What is Pad Krapow Chicken
Pad Krapow Chicken is an authentic Thai Basil Chicken dish which is also known as Pad Krapow Gai. It is also spelt as Pad Kra Pao, Pad Ka Pow, Pad Ka Prao, and Pad Krapow. If we were to breakdown the dish name, pad means stir-fry krapow is holy basil and gai is chicken which quite literally means, Stir Fried Chicken.
For Thai natives, it is a dish that reminds them of home. Even so much so that the first survivors of the Tham Luang Luang cave rescue have requested it for it after being trapped for two weeks.Pad Krapow is stir-fried meat with basil; garlic and chillies served over warm rice and a fried egg.
Traditionally, it is cooked with chicken but feel free to replace or add any other kinds of meat, like beef, pork or seafood to your taste. If you are a vegetarian, you can substitute it with tofu or mushrooms. The dish seasoned with soy sauce, Thai fish sauce, cane sugar, and bird’s eye chilli.
You can serve this dish on a bed of rice. However, it is most popular to have it with a fried egg as well. The spiciness of the stir-fry with the creamy runny egg is a match made in heaven. Add in rice and it will filling enough to last you for the day.
In Thailand, Pad Krapow Chicken is considered as a fast food because of how easy and quick it is to whip up. You will find a lot of people lining up at street vendors selling this dish during lunch for a quick meal. Vendors often serve it fresh to you on the spot, but in some restaurants, they would have it ready-made to be added with rice.
The recipe, over time, has included other ingredients such as Thai local vegetables like onions, carrots, and baby corns. Some allude this to the vendor’s way of reducing business costs by using less meat.
History Of Pad Krapow Chicken
Pad Krapow Chicken can be traced as far back as 40 years ago. It was said that fresh basil was introduced into Thai cuisine around the year 2450-2500 B.C. and since then, it has been a ubiquitous Thai dish as Pad Krapow Chicken and Green Curry. Its flavour has been described to be slightly spicy and with a peppery taste. You can easily find Thai basil in Asian supermarkets.
Nutritional Information For Pad Krapow Chicken
On the surface, Pad Krapow Chicken can be quite deceiving. But if you look into how it is prepared, you will notice that it takes a lot of oil to make its irresistible flavour. When it comes to eggs, eating fried eggs can be unhealthy and can add more calories to the dish.
Chicken, like any other meats, have a great source of protein which can help in the growth and repair of muscles. It is a great option since it does not have much fat however, these ultimately depends on which part of the chicken you are consuming. A high protein diet has been effective in weight loss.
Where To Find Pad Krapow Chicken
Discover where you can enjoy the classic dish of Pad Krapow Chicken at these Thai restaurants in Malaysia. Apart from the traditional boat noodles, Boat Noodles offers other savoury Thai dishes including Pad Krapow Chicken served with warm jasmine rice. Get a taste of the savoury meal without breaking the bank at Streat Thai over at Bangsar and Jaya One.
Discover other Thai dishes with foodpanda!