How to cook Phat Kaphrao?

Thai people know how to cook Phat Kaphrao; however, many foreigners don't and they would like learn how to cook it at home by themselves. They just don't know how to cook Phat Kaphrao nor what ingredients to add to make it taste authentic.

What is Phat Kaphrao?

Phat Kaphrao is one of the most popular Thai à la carte dishes and it's also one of my favorites.

In this blog post we will ...

• Delve into the history of Phat Kaphrao and explore its origins and key ingredients. 
• Provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to prepare this aromatic dish, along with tips and tricks to achieve the perfect flavor.

Whether you're a meat lover or a vegetarian, we've got you covered with variations and adaptations to suit your preferences.

So, get ready to tantalize your taste buds and embark on a culinary journey with Phat Kaphrao as your guide.

Stay tuned for the mouthwatering recipe and serving suggestions that will take your dining experience to the next level.

Queen of the Herbs: Holy Basil

Photo by montatip lilitsanong on Unsplash

Holy basil is the key ingredient of Phat Kaphrao.

It is a herb also called as Thai basil i.e. "Kaphrao" or กะเพรา pronounced [kā.pʰrāw] in Thai. This herb is a vibrant and verdant plant, known by botanists as Ocimum sanctum L. and tulsi. It originates from Central-India and thrives in the lush landscapes of Southeast Asia.

Revered for centuries in Indian medicine, it has been utilized to alleviate a variety of ailments, including eye diseases and ringworms. From its fragrant leaves to its precious seeds, holy basil is believed to possess tonic properties that bestow a sense of well-being upon the body, mind, and soul.

It's no surprise that holy basil is often referred to as the "Queen of the Herbs," given its powerful and feminine essence as well as its rejuvenating and spiritual properties.

Read more about The Health Benefits of Holy Basil from Healthline Media.

The History of Phat Kaphrao

The National Dish of Thailand is often considered to be Phat Thai; however, there are differing opinions on whether Phat Kaphrao should hold that title instead.

While it is difficult to settle matters of taste, you can gain a deeper understanding of this debate by watching the YouTube video made by OTR:

Video by Adam Gottschalk and others on YouTube Channel: OTR Food & History 

This informative video, which lasts about half an hour, will help you form a well-informed opinion on the matter.

Enjoy the insightful content!

The Key Ingredients

Phat Kaphrao is a delectable stir-fry dish that combines tender meat, such as minced pork, chicken, or beef, or fresh seafood like shrimp, or squid with the aromatic flavors of Thai holy basil and garlic.

Pro tip: When making Phat Kaphrao, it's important to use Thai holy basil, also known as the "Queen of the Herbs." This special basil has a distinct flavor that sets it apart from the sweet basil used in Western cuisine, like in pesto sauce. So, make sure to get your hands on some Thai holy basil for an authentic Phat Kaphrao experience. Trust me, I learned this the hard way when I accidentally bought sweet basil instead. My wife had to send me back to the shop with a photo and a clear order to consult the shopkeeper. Let's avoid that mishap and get cooking with the right ingredients!

By the way this mouthwatering dish is typically served with rice and can be topped with a fried egg for an extra burst of flavor.

Additional Ingredients

As time has passed, Phat Kaphrao has embraced a delightful array of additional ingredients, including Chinese century eggs and an assortment of Thai vegetables like asparagus beans, baby corn, onions, carrots, and mushrooms.

While the inclusion of these vegetables may be seen as a practical choice for food vendors, it actually brings a delightful crunch and a profound depth of flavor to this cherished Thai dish.

The Seasoning Sauces

Photo by THAIest

The key seasonings that bring Phat Kaphrao to life include:

• Thai soy sauce,
• Thai fish sauce, and
• Thai oyster sauce (optional)

as well as a touch of Thai cane sugar for a hint of sweetness.

For those who enjoy a spicy kick, bird's eye chili is added to create the perfect balance of flavors.

Read more about all Thai seasoning sauces from here: Thai Seasoning Sauce: Guide to Thai Food Taste

Cooking process

Photo by Yoav Aziz on Unsplash

To start, let's gather all the necessary ingredients.

• First you will need tender meat like minced pork, chicken, or beef, or perhaps fresh seafood such as shrimp or squid.
• Don't forget the star of the dish, Thai holy basil, also known as the "Queen of the Herbs."
• Next, prepare the additional ingredients like Chinese century eggs and a variety of Thai vegetables such as asparagus beans, baby corn, onions, carrots, and mushrooms.

Now that we have everything ready, it's time to dive into the cooking process.

• Sauté the meat or seafood with garlic and Thai holy basil, allowing the aromatic flavors to infuse.
• Add the additional vegetables for a delightful crunch and depth of flavor.
• If you enjoy spiciness, don't forget to add bird's eye chili for the perfect balance of flavors.
• Finish off the dish with the key seasonings of Thai soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce (optional) as well as a touch of Thai cane sugar for a hint of sweetness.

Serve your Phat Kaphrao with rice and top it off with a fried egg for an extra burst of flavor.

Now that you've mastered the art of preparing this classic Thai dish, get ready to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.