Sautéed Pad Naam with Garlic and Thai Basil

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick Thai stir-fry of tender strips of meat and crunchy vegetables in a savory soy and oyster sauce, scented with garlic and fresh Thai basil leaves. This thai-inspired stir fry ready in about 25 minutes pairs chicken breast, thinly sliced, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breast to the wok and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and starting to brown.
  3. Step 3: Toss in 1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper and 1 cup snap peas, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and sprinkle 1 tsp brown sugar. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the ingredients.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and fold in 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, stirring until the basil wilts and releases aroma.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Pad Naam with Garlic and Thai Basil take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Pad Naam with Garlic and Thai Basil?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breast, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Pad Naam with Garlic and Thai Basil?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sautéed Pad Naam with Garlic and Thai Basil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sautéed Pad Naam with Garlic and Thai Basil?

Thai stir fry like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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