🐚🌶️ Thai Spicy Stir-fried Clams (Hoy Lai Pad Cha) Super Detailed Recipe + Hong Kong Kitchen Tips

Spicy stir-fried clams—also known as "Pad Cha"—are incredibly popular in Thai restaurants, famous for being instantly sold out! A blend of garlic, basil, chili peppers, curry paste, and fish sauce—the ingredients are easily available in Hong Kong, and making it a delicious and vibrant stir-fry at home is just as rewarding! I've tried it multiple times and can guarantee it's a quick "cleanse" with rice! 🦑🔥🌿

Ingredients (Serves 3-4)

• 900g clams or clams (wash and set aside, remove the sand in advance)

• Basil (1 bunch, leaves)

• 6 cloves of garlic (smashed and minced)

• 2-3 chili peppers (chopped, adjust the spiciness)

• Half a shredded red or green pepper (optional, for a richer color and aroma)

• 1.5 tablespoons Thai chili paste

• 1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste (optional for a more authentic taste)

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

• 1.5 teaspoons granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon chicken powder

• 150-200ml water

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch water (optional)

• 2 tablespoons oil

Detailed cooking process

1️⃣ Soak the clams in light salt water for 1 hour to remove the sand, then wash and drain.
2️⃣ Boil a pot of water, blanch the clams until most of them are open, remove the shells and set aside (they look better in the shells).
3️⃣ Heat oil in a wok over medium heat, add minced garlic, chili peppers, and red bell peppers and sauté until fragrant.
4️⃣ Add chili paste and red curry paste and stir-fry until fragrant.
5️⃣ Add water, fish sauce, sugar, and chicken powder to season, then turn to medium-low heat and mix well to make a sauce.
6️⃣ Add the clams and stir-fry quickly until evenly coated with the sauce. Taste and add sugar or fish sauce as needed.
7️⃣ Add basil leaves and stir-fry over high heat for 10 seconds (to keep the green aroma).
8️⃣ If the sauce is not thick enough, add a little cornstarch water and dry it slightly.
9️⃣ Serve on a plate and garnish with chili peppers and basil. Serve!

Kitchen Tips

• Add the basil/sweet basil last, as it will have the best fragrance and keep the green color.

• If you like it juicier, add more water. It goes best with white rice!

• You can add shredded ginger, lime juice, or sprinkle crushed peanuts to make it more layered according to your personal taste.

• Remember to make sure the clams are fresh and discard any unopened ones.

Thai-style spicy stir-fried clams are sour, fragrant, and spicy, perfect with beer and rice. It's even more enjoyable to make at home than at a tea restaurant. I personally tested it and it's easy to make, and everyone can't stop eating! Give it a try now! 🍚🎉