Thai Spicy Stir-Fried Fish (Pad Ped Pla)

The beloved Thai Spicy Stir-Fried Fish (Pad Ped Pla) is a flavorful and fiery dish that embodies the essence of traditional Thai cooking. Many home cooks struggle to achieve that perfect balance of spice, aroma, and freshness that defines authentic Thai cuisine. This dish solves that challenge with a precise blend of fresh chili paste, aromatic herbs, and perfectly fried fish fillets tossed in a spicy sauce that excites the palate. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, Pad Ped Pla offers a restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Why Thai Spicy Stir-Fried Fish (Pad Ped Pla) Is a Must-Try Thai Dish

Pad Ped Pla, literally translated as “spicy stir-fried fish,” is a staple of Thai family meals and street food stalls. It captures the signature Thai flavor profile — spicy, savory, aromatic, and slightly sweet. The combination of fish fillets, red curry paste, and fresh herbs like kaffir lime leaves makes this dish uniquely satisfying. The result is a vibrant and fragrant stir-fry that pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice.

Rich aroma from red curry paste and Thai basil
Crispy fried fish coated with spicy, flavorful sauce
Perfect balance of heat and savory depth
Simple and quick to prepare with basic Thai ingredients

Ingredients for Authentic Pad Ped Pla

To prepare Thai Spicy Stir-Fried Fish, using the right ingredients is essential. Fresh fish and high-quality curry paste make all the difference in taste and aroma. Below is the full list of ingredients to prepare this authentic Thai dish.

300 g white fish fillet (snapper, sea bass, or tilapia), cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 fresh red chilies, sliced
4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
1/2 cup holy basil leaves
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons water or coconut milk (optional, for milder flavor)
Steamed jasmine rice, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Thai Spicy Stir-Fried Fish

Cooking Pad Ped Pla is simple but requires quick movements to ensure the fish remains crispy while the sauce is fragrant. Follow these steps to achieve perfect results.

Prepare the fish: Pat the fish fillets dry and lightly coat with flour to prevent sticking. This helps the fish maintain its texture while frying.
Fry the fish: Heat oil in a wok or deep pan over medium heat. Fry the fish pieces until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
Cook the curry paste: In the same pan, remove excess oil, leaving about one tablespoon. Add minced garlic and red curry paste. Stir-fry until aromatic.
Add seasoning: Pour in oyster sauce, soy sauce, and palm sugar. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed.
Combine ingredients: Add the fried fish back into the wok. Toss gently to coat the fish with the spicy sauce without breaking it apart.
Finish with herbs: Add kaffir lime leaves, fresh chilies, and holy basil. Stir briefly, then remove from heat.
Serve: Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy immediately with steamed rice for the best flavor.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Pad Ped Pla Every Time

For those who enjoy authentic Thai cooking, mastering Thai Spicy Stir-Fried Fish can become a rewarding experience. Here are some expert tips for achieving restaurant-quality results.

Always use fresh fish; frozen fish tends to release excess water and reduce crispiness.
Adjust spice levels by adding more or fewer fresh chilies according to your preference.
Use a well-seasoned wok or non-stick pan to prevent the fish from sticking.
If you prefer a slightly creamy texture, add a tablespoon of coconut milk at the final stage.
Garnish with Thai basil and lime slices for a refreshing aroma before serving.

Serving Ideas for Thai Spicy Stir-Fried Fish

Pad Ped Pla pairs beautifully with jasmine rice or brown rice. It can also be served with Thai-style fried rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Its strong and spicy flavor profile makes it perfect for those who love bold and aromatic dishes.

Serve with steamed jasmine rice to balance the spiciness.
Pair with side dishes like Thai omelets or vegetable stir-fries for variety.
Add a fried egg on top for a traditional Thai home-style touch.

Health Benefits of Eating Pad Ped Pla

Beyond its delicious taste, Thai Spicy Stir-Fried Fish offers several health benefits. Fish is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the heart. The chili and herbs used in the dish also have natural anti-inflammatory properties and aid digestion.

Fish provides lean protein essential for muscle repair and energy.
Black pepper and chili enhance metabolism and circulation.
Kaffir lime leaves and basil offer antioxidants and detoxifying effects.

Summary

Thai Spicy Stir-Fried Fish (Pad Ped Pla) is a signature Thai dish bursting with flavors of chili, garlic, basil, and fish sauce. With crispy fried fish coated in a spicy red curry paste, it delivers an unforgettable taste of authentic Thai cuisine. Simple, spicy, and deeply satisfying — it’s a must-try for anyone who loves the bold flavors of Thailand. Whether cooked for family or friends, this dish never fails to impress with its aroma, color, and perfectly balanced taste.