Authentic Thai Recipe for
Clams in Roasted Chili Sauce
Authentic Thai Recipe for
Clams in Roasted Chili Sauce
หอยลายผัดพริกเผา (Hoy Lai Pad Prik Pao)
Currently rated: 
Rated 4 Stars from 4141 reader reviews
First published on March 9, 2015
Recipe by W. Tipsuwan
Yield: 1 or 2 serving
Prep time: 2 Minutes
Cooking time: 5 Minutes
Ready in: Less than 10 Minutes
Ingredient List:
- 400 Grams Sea Clams
- 1 Cup Thai Sweet Basil
- 3 - 4 Thai Long Chilies
- 3 large cloves Garlic
- 2 Tablespoons Thai Roasted Chili Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Oyster Sauce
- 2 teaspoons Light Soy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
About my Hoy Lai Pad Prik Pao:
About my Hoy Lai Pad Prik Pao:
These delicious clams are made even better when they are cooked Thailand-style. The sauce starts with our roasted chili paste, Nam Prik Pao, as a base, so it has a rich combination of flavors. Having been made with fire roasted mild chilies, garlic, shallots, tamarind, and coconut sugar, prik pao tastes both earthy and smokey, while also being sweet and slightly spicy. The clams are stir fried in the sauce with some mild red chili and a healthy handful of Star of Siam sweet basil.
Step by Step Directions:
Step by Step Directions:
How to Make Hoy Lai Pad Prik Pao
How to Make Hoy Lai Pad Prik Pao
Step 1
This recipe works well with any type of clam or other similar shellfish. It is excellent with green mussels. Select a variety of clams, not too big, and scrub the shells well to get rid of anything that might be on there.
Step 2
In this type of recipe we always use the basil that wee call Horapah. It's the one that has a distinct smell and taste that's similar to licorice or anise. It is sometimes called Star of Siam or Thai Sweet Basil. This flavor is enhanced by the strong chili and spices, where the flavor of other basil like Krapow does not taste good. I'll also use these Thai Long Red Chili. They have a nice flavor and are not spicy. You'll need some Nam Prik Pao, our roasted chili sauce. You can buy it is the Thai food section of Asian markets, or make your own. Here is the recipe. The other ingredients are garlic, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar.
Step 3
Slice the red chili on a diagonal so it looks nice.
Step 4
Crush the garlic slightly with a mortar and pestle.
Step 5
Wash the Horapah and pluck the leaves and flower tops, discarding the stems.
Step 6
Note: Some non-stick pans will get scratched by the shells, so use a steel wok or iron skillet, etc., unless you have the very durable type of pan, such as those made new ceramic coatings.
So, in a big wok or frying pan, heat 1 Tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and cook just long enough to start frying a little.
Step 7
Add the clams and stir into the garlic. Cook them, turning over often, until the shells start to pop open, or about 2 - 3 minutes.
Step 8
Add the prik pao, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir in well and let the sugar melt and blend into a nice sticky coating on the clams.
Step 9
The pan should be getting dry and sticky, so add 2 or 3 tablespoons of water and stir it into the pan to loosen up the flavors and make a nice sauce. Cook until it is hot and bubbly again, or about 1 minute.
Step 10
Add the red chilies and stir in well. Cook for about another minute until everything is hot again.
Step 11
Turn off the heat, then add the Horapah basil and stir in well. It just needs some of the residual heat to get a little wilted. It's doesn't need to be cooked.
Step 12
Serve on a small plate for one person, or to be shared at the table. Eat with a generous portion of steamed rice, and other Thai foods.
Step 13
Garnish with some Horapah basil flower tops, if desired.
Watch the Complete Video Lesson:
