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In case you’re a lover of Thai cuisine and are looking to explore an exciting dish, look no further than Pad Nam Prik Pao. This delicious stir-fry combines a medley of classic flavors with modern cooking techniques for maximum flavor and texture in every bite.
Not only is it incredibly tasty, but it’s also quite simple to make at home! Read on to learn more about the history behind this traditional delight, as well as tips for its preparation.
What Is Pad Nam Prik Pao?
Pad Nam Prik Pao (Stir-Fried Chili Paste) is a Thai stir-fry dish that typically combines fried garlic, chilies, shallots, fish sauce, and sugar in an aromatic sauce. This combination of flavors creates a truly unique flavor profile that has been loved for centuries! This dish usually contains either pork or chicken as the main protein along with vegetables such as green beans, peppers, and mushrooms.
The dish can be served either as a side or as the main course in a meal. It is typically garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro and basil, along with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor. Depending on how spicy you like your food, Pad Nam Prik Pao can be customized to your taste with the addition of more or less chili paste.
What Is Pad Nam Prik Pao? – Liliana Kitchen
History of Pad Nam Prik Pao
Pad Nam Prik Pao is believed to have originated in the ancient Thai capital of Ayutthaya, where it was served as part of royal cuisine hundreds of years ago. The dish has since evolved over the centuries and is now enjoyed all over Thailand, as well as in other Southeast Asian countries.
Why Does This Recipe Work?
Pad Nam Prik Pao works because of its balanced combination of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors. The stir-frying technique helps to lock in the moisture of the ingredients while also ensuring that they are cooked evenly. Additionally, the addition of fresh herbs at the end adds a bright finish that really ties it all together!
How To Make Pad Nam Prik Pao?
Pad Nam Prik Pao can be prepared with either chicken or pork, as well as a variety of vegetables. The key to making a delicious stir-fry is to prepare the ingredients ahead of time so that they are all ready to go when it’s time to cook.
Start by marinating the chicken or pork in fish sauce and sugar for about an hour, then heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat with some oil. Add in the garlic and shallots (or onion) and fry until softened before adding in the marinated meat. Once cooked through, add the vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
Next, make a sauce with the chili paste, fish sauce, sugar and lime juice. Pour this over the stir-fry and toss everything together until combined and evenly coated. Finally, serve Pad Nam Prik Pao hot with plenty of fresh herbs and a few lime wedges.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken or pork, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot (or onion), diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chili paste
- 4 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Fresh cilantro and basil, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for garnish
- - SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:
- Wok or large skillet
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, marinate the cubed chicken or pork in 2 tablespoons of fish sauce and 1 tablespoon of sugar for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and shallot (or onion) and fry until softened, then add the marinated meat and cook through.
- Add the bell pepper and mushrooms and stir-fry until tender.
- Make a sauce with chili paste, remaining fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice. Pour over stir-fry and toss to combine.
- Serve Pad Nam Prik Pao hot with fresh cilantro and basil, lime wedges, and jasmine rice.
Notes
- If you’re looking for a spicier version of Pad Nam Prik Pao, add more chili paste to the sauce.
- To make this dish vegan-friendly, use tofu instead of chicken or pork.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
- This dish can be served as a side or as the main course in a meal. Consider adding other vegetables such as bean sprouts, carrots, and bok choy for more color and texture.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 254
- Total Fat: 14.2g
- Saturated Fat: 2.6g
- Cholesterol: 66mg
- Sodium: 710mg
- Carbohydrates: 15.3g
- Fiber: 2.9g
- Sugar: 9.2g
- Protein: 17.3g
How To Make Pad Nam Prik Pao?
Make Ahead And Storage
Pad Nam Prik Pao can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving. The ingredients can also be prepped ahead of time and stored separately until ready to stir-fry.
Variations
Pad Nam Prik Pao can also be adapted to include other vegetables such as bean sprouts, carrots, and bok choy. Instead of using chili paste, you can also add fresh chilies to the sauce for more heat. Finally, feel free to adjust the ratio of sweet to sour flavors according to your taste.
Pad Nam Prik Pao Variations
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FAQs For “Pad Nam Prik Pao”
What is Thai pad prik pao?
Pad Nam Prik Pao is a traditional Thai stir-fry dish that combines sweet, salty, sour and spicy flavors. It typically consists of chicken, pork, or seafood, vegetables, and a chili-based sauce.
What does pad nam prik pao mean?
The name “pad nam prik pao” translates to mean “stir-fried with chili paste” in English. The chili paste is the star of this dish, as it adds a unique flavor and aroma to the final product.
What does pad prik pao taste like?
Pad Nam Prik Pao has a savory flavor with hints of sweetness and spiciness. The chili paste gives the dish an aromatic and slightly spicy kick, while the fish sauce and sugar add a hint of sweetness. The vegetables and herbs add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
What is nam prik pao made of?
Nam prik pao is a type of chili paste made from dried chilies, garlic, shallots, shrimp paste, and palm sugar. It is usually used in stir-fries, salads, and other Thai dishes.
Is Pad Prik Pao spicy?
The level of spiciness in Pad Nam Prik Pao can vary depending on the amount of chili paste used. It is typically not overly spicy but can be made spicier by adding more chili paste.
Conclusion
Pad Nam Prik Pao is a classic Thai stir-fry dish that combines sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors. It’s made with marinated meat, vegetables, chili paste, and a few other flavorful ingredients. Serve this dish hot with rice and plenty of fresh herbs for a delicious meal.
With a few simple ingredients and modifications, you can easily customize this dish to suit your own tastes.
