Pad kra pao (Thai basil stir-fry)
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Pad kra pao, or Thai basil stir-fry, is a beloved and quick Thai street food dish featuring minced meat (often pork or chicken) stir-fried with holy basil, garlic, chilies, and a savory sauce of soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce. It's typically served over steamed rice and crowned with a crispy fried egg, known as 'kai dao'.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a balanced source of protein from the meat and egg, with moderate carbs from the rice and a notable amount of healthy fats from the stir-frying oil and egg yolk. A typical serving provides a good dose of iron, B vitamins, and capsaicin from the chilies, with a rough calorie range of 500-700 kcal depending on portion size and oil used.
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's the ultimate Thai comfort food and a ubiquitous 'go-to' for a quick, satisfying meal, often eaten for any meal of the day. Nutritionally, the holy basil (not sweet basil) used is a key herb with traditional medicinal properties, known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.