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Best weeknight dinner: authentic shrimp pad krapow Thai recipe
How to make shrimp pad krapow in less than 20 minutes
Are you looking for a fast and easy authentic Thai shrimp pad krapow recipe you can make at home? Or are you missing your foodie travels to Southeast Asia during this social distancing era? Then this delicious pad krapow recipe is a perfect alternative until you can travel to Thailand again. Pad krapow goong is shrimp with Thai basil, garlic, peppers and veggies with an optional fried egg on top and a side of jasmine, red and brown rice.
Note: I hope I spelled it all correctly and nothing got lost in translation. I believe pad means stir fry; krapow means the special type of Thai basil; and goong means shrimp. I may need to take some Thai lessons also. All I know for certain is that that this simple Thai recipe, shrimp pad krapow, is delicious regardless of how it is spelled or pronounced.
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Easy Thai pad krapow goong recipe perfect for weeknight dinners
Authentic pad krapow goong (shrimp with Thai basil, garlic, peppers and veggies with a fried egg on top) and a side of jasmine, red and brown rice
This easy Thai recipe with shrimp is perfect for weeknight dinners if you’re pressed for time or just want to learn how to make a quick family meal in less than 20 minutes.
My sister-in-law Tor, originally from Thailand, giving me a cooking lesson on how to make this simple Thai recipe with shrimp. My sister-in-law Mam, also originally from Thailand, making authentic Thai egg rolls. You, too, can learn how to make them.
I am blessed with two sisters-in-law/love, Tor (pictured in first photo) and Mam (in second photo), who are originally from Thailand. I always look forward to our Thai-American fusion holiday meals and celebrations. We only live three hours apart – I’m in Minnesota and they’re just down I-35 in Iowa. Both have generously offered to teach me how to cook some of our family’s favorite Thai dishes.
Note: While I’m not exactly the most creative cook, Mam and Tor do love my grandmother’s deviled egg recipe and now they make them for our gatherings. I’ll need to share this deviled egg recipe in my new series: 2020: The year of homegating – the new way to tailgate.
Authentic Thai lettuce wraps (which they call something else that I haven’t learned how to pronounce or spell), crab and shrimp at our family celebrations (well, anytime we get together, it’s a celebration – sure am missing them during this pandemic).Hungry yet? We never go hungry when my sisters-in-law are around. And they consider this Thai spread a snack.Authentic Thai noodles dish
Thai cooking lesson – learn how to cook like a local
This past Christmas, Tor gave me a cooking lesson for an authentic Thai recipe called pad kaprow goong (shrimp with Thai basil, garlic, peppers and veggies – this dish can also come with a fried egg on top) and a side of jasmine, red and brown rice. I’m pretty sure it’s the world’s best Thai recipe.
This Thai recipe is super tasty, super easy and super quick to make. You can, of course, substitute shrimp with chicken or replace with veggies or tofu to create an authentic pad krapow gai (chicken) meal or an easy vegetarian Thai dish.
While I am a foodie, I am not a food blogger. But this authentic Thai shrimp pad krapow recipe is so easy, even I can do it.Â
Tor says you can find most of the Thai-specific ingredients at your local Asian grocery store or in the specialty foods section (online or in the store). She recommends Healthy Boy brand soy sauces and Golden Mountain seasoning sauce. You can also find these sauces on Amazon: Healthy Boy black soy sauce and Healthy Boy thin soy sauce.
Since Iowa’s growing season doesn’t last all year, my sister-in-law grows Thai basil (and other herbs) in her indoor garden – the best type of basil for Thai recipes. Fresh Thai peppers grown in my sister-in-law’s garden. Tor in her backyard stringing together garlic bulbs for storage.
Top Thai cooking lesson tips: Thai basil
She also recommends Thai basil over the normal sweeter basil. If you want the freshest Thai basil, consider growing it yourself from seed. Tor grows her own Thai basil, Thai peppers and garlic (among other herbs and vegetables – and flowers).
You can also freeze Thai basil with a little oil and use in future Thai recipes. In fact, I have some in my freezer at the moment – available whenever I’m in the mood for this authentic Thai shrimp pad krapow recipe.
Thai cooking tips from a local
Tor is originally from the Kanchana province in Thailand near Burma and The Bridge on the River Kwai (about 2.5 hours from Bangkok). Here she is riding her bike home from the local farmer’s market in Thailand during one of her visits to her homeland. She is definitely an authentic local and cooking pro when it comes to Thai food and recipes.
How long does it take to make this simple shrimp pad krapow recipe?
Prep 10 m | Cook 10 m | Ready in 20 minutes or less
How to make shrimp pad krapow (with fried egg is optional)
This simple shrimp pad krapow recipe (three servings) is ready in 20 minutes or less. It helps if you measure the ingredients ahead of time.
How many calories are in this simple pad krapow recipe?
Calories for this Thai dish? Not sure, but guestimate less than 400 calories per serving.
Ingredients needed to make authentic Thai recipe: shrimp pad krapow
Ingredients for pad krapow goong recipe (fried egg is optional)
Here are the ingredients to make this simple Thai shrimp pad krapow recipe for three servings. It’s even easier to make when you pre-measure your ingredients in small kitchen prep bowls.
Extra virgin
olive oil (or oil of your preference)
Veggies for garnish (like carrots or cucumbers)
Rice (your preference of white, red, brown or jasmine)
Directions to make this delicious shrimp pad krapow recipe
Step 1: Combine and stir soy and seasoning sauces and brown sugar together.
Step 2: Mash garlic and Thai peppers using a mortar and pestle (preferably).
Step 3: Heat a pan on medium high.
Step 4: Add 1 tbs of olive oil to heated pan. Heat up until it bubbles.
Step 5: Add peppers and garlic, shrimp and veggies.
Step 6: Add sauce mixture.
Step 7: Stir.
Step 8: Cook until shrimp is opaque (about 3 minutes).
Step 9: Add Thai basil.
Step 10: Remove from heat.
Step 11 (optional): Heat a second pan on medium and add olive oil. When hot, add egg (fry according to your preference).
Tip: Prepare your favorite type of rice ahead of time. Tor typically serves this Thai dish with jasmine, red and brown rice.
Step 12: Transfer the shrimp and veggie mixture to the plate with the rice.
Step 13 (optional): Place the egg on top of the shrimp and veggies.
Optional: Add cucumbers and other veggies as garnish or side dish.
That’s it. In just a few minutes you and your family can enjoy this quick and easy and authentic Thai recipe: pad krapow goong.
Simple to make: Authentic Thai recipe: pad krapow goong (shrimp with Thai basil, garlic, peppers and veggies) and a side of jasmine, red and brown rice. Egg is optional.
These Thai egg rolls are my sister-in-law Mam’s specialty (well, maybe not her specialty, but it’s my favorite). I may or may not eat three or four in one sitting.
Did you try this simple shrimp pad krapow recipe?
Would love to hear from you if you choose to try this authentic Thai recipe: pad krapow goong. Leave your comments below or you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.
Pin it for later: authentic shrimp pad krapow recipe
Make authentic Thai food with this shrimp pad kaprow recipe.
Related post: How to make super easy and authentic Thai egg rolls
Twin Cities-based blogger sharing memorable emptynester, solo, family and girlfriend-getaway adventures, as well as my day hiking adventures (including all 66 Minnesota state parks), latest book reviews, and updates on my quest for the best adult mac and cheese.
Also two WIPs: historical fiction and psychological thriller
44 comments
This looks amazing! I just want someone to come over and cook it for me!
The shrimp dish looks good, but I really want the egg rolls! Actually, I want it all. It’s so cool that your sister-in-law has an indoor garden. I bet it makes the food even better!
I could really go for some of those egg rolls now also. It’s going to be dangerous when I learn how to make them! She grows everything organically and it tastes so good with the fresh ingredients.
I absolutely love Thai food. I was also very fortunate to take a cooking class in Thailand. Made and ate the real deal. I will have to make this recipe now. Thanks for sharing !
Oh man, I’m coming over, lol! I’m totally trying this within the week. Love that your Sis grows her herbs and peppers, it’s the best way to do it. Now I’m hungry, thanks for the recipe!
Awesome…let me know what you think. I didn’t translate some of the Thai words correctly initially, but all good now. I’m amazed by her cooking and gardening skills. She’s so awesome.
I totally will try this recipe this weekend! I have most of the ingredients in my pantry already (being an Asian myself), so why not? 😀 I might have a hard time looking for Thai basil though, but will check an Asian store. Thanks for sharing.
Pad Krapow is my husband’s favorite Thai dish! He orders it almost every lunch when we’re traveling in Thailand (though usually with pork). I can’t wait to try this recipe once we’re back together after my quarantine!
Looks so tasty! Doing a food tour is what we are doing to satiate our wanderlust while homeward bound too. Great way to feel connected to places we have been!
This looks amazing! I just want someone to come over and cook it for me!
Ha! I wish my sisters-in-law could cook for me every night!
The shrimp dish looks good, but I really want the egg rolls! Actually, I want it all. It’s so cool that your sister-in-law has an indoor garden. I bet it makes the food even better!
I could really go for some of those egg rolls now also. It’s going to be dangerous when I learn how to make them! She grows everything organically and it tastes so good with the fresh ingredients.
Nice, quick recipe! It looks amazing. Thank you for sharing.
My pleasure! So good and quick!
Yum, I am very hungry now. Thank you for sharing.
My pleasure! Always craving Thai food.
I absolutely love Thai food. I was also very fortunate to take a cooking class in Thailand. Made and ate the real deal. I will have to make this recipe now. Thanks for sharing !
That’s so cool! I’m going to start taking cooking classes when I travel now also.
Oh man, I’m coming over, lol! I’m totally trying this within the week. Love that your Sis grows her herbs and peppers, it’s the best way to do it. Now I’m hungry, thanks for the recipe!
Awesome…let me know what you think. I didn’t translate some of the Thai words correctly initially, but all good now. I’m amazed by her cooking and gardening skills. She’s so awesome.
It’s nice how your sister-in-laws showed their Thai specialties.
They are both such amazing cooks with giving hearts.
Not gonna lie, I was enjoying the Shrimp recipe and then I saw the Egg Rolls and that was it. I want that recipe! 😉
Haha! Yes, those egg rolls are amazing! Going to schedule a Zoom cooking lesson with my other sister-in-law soon. Will let you know when posted.
Thank you for the detailed recipe!
My pleasure!
My husband and I are big foodies so we have been trying lots of new recipes u see quarantine and we will definitely be adding this one to our list!
Then this is perfect…I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
I totally will try this recipe this weekend! I have most of the ingredients in my pantry already (being an Asian myself), so why not? 😀 I might have a hard time looking for Thai basil though, but will check an Asian store. Thanks for sharing.
That’s so awesome! Let me know what you think!
Looks yummy. My grandson loves shrimp and would love this dish.
Very yummy!
Gosh, this looks incredible! We’re always looking for new recipes to try – Thai it is!
It is pretty incredible. Let me know what you think if you try it.
Pad Krapow is my husband’s favorite Thai dish! He orders it almost every lunch when we’re traveling in Thailand (though usually with pork). I can’t wait to try this recipe once we’re back together after my quarantine!
I’m sure this recipe is great with pork also. Sending good vibes that you’ll be together soon.
Very good instructions! I am going to try this recipe!
Awesome…let me know what you think!
Looks so tasty! Doing a food tour is what we are doing to satiate our wanderlust while homeward bound too. Great way to feel connected to places we have been!
Yes, it’s a great opportunity to do some food tours at home.
Oh, yummy! Everything looks so good!
So very good!
This looks so good! I was literally drooling as I was reading it!
Ha! It is so good!
Ohhh this looks yummy! Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure!
I love Thai food and never heard of this one! Next time ai go to the Asian store I’ll get these sauces. Thank you for sharing it!
My pleasure…I hope you enjoy it!
I’m a little mad reading this post. Where was my invite? Looks amazing
Haha! I’ll be making it again soon and will remember to invite you.
This looks so good! I’m going to have to try it out so I can prepare for when I eventually go to Thailand!
It’s amazing!