Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry (Pad Krapow Gai)

This dish has a bit of a story for me. It was first introduced to me by my son after he came back from his travels in Southeast Asia. A few years later, I had the chance to visit Thailand myself and I ate this street food every day. Simple, fiery, fragrant, and completely addictive.

Traditionally made with pork, I prefer it with minced chicken, but it works just as well with pork, turkey or even Quorn mince. And while it’s usually topped with a fried egg, I like mine with a soft, gooey poached egg on top.

It’s fast, bold, and deeply satisfying - the kind of food that proves simple ingredients can still feel special.

Ingredients

• 250g chicken mince (or pork/turkey/quorn mince)

• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced

• 1–2 red chillies, finely sliced (adjust to taste)

• 1 tbsp rapeseed or olive oil

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tsp oyster sauce

• 1 tsp sugar

• Large handful of fresh Thai basil (most supermarkets sell this fresh now)

• 2 eggs (poached or fried, as preferred)

• Freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan or wok over a medium-high heat.

2. Add the garlic and chillies and fry for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add the mince and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

4. Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until glossy and well combined.

5. Turn off the heat and stir through the fresh basil until just wilted.

6. Meanwhile, poach or fry your eggs to your liking.

7. Serve the stir-fry topped with a soft poached egg and a good crack of black pepper and enjoy!

   
   

Nutrition (per serving – approx)

• Protein: 28–32g

• Calories: 350–400 kcal

• Carbohydrates: Low

• Healthy fats: Moderate

• Fibre: Low to Moderate

(Values are approximate and will vary depending on mince and sauces used.)

Why This Works (60Fit Approach)

This is fast, high-protein food that delivers real flavour without complexity. It supports:

• Muscle maintenance and recovery

• Balanced energy without heaviness

• A satisfying meal that doesn’t rely on processed ingredients

  
  

The basil also brings freshness and a natural lift to the dish, balancing the heat and saltiness beautifully.

60Fit Tip

In Thailand, this dish is traditionally served without vegetables, although in the UK it’s often made with finely chopped green beans mixed through the stir-fry. I prefer to keep it simple and serve it with pickled cucumber or a fresh Thai papaya salad (Som Tum Thai) on the side for crunch and freshness.

If you’re eating it around training, a small portion of jasmine or brown rice works well for energy replenishment, especially pre-workout.