Pad Prik King: Thai Red Curry Stir-Fry with Chicken

Pad Prik King (ผัดพริกขิง), also known as Pad Prik Khing, is a classic Thai stir-fry dish featuring your choice of protein (such as chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu) cooked with Prik Khing curry paste. In Thai, "Pad" means stir-fried, "Prik" refers to chili or pepper, and "Khing" typically means ginger, although ginger is not always used in this dish. It's traditionally served hot with jasmine rice for a satisfying meal.

CategoryDifficultyBeginner

Yields2 Servings
Prep Time10 minsCook Time15 minsTotal Time25 mins

Ingredients for Gai Pad Prik King

 2 tbsp Oil
 2 tbsp Pad Prik Khing Stir Fry Paste
 2 Chicken Thigh Fillets (ไก่ – Gai)
 2 tbsp Fish Sauce (น้ำปลา – Nam Pla)
 1 tbsp Palm Sugar (น้ำตาลปึก – Nam Tan Puek)
 12 Long Beans (ถั่วฝักยาว – Tua Fak Yao), Cut into 1.5 inch pieces

Instructions for Gai Pad Prik King

1

Heat oil in a pan, sauté Prik Khing paste until fragrant.

2

Add chicken pieces, stir-fry until cooked through.

3

Incorporate fish sauce, palm sugar, and kaffir lime leaves; simmer until flavors meld.

4

Add fish sauce, palm sugar, kaffir lime leaves. Stir to combine and cook till water evaporates.

5

Add long beans, cook until tender.

Serving
6

Serve hot, ideally accompanied by steamed Jasmine rice.

Gai Pad Prik King

Ingredients

 2 tbsp Oil
 2 tbsp Pad Prik Khing Stir Fry Paste
 2 Chicken Thigh Fillets (ไก่ – Gai)
 2 tbsp Fish Sauce (น้ำปลา – Nam Pla)
 1 tbsp Palm Sugar (น้ำตาลปึก – Nam Tan Puek)
 12 Long Beans (ถั่วฝักยาว – Tua Fak Yao), Cut into 1.5 inch pieces

Directions

1

Heat oil in a pan, sauté Prik Khing paste until fragrant.

2

Add chicken pieces, stir-fry until cooked through.

3

Incorporate fish sauce, palm sugar, and kaffir lime leaves; simmer until flavors meld.

4

Add fish sauce, palm sugar, kaffir lime leaves. Stir to combine and cook till water evaporates.

5

Add long beans, cook until tender.

Serving
6

Serve hot, ideally accompanied by steamed Jasmine rice.

Notes

Pad Prik King: Thai Red Curry Stir-Fry with Chicken
  • Protein: Provides a savory base and can include options like Chicken (ไก่ – Gai), Beef (เนื้อวัว – Neua), Shrimp (กุ้ง – Kung), or Tofu (เต้าหู้ – Tao-hu).
  • Long Beans (ถั่วฝักยาว – Tua Fak Yao): Add crisp texture and a fresh flavor to the stir-fry.
  • Pad Prik Khing Stir Fry Paste: Infuses the dish with spicy, aromatic flavors characteristic of Thai cuisine.
  • Fish Sauce (น้ำปลา – Nam Pla): Contributes savory umami depth to the sauce.
  • Palm Sugar (น้ำตาลปึก – Nam Tan Puek): Balances the spicy and savory flavors with a hint of sweetness.
  • Kaffir Lime Leaves (ใบมะกรูด – Bai Ma-grood): Offer citrusy aroma and flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
  • Refrigeration: Store leftover Pad Prik King in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Ensure it cools down to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
  • Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze Pad Prik King as the texture of vegetables and proteins may degrade upon thawing, affecting the dish’s overall quality and flavor.
  • Reheating: To reheat, gently warm Pad Prik King in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.
  • Prepare Ingredients Ahead: Chop all vegetables and protein before starting to cook. This ensures everything is ready when you need it.
  • Adjust Spice Level: Pad Prik King is known for its spicy kick. Adjust the amount of curry paste and chili according to your heat preference.
  • Use High Heat: Stir-fry ingredients over high heat to achieve a delicious char and ensure proteins cook quickly without becoming tough.
  • Balance Flavors: Taste as you cook and adjust the balance of sweet (palm sugar), salty (fish sauce), and sour (lime leaves) flavors for a harmonious dish.
  • Add Vegetables Correctly: Long beans should be added early in cooking for texture, while delicate ingredients like kaffir lime leaves should be added near the end to preserve their aroma.
  • Garnish Thoughtfully: Serve hot with fresh lime wedges and crushed peanuts for added texture and brightness.
  • Experiment with Proteins: While chicken is traditional, feel free to substitute with other proteins like beef, shrimp, or tofu for variety.

Q: What’s in pad prik?
A: Pad Prik typically includes protein (such as chicken, beef, or tofu), Prik Khing stir fry paste (or red curry paste), long beans, fish sauce, palm sugar, and kaffir lime leaves. It’s known for its spicy and aromatic flavors.

Q: What does prik king sauce taste like?
A: Prik Khing sauce is spicy, savory, and aromatic. It’s made from a blend of chili peppers, garlic, shallots, lemongrass, and other spices. The sauce has a bold flavor with hints of sweetness and citrus from ingredients like palm sugar and kaffir lime leaves.

Q: What does prik king mean in Thai?
A: In Thai, “Prik” means chili or pepper, and “King” refers to ginger. Despite the name, Pad Prik King does not typically include ginger in its ingredients. Instead, it’s known for its spicy flavor profile derived from chili peppers.

Q: What is the meaning of pad prik?
A: “Pad” means stir-fry, and “Prik” refers to chili or pepper. Therefore, Pad Prik translates to stir-fried chili or pepper dish. It’s a popular Thai stir-fry known for its spiciness and robust flavors.

Q: Where can I find Prik Khing stir fry paste?
A: Prik Khing stir fry paste can be found in Asian grocery stores or online. It’s a key ingredient for adding spicy flavor to Pad Prik King

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