Hoy Lai Pad Nam Prik Pow (Clams with Chili Paste and Basil)

Clams prepared this way always garner standing ovations from my guests. Little do they know that it is a very fast and uncomplicated dish to prepare. For that reason--and of course for its delicious taste--I love making this dish.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Calories: 318 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 pounds small clams, thoroughly cleaned
• 3 tablespoons Nam Prik Pao (roasted chile paste)
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce (Optional)
• 3 Chee Fah chiles (mild red chiles)
• 1 cup Bai Kraprao (holy basil leaves), or to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat a large heavy-bottomed pan or wok over high heat; add the oil and wait 1 minute more. Mix garlic into the hot oil and cook until it just turns golden brown, about 1 minute. Add clams and chile paste; stir until clams are coated.

Step 2

Stir fish sauce, chiles, and sugar into clams; cook and stir until the clams have opened, 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 3

Mix basil into clam mixture and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.