Vibrant Vegetarian Pad Krapao A Thai Basil Delight

Vegetarian Pad Krapao is a vibrant Thai stir-fry built around the bold aroma of holy basil. The dish uses crumbled firm tofu (or plant-based ground meat) cooked in a hot wok with minced garlic and bird's eye chilies. Green beans and red bell pepper add colour and crunch, while a simple sauce of soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, and water ties everything together. Fresh Thai basil leaves are stirred in at the end, wilting just enough to release their distinctive fragrance. Served over jasmine rice, the dish is often crowned with a fried egg for a truly authentic touch.

Here's a recipe for a vegetarian Pad Krapao that stays true to its Thai roots and packs a punch of flavor:

Ingredients:

• 200g firm tofu, crumbled (or substitute with plant-based ground meat)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 Thai bird's eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice tolerance)

• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 cup Thai basil leaves  the star of the dish!

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1/4 cup water

• Cooked jasmine rice for serving

• Optional: A fried egg (for that authentic Pad Krapao topping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare your wok: Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

2. Create the aromatic base: Add minced garlic and chopped chilies, stir-frying until fragrant.

3. Protein magic: Toss in the crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat, cooking until slightly browned.

4. Vegetable medley: Add green beans and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they soften but retain a slight crunch.

5. Seasoning magic: Pour in soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, and water. Stir well to coat all the ingredients.

6. Bring in the Thai basil: Add the basil leaves last. Stir until they wilt and release their aroma.

7. Serve & savor: Plate the stir-fry on a bed of cooked jasmine rice. If desired, top with a fried egg for an extra layer of indulgence.

Enjoy your authentic and vegetarian-friendly Thai Pad Krapao!