as a snack, Pat Kaprao is perfect for any occasion. It's Thailand's street food classic and a culinary highlight for us holidaymakers. This quick lunch dish is often topped with a crispy fried egg with a slightly runny yolk.

Pat Kaprao translates roughly as "basil stir-fry" and is prepared with Thailand's most famous spices: deep red chilies and Kaprao, or holy basil. Holy basil has a strong aroma and tastes of allspice and cloves when gently warmed. You can find it at any well-stocked Asian market. If you don't have Kaprao on hand, you can substitute another Thai basil.

This dish is very simple and quick to prepare. Pat Kaprao is usually made with chicken or pork. Here we present a delicious version with Gun Chiang – our Thai sausage "Made in Bavaria." Prepare to be amazed.

Ingredients for 3–4 servings of Pad Krapao

Preparing Pad Krapao is pretty quick; 25 minutes should be enough.

Just follow our cooking instructions.

Preparation of Pad Kaprao:

1. Cut the sausage diagonally into thin slices.

2. Grind the garlic and chili in a mortar.

3. Heat two tablespoons of oil in a pan over low heat.

4. Add the sausage slices and increase the heat to medium. Depending on your preference, you can brown the Gun Chiang more or less.

5. Then add the garlic and chili mixture and fry briefly (about half a minute).

6. In a separate bowl, mix the white soy sauce with the fish sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves. Pour this mixture over the sausage slices and continue to cook for another half minute.

7. Add the Thai basil leaves at the very end and the Pat Kaprao Gun Chiang is ready to serve.

Did you know…?

Popularity : Pad Krapao is one of the most popular dishes in Thailand and is often referred to as the "burger and fries" of Thailand. It's a quick, easy, and relatively healthy dish that can be eaten any time of day.

First choice after rescue : Some of the first survivors of the Tham Luang cave disaster in Thailand asked for Pad Krapao as a meal after their rescue.

Versatility : Pad krapao can be prepared with a variety of proteins, including pork, chicken, beef, seafood, or tofu. This versatility makes it a dish that can easily be adapted to different preferences.

Holy Basil : This dish is prepared with Thai basil, also known as holy basil. This variety of basil gives the dish its characteristic spicy and peppery flavor.

Traditional preparation : Pad Krapao is traditionally served with a crispy fried egg, often with a slightly runny yolk. This perfectly complements the spicy flavors of the dish.

Yak-Thai wishes you bon appetit.