Few dishes capture the heart of Thai street food quite like Pad Krapow Gai — sizzling Thai Basil Chicken served with fragrant jasmine rice and topped with a perfectly fried egg. Every bite is an explosion of flavor: spicy chilies, aromatic garlic, savory sauces, and the unmistakable fragrance of Thai basil. The runny yolk from the egg ties everything together, creating a comforting, fiery, and deeply satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice tolerance)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce (optional, for deeper color)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup fresh Thai holy basil leaves (Thai basil works too)
For Serving:
- 4 fried eggs (sunny-side up, runny yolk preferred)
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped chilies. Stir-fry for 20–30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. - Cook the Chicken
Add the ground chicken to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula. Stir-fry for about 4–5 minutes, until the chicken is no longer pink and starts to brown slightly. - Add the Sauces and Seasoning
Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), and sugar. Mix well and let the sauce coat the chicken evenly. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. - Add the Basil
Remove the pan from heat and toss in the basil leaves. Stir until the basil wilts and releases its signature aroma — this should take less than 30 seconds. - Fry the Eggs
In a separate small pan, heat a thin layer of oil over medium heat. Crack in the eggs and fry until the edges are crispy and golden but the yolks remain runny. - Assemble and Serve
Scoop jasmine rice into serving bowls, top with the sizzling basil chicken, and crown each portion with a fried egg. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect mix of heat, salt, and richness in every bite.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the spice level: Use fewer chilies for mild heat or add extra for an authentic fiery kick.
- Meat swaps: Substitute chicken with ground pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version (use soy-based sauces).
- Add veggies: Bell peppers, green beans, or baby corn add texture and color.
- Perfect egg tip: Spoon hot oil over the egg’s edges as it fries to create those classic crispy Thai-style edges.
Quick Info
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Thai
Flavor Profile: Spicy, savory, aromatic
