SavarinSavarin
Recipe

A classic Thai basil chicken bowl delivers maximum flavor, satisfying protein, and crispy runny eggs for under $15 total in just 20 minutes.

Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao Gai) with Crispy Eggs

Central Thailand
4 servings25 minutes
Sources: Cross-checked against Pailin Chongchitnant (Hot Thai Kitchen) and Marion Grasby
4 servings
You’ll need
12 items · tap to check off
For the sauce & aromatics
For the stir-fry & bowls
Make it step by step
11 steps · 29 min of timed cooking
  1. Cook jasmine rice in a pot or rice cooker with 3 cups water and a pinch of salt until fluffy, about 18 minutes.⏱ 18 min
  2. In a small bowl, whisk oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and 2 tablespoons water until dissolved.
  3. Finely mince garlic and chilies together on a cutting board until almost pasty.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large 12-inch skillet over high heat until shimmering hot.
  5. Crack eggs into hot oil and fry until edges are deeply browned and crispy with runny yolks, about 2 minutes; set aside.⏱ 2 min
  6. In the same skillet with 1 tablespoon oil, add minced garlic and chilies; stir-fry over medium-high heat for 30 seconds until fragrant.⏱ 30 sec
  7. Add ground chicken, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and sear undisturbed for 2 minutes to get light browning.⏱ 2 min
  8. Stir-fry chicken over high heat for 3 to 4 minutes until no longer pink and pan moisture mostly evaporates.⏱ 4 min
  9. Pour in the sauce mixture and toss continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until chicken is evenly coated and glossy.⏱ 2 min
  10. Turn off the heat, fold in fresh basil leaves, and toss gently for 30 seconds until just wilted.⏱ 30 sec
  11. Divide warm jasmine rice among four bowls, spoon chicken over top, and crown each bowl with a crispy fried egg.
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Chef’s tip · Let the ground meat sear undisturbed for the first two minutes on high heat so it browns deeply instead of steaming in its own liquid.
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