Image Credit: Cook With Kui
Whenever you crave for Thai food, but you don’t know what to get, the Pad Krapow Squid is always the right choice.
What else can be better than a lightly skewered squid that is cooked just right they melt in your mouth and some fresh basil to freshen up your taste buds? You know you’ll instantly be transported to a tiny Thai skewer next to the beaches of Thailand when a spoonful of Pad Krapow hits your mouth.
If you have never yet tried it, then this is the right time to make that change because you’re not living until you have had a good plate of Pad Krapow Squid.
What is Pad Krapow Squid?
Unlike any other squid dishes, the pad krapow is made by stir-frying the Thai Basil along with some fresh squid using ingredients that are synonymous in Thai cuisine such as fish sauce, bird’s eye chilli (because it’s not Thai enough if it isn’t spicy), cane sugar and a handful of local vegetables like onions and carrots. For the best taste, pair the dish up with a bowl of fragrant Thai rice, and you are set to go.
The Pad Krapow, also spelt as Pad khrapao or Pad krapao refers to wok-fried basil. Pad is Thai for wok-fried while Krapow refers to basil. The dish has a long-standing relationship with the people of Thailand. During World War II, the Pad Krapow was mentioned in the Thai cultural mandates decreed by then Thai Prime Minister, Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram.
During those times, Pad Krapow was one of the most popular dishes to be served as part of a local cooking competition. Basil has been an essential part of Thai cooking, and the Pad Krapow focuses on highlighting the flavours that Thai Basil can bring to the table.
While it can be served with several other proteins like pork and chicken, Pad Krapow Squid remains a local favourite, especially for those who are crazy about seafood. Today, you can find Pad Krapow Squid in almost every hawker stall in Thailand, and as the famous saying goes, the best ones are often found on the street, fried to serve.
Health Benefits of Pad Krapow
Basil leaves used in Pad Krapow help to detoxify your body and fights free radical activities that can cause ageing. The squid, on the other hand, is a good source of iron; Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 which are needed to promote blood health and prevent strokes. It is also a good source of protein, and it is low in cholesterol, for those of you who are looking to lose some weight.
Where to get Pad Krapow Squid in KL
Try the Pad Krapow Squid with rice and a fried egg at STREAT Thai located in Bangsar South or Jaya One for a complete Thai meal. The restaurant offers a lot of sharing platter for the entire family to enjoy. If you’re too lazy to head out, don’t worry. Scroll through the foodpanda app and have your Pad Krapow Squid delivered to you instead!
