Easy 15-min Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a real flavor-packed weeknight hero, look no further than this Easy 15-min Pad Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry)! It’s savory, spicy, and delightfully fragrant, thanks to the medley of garlic, chilies, and plenty of fresh holy basil. The best part? This beloved Thai main dish goes from cutting board to dinner table in just fifteen minutes. Whether you’re new to Thai cooking or already obsessed with bold Southeast Asian flavors, this recipe promises a wildly satisfying meal without the usual time commitment—you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds before you know it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s celebrate simplicity! Each ingredient here brings its own magic—think aromatic herbs, punchy chilies, and deeply savory sauces. With just a handful of must-haves, you’ll deliver that amazing Easy 15-min experience every Thai food fan craves.

• Ground meat: Use extra-lean ground chicken, pork, or beef for juicy bites and speedy cooking.
• Holy basil (or Thai/Sweet/Regular basil): Bright, peppery, and wildly aromatic; the heart of this stir-fry.
• Shallot or onion: Adds gentle sweetness and a soft crunch.
• Red chili (or Thai red chilies): Deseeded and sliced thin for a burst of color and customizable heat.
• Garlic: Five cloves (yes, five!) give that signature Southeast Asian punch.
• Chicken or beef stock: Keeps everything juicy and adds extra savory depth.
• Vegetable oil (or any neutral oil): Lets all those aromatics sizzle without overpowering flavors.
• Oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir fry sauce): Thickens the sauce and layers in rich umami.
• Fish sauce: No Thai dish is complete without this salty, funky essence.
• White granulated sugar: Just a touch, to balance out all the savory and spicy notes.
• Soy sauce (regular and dark): Each brings a different depth and a splash of extra color to the sauce.
• Cooked jasmine rice (or any white rice): The soft, fluffy base for your stir-fry to shine on.
• Fried eggs (optional): Adds silky richness—don’t skip if you love a runny yolk!

How to Make Easy 15-min

Step 1: Stir Up the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, fish sauce, white sugar, regular soy sauce, and dark soy sauce until the sugar is completely dissolved. This glossy mixture is your flavor powerhouse, so make sure every grain of sugar is gone! Set it aside within arm’s reach—it’s about to take your stir-fry to next-level status.

Step 2: Sizzle the Aromatics

Crank up your stove to medium-high and add vegetable oil to a large pan or wok. The real theater begins: toss in shallot, garlic, and those fiery red chilies, stirring briskly. In just about 30 seconds, your kitchen will smell incredible and the shallots will turn beautifully soft and translucent.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Meat

Next, add your choice of ground meat, breaking it up right away with your spatula. The aim is small bits rather than big chunks—this helps the meat soak up all those fantastic flavors. Cook until all liquid has evaporated and the meat starts to brown gorgeously along the edges. It should smell a little caramelized and totally irresistible.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Stock

Give your prepared sauce a quick stir, then pour it in. Let it bubble and coat the meat for about 30 seconds, making sure every bite gets that salty-sweet umami hug. Add chicken or beef stock, and continue stir-frying for another 30 seconds, just until everything comes together in a glossy, saucy wonder.

Step 5: Basil Finale

Last up—basil! Throw in those lush, whole leaves and gently toss them through the hot stir-fry for 15 to 20 seconds, just until they wilt but still keep that lively green color. Immediately remove the pan from heat. Serve up hot, ideally over a mountain of steamy jasmine rice, and top with a golden-fried egg if you like. That’s your Easy 15-min dinner, authentically bold and impossibly quick!

How to Serve Easy 15-min

Garnishes

A little fresh basil scattered over the top adds even more fragrance, while finely sliced chili (if you like it hotter) or a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots will take things to the next level. That iconic sunny-side fried egg, gently slid on top, is the real showstopper—just crack it over, let the yolk ooze, and enjoy!

Side Dishes

While Easy 15-min Pad Kra Pao is often a full meal with rice, it pairs beautifully with crisp Thai cucumber salad, a simple bowl of tom yum soup, or some pickled veggies for a refreshing contrast. If you’re serving a crowd, round out the table with spring rolls or steamed greens for extra crunch and color.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the usual and serve your stir-fry in lettuce cups for a fun, fresh twist—perfect for parties! Or, spoon it into a wrap or rice bowl; even stuff it inside a crusty roll for an irresistible Thai sandwich. However you serve it, the Easy 15-min spirit will shine through.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy 15-min Pad Kra Pao keeps nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch just as exciting as dinner.

Freezing

If you want to meal prep, portion the cooled stir-fry (sans rice and eggs) into freezer-friendly bags or containers. It stays tasty for up to a month—just thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to eat. The basil will lose some of its aromatic pop, but the sauce remains delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, simply toss the leftovers in a hot skillet for a few minutes until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch but can dull the rich flavors, so use the stove if you can. Add a splash of stock or water to loosen things up, and always top with fresh herbs if possible before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular basil instead of holy basil?

Absolutely! While holy basil has a unique spicy, peppery kick, Thai basil or even sweet basil will still make an outstanding Easy 15-min stir-fry. The flavor will be a bit different, but still wonderfully aromatic.

Is this dish very spicy?

It’s as spicy as you make it. Using milder chilies and deseeding them creates gentle heat, while Thai chilies bring some real fire! Control the spice level by adjusting the amount and type of chili to suit your taste.

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

You sure can! Swap ground meat for finely chopped tofu or a plant-based crumble, and use a vegetarian stir fry sauce instead of oyster and fish sauces. The Easy 15-min method stays the same—fast and full of flavor.

What type of rice should I use?

Jasmine rice is the classic choice, thanks to its soft fragrance and sticky texture. But honestly, any fluffy white rice (or even brown rice) will work with this Easy 15-min recipe—the saucy stir-fry will always be the star.

Can I double the recipe for more servings?

Definitely! Just be sure to use a big enough pan or do it in batches so nothing steams instead of fries. The Easy 15-min approach still applies, and the leftovers make a brilliant lunch.

Final Thoughts

You’re just minutes away from a seriously crave-worthy Easy 15-min Pad Kra Pao! Give this speedy, flavor-stacked Thai classic a try, and you’ll see just how uplifting a homemade stir-fry can be—even on the busiest night. I can’t wait for you to taste your own sizzling, herb-packed success!

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