High Protein
Dinner
Low Carb
Healthy
Gluten Free

Pad Kra Pao (Spicy Holy Basil Stir Fry) Recipe

Author Stella Petra

Written By: Stella Petra

Updated: May 28, 2025

Pad Kra Pao (Spicy Holy Basil Stir Fry)

10 mins
10 mins
20 mins
2
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Pad Kra Pao is Thailand’s boldest, most beloved stir-fry, featuring minced meat, garlic, chili, and the essential Thai holy basil. This cleaned-up, high-protein version keeps the fiery, umami-packed flavor without added sugar or MSG and lands on your plate in just one pan.

Ingredients
1X
2X
4X
Original recipe (1X) yields 2 servings

    Main Stir Fry

  • 250 g ground chicken or turkey
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil or olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Thai red chilies, finely chopped (use 1 for milder heat)
  • 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional for depth)
  • ½ teaspoon coconut sugar or stevia
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 handful fresh holy basil leaves (Thai holy basil preferred)

    • To Serve

  • Optional: 1 fried egg per serving
  • Cooked cauliflower rice or brown rice
Nutrition Facts
Number of Servings: 2
Calories390 kcal
Protein36g
Carbohydrates12g
Total Fat22g
Saturated Fat4g
Fiber2g
Sugars3g
Cholesterol85mg
Sodium640mg
Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat with coconut oil. Add garlic, shallots, and chilies; stir 30 seconds-1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add ground chicken; break apart and stir-fry 4-5 minutes until browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, coconut sugar, and rice vinegar; cook 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Turn off heat; toss in holy basil and stir just until wilted.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot over cauliflower rice or brown rice; top with a fried egg if desired.

Notes

  • Holy basil delivers peppery heat—avoid substituting with sweet basil.
  • For lower carbs, use cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
  • Adjust chili quantity to manage spice; Thai chilies are potent.
  • Great for meal prep—store up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet.
  • Lean turkey/chicken keeps macros tight; beef or pork also works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular basil instead of holy basil?

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Thai basil is the closest substitute, but it lacks the peppery kick of holy basil.

Is this dish very spicy?

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It can be—start with one chili for mild heat and adjust to taste.

Can I make it vegetarian?

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Yes—use crumbled tofu or tempeh and replace fish sauce with extra soy sauce.

How do I store leftovers?

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Keep in an airtight container up to 3 days; reheat quickly in a skillet.

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