Thai Stir-Fried Dishes You Can Make in Under 15 Minutes
Cooking a delicious meal after a long day doesn’t have to take hours in the kitchen. For busy people who crave something flavorful yet fast, Thai stir-fried dishes are the perfect solution. With a few simple ingredients and quick cooking techniques, you can enjoy authentic Thai flavors without compromising your time. Whether you’re new to Thai cooking or just need inspiration for a quick lunch or dinner, this guide brings you easy recipes, quick prep tips, and the most popular stir-fried dishes that can be done in under 15 minutes.
Quick and Flavorful: Why Thai Stir-Fried Dishes Are Perfect for Busy People
Thai stir-fried dishes are known for their speed and simplicity. Using high heat and fresh ingredients, these meals come together in minutes. The balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors makes every bite exciting, while the minimal prep keeps things easy. Many Thai households rely on stir-fry recipes as daily comfort food — from the famous “Pad Kra Pao” (stir-fried basil with meat) to “Pad See Ew” (stir-fried noodles with soy sauce). With just a wok, oil, and basic seasonings, you can whip up restaurant-quality dishes even on your busiest nights.
10 Popular Thai Stir-Fried Dishes You Can Try
- Pad Kra Pao (Stir-Fried Basil with Pork or Chicken)
- Pad Thai (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles)
- Pad See Ew (Stir-Fried Flat Noodles with Soy Sauce)
- Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles)
- Pad Prik King (Stir-Fried Red Curry with Green Beans)
- Pad Nam Prik Pao (Chili Paste Stir-Fry)
- Pad Pak Boong Fai Daeng (Stir-Fried Morning Glory)
- Pad King (Stir-Fried Ginger with Meat)
- Pad Hed (Stir-Fried Mushrooms with Oyster Sauce)
- Pad Kaprao Seafood (Spicy Stir-Fried Basil with Seafood)
5 Easy Thai Stir-Fried Dishes You Can Cook in Under 15 Minutes
1. Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Stir-Fry)
Ingredients:
- Minced chicken or pork – 200g
- Fresh Thai basil leaves – 1 cup
- Garlic – 4 cloves (chopped)
- Bird’s eye chili – 3 pieces (chopped)
- Oyster sauce – 1 tbsp
- Fish sauce – 1 tbsp
- Soy sauce – 1 tsp
- Sugar – 1 tsp
- Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add garlic and chili; stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add minced meat and stir-fry until cooked.
- Season with oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar.
- Once mixed, toss in the basil leaves and stir quickly.
- Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice and a fried egg on top.
2. Pad See Ew (Stir-Fried Flat Noodles with Soy Sauce)
Ingredients:
- Wide rice noodles – 200g
- Pork or chicken slices – 100g
- Kai lan (Chinese broccoli) – 1 cup
- Garlic – 3 cloves (minced)
- Dark soy sauce – 1 tbsp
- Light soy sauce – 1 tbsp
- Sugar – 1 tsp
- Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp
- Egg – 1
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a wok and add garlic until golden brown.
- Add meat and stir until half-cooked, then push to one side.
- Crack the egg into the wok and scramble lightly.
- Add noodles and sauces, toss well to combine.
- Add vegetables and stir-fry until noodles are glossy and slightly caramelized.
3. Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles)
Ingredients:
- Flat rice noodles – 200g
- Chicken, beef, or seafood – 150g
- Bell peppers – ½ cup (sliced)
- Onion – ½ cup (sliced)
- Garlic – 4 cloves (crushed)
- Chili – 3 pieces (chopped)
- Oyster sauce – 1 tbsp
- Fish sauce – 1 tbsp
- Soy sauce – 1 tsp
- Sugar – 1 tsp
- Holy basil – ½ cup
Instructions:
- Heat oil and fry garlic and chili until fragrant.
- Add meat and stir-fry until nearly cooked.
- Add onion, bell peppers, and noodles.
- Season with sauces and sugar, mix thoroughly.
- Add holy basil at the end and stir quickly before serving.
4. Pad Prik King (Red Curry Stir-Fry)
Ingredients:
- Green beans – 1 cup
- Pork or chicken – 200g
- Red curry paste – 2 tbsp
- Kaffir lime leaves – 3 (sliced)
- Fish sauce – 1 tbsp
- Sugar – 1 tsp
- Oil – 2 tbsp
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a wok and add red curry paste. Stir until fragrant.
- Add meat and stir-fry until well coated with curry paste.
- Add green beans and a little water if too dry.
- Season with fish sauce and sugar.
- Sprinkle sliced kaffir lime leaves before serving.
5. Pad Pak Boong Fai Daeng (Stir-Fried Morning Glory)
Ingredients:
- Morning glory (water spinach) – 1 bunch
- Garlic – 5 cloves
- Chili – 2 pieces
- Oyster sauce – 1 tbsp
- Fish sauce – 1 tbsp
- Soy sauce – 1 tsp
- Sugar – ½ tsp
- Oil – 2 tbsp
Instructions:
- Smash garlic and chili together.
- Heat oil in a wok and quickly stir-fry garlic and chili.
- Add morning glory and all sauces together.
- Stir-fry over high heat for 30 seconds, then serve immediately.
Tips for Making Perfect Thai Stir-Fried Dishes at Home
- Use a wok or large pan for even heat distribution.
- Prepare all ingredients before turning on the heat — Thai stir-frying is fast!
- Balance your flavors: adjust saltiness, sweetness, and spice to taste.
- Use high heat for that authentic smoky “wok hei” flavor.
- Always use fresh herbs and vegetables for the best aroma and texture.
Conclusion: Enjoy Thai Flavors Anytime
Thai stir-fried dishes bring the taste of Thailand straight to your kitchen — fast, fresh, and full of flavor. With simple ingredients and a few techniques, you can make restaurant-quality meals in less than 15 minutes. From spicy basil stir-fries to savory noodles, these recipes prove that delicious food doesn’t have to take long. For more inspiration on Thai cuisine, explore the best Thai dishes to try and discover even more easy recipes to cook at home.