Basil Seafood, known in Thailand as Pad Krapow Talay, is a delicious Thai stir-fry featuring a combination of fresh seafood, spicy chilies, garlic, and fragrant holy basil. This vibrant dish combines the sweetness of shrimp, squid, mussels, and other seafood with the bold flavors of Thailand's famous basil stir-fry sauce.

Popular in Thai restaurants and seaside towns throughout Thailand, Basil Seafood is quick to prepare, packed with protein, and bursting with authentic Thai flavors. Served over jasmine rice and topped with a crispy fried egg, it makes a satisfying meal for seafood lovers.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Authentic Thai seafood favorite
  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Packed with fresh seafood flavor
  • Spicy, savory, and aromatic
  • High in protein and nutrients
  • Perfect for lunch or dinner

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Seafood

  • 250g shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 200g squid, sliced into rings
  • 150g mussels or scallops
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4–6 Thai bird's eye chilies, finely chopped
  • 1 cup Thai holy basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 tablespoons water

For Serving

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Thai-style crispy fried eggs
  • Fresh cucumber slices
  • Lime wedges

Kitchen Equipment

  • Wok or large frying pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spatula
  • Sharp knife and cutting board

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood

Clean and prepare all seafood.

  • Peel and devein the shrimp.
  • Slice the squid into rings.
  • Rinse mussels or scallops thoroughly.

Pat everything dry before cooking.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine:

  • Oyster sauce
  • Light soy sauce
  • Dark soy sauce
  • Fish sauce
  • Sugar
  • Water

Mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a wok over high heat.

Add garlic and Thai chilies.

Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Cook the Seafood

Add the squid first and stir-fry for 1 minute.

Add shrimp and mussels or scallops.

Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and the seafood is just cooked.

Avoid overcooking to keep the seafood tender.

Step 5: Add the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce into the wok.

Stir continuously to coat the seafood evenly.

Cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 6: Add the Holy Basil

Add the holy basil leaves.

Toss quickly until wilted and fragrant.

Turn off the heat immediately.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the Basil Seafood hot over steamed jasmine rice.

Top with a crispy fried egg if desired.

Garnish with cucumber slices and lime wedges.

Serving Suggestions

Pad Krapow Talay pairs perfectly with:

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Thai fried egg (Kai Dao)
  • Fresh cucumber slices
  • Lime wedges
  • Thai chili fish sauce
  • Clear vegetable soup

Chef’s Tips

  • Use the freshest seafood available for the best flavor.
  • Cook seafood quickly to prevent toughness.
  • Holy basil provides the authentic Thai taste.
  • Increase or reduce chilies according to your preferred spice level.
  • A squeeze of fresh lime before serving enhances the seafood flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 300
  • Protein: 34g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g

Popular Variations

Spicy Basil Mixed Seafood

Add extra bird's eye chilies and fresh peppercorns for a fiery version.

Basil Seafood with Vegetables

Include green beans, baby corn, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

Shrimp Basil Stir-Fry

Use only shrimp for a simpler seafood version.

Seafood and Noodle Basil Stir-Fry

Serve the stir-fried seafood over rice noodles instead of rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What seafood works best for Pad Krapow Talay?

Shrimp, squid, scallops, mussels, clams, and firm white fish are all excellent choices.

Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Is holy basil necessary?

Holy basil is traditional and provides the authentic flavor, but Thai basil can be used as a substitute.

How spicy is Basil Seafood?

Traditional versions are quite spicy, but you can easily adjust the number of chilies to your preference.

Final Thoughts

Basil Seafood (Pad Krapow Talay) is a flavorful Thai stir-fry that showcases the perfect combination of fresh seafood, spicy chilies, aromatic garlic, and fragrant holy basil. Quick to prepare and packed with authentic Thai flavors, this dish brings the vibrant taste of Thailand’s coastal cuisine to your table. Serve it with steamed jasmine rice and enjoy a delicious seafood meal that's both comforting and exciting.