How to make Pad Prik King

Why cooks start here

Pad Prik King is cooked the way dry red curry wok cooks it — salt judged by hand, fat used generously, and the table set for sharing. This is the home version, written down the way a thai family cook actually puts it on the table.

Pad Prik King, a staple in Thai home kitchens, brings the robust flavors of dry red curry to the family table, where it is cooked and shared with a sense of familiarity and warmth. This dish is not typically found on restaurant menus, but rather is passed down through generations, each cook adjusting salt and fat by feel, capturing the essence of a tradition that is both personal and communal. The heart of Pad Prik King lies in its vibrant, savory notes, with the richness of pork balanced by the aromatic depth of prik king paste. Long beans add a crisp texture, while kaffir leaves infuse the dish with a citrusy fragrance. Palm sugar and fish sauce round out the flavors, creating a harmonious blend that is both comforting and bold, perfect for savoring with loved ones.