The best recipe for Phat kaphrao (stir-fried with holy basil) revealed

Here is the best Phat Kaphrao recipe in the world, the one that won the 2023 contest organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

The contest took place from August 25 to 27, 2023, in Bangkok, organized by the TAT to find the best recipe for this very popular dish in the country.

See: Tourism Authority of Thailand in search of the best recipe for a popular dish

Phat kaphrao is one of the most frequently ordered dishes by Thais in restaurants, but it is not well-known among foreigners who generally prefer less spicy dishes like Pad Thai.

This traditional Thai stir-fry combines minced meat or seafood with Thai holy basil and a variety of other ingredients that will leave you salivating.

The dish is usually served with rice, a fried egg on top, and fish sauce with chili.

The 'Khrua Nuea Hom' team, representing the north of Thailand among six regional winners from across the country, won first place in the 'World Kaphrao Thailand Grand Prix 2023'.

The national champion team revealed their phat kaphrao recipe:

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4.50 out of 2 votes

Phat kaphrao (stir-fried with holy basil leaves)

The best recipe revealed after a national competition in August 2023

Type of dish: Main Course

Cuisine: Thai: all over the country

Keyword: Holy Basil, Thai Cuisine, Oyster sauce

Yield: 3

Calories:

Materials

List of ingredients for Phat kaphrao

• 300 grams Meat (minced pork, chicken or squid or others)
• 10 grams Meat Broth (optional)
• 6 grams Fish sauce
• 8 grams Soy sauce
• 10 grams Oyster sauce
• 10 grams Sugar
• 2 gram Black Soy Sauce
• 10 grams Yellow Peppers
• 5 grams Red peppers
• 5 grams Karen peppers
• 4 grams Dried Jinda chilies
• 4 grams Fresh pepper
• 1 gram Holy basil leaves
• 1 handful Holy basil leaves (to be added at the end of preparation)

Instructions

Preparation of Phat kaphrao

• Pound all the chilies, pepper and 1 gram of basil leaves to obtain a smooth paste.
• Place the meat in a pan without oil, stir over low heat until the fat is released.
• Add the chili paste that has been previously pounded, and stir over high heat until it takes on a bright color.

  Caution, do this in a well-ventilated area, the chili paste will fill the air and people nearby will cough.
• Mix the sauces and sugar (ingredients #3 to 7) and stir over medium heat.
• Add the holy basil leaves and stir 4 to 5 times; remove from heat and it's ready to be served.

Notes

Consider adding a fried egg per plate, it's not mandatory, but it pairs perfectly with the dish.

You can also replace chilies with bell peppers if you don't like spicy food.

There you have it, you now know the best Phat kaphrao recipe, don't hesitate to try it and tell us what you think in the comments below.