Stir Fried Seafood Holy Basil, known in Thai as "Pad Kra Pao Talay," is a vibrant and beloved dish where the ocean's bounty meets the distinctive flavors of Thai cuisine. At the heart of this dish is the holy basil, revered for its peppery and slightly spicy flavor profile, which is sautéed with a medley of the freshest seafood: succulent prawns, tender rings of squid, plump mussels, and delicate pieces of fish, each contributing their unique texture and taste. Together, they are quickly stir-fried in a fiery wok, allowing the high heat to sear in the flavors, while a rich, savory sauce – a blend of garlic, chilies, and a hint of oyster sauce – is drizzled over the ingredients, caramelizing on the surface to create layers of complex, umami-packed deliciousness.
This exquisite seafood symphony is then served over a bed of warm, fragrant Jasmine rice, a staple in Thai cuisine that complements the robust flavors with its subtle, sweet aroma and soft, sticky grains. Accompanying the dish is a perfectly fried egg, the edges crisp and golden, with a yolk that is cooked just to the point of being tantalizingly runny, ready to be broken into and to mingle with the rice and basil-infused seafood. Each forkful offers a harmonious combination of the rich flavors of the sea, the aromatic punch of the holy basil, and the comforting texture of the rice, culminating in a delightful expression of Thai culinary tradition that is both nourishing and indulgent.
