Spicy Thai-Style Stir-Fried Duck: A Flavor Explosion!

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Spicy Thai-Style Stir-Fried Duck: A Flavor Explosion!

The first time I tried this spicy Thai-style stir-fried duck, I was absolutely hooked. It’s one of those authentic Thai dishes that my mother-in-law loves to prepare, and I simply can’t resist it. Today, I'm excited to share the recipe so you can give this delicious dish a try at home!

Getting to Know Pad Pet

In Thai, "Pad Pet" translates to "spicy stir-fry." Just from the name, you can tell this dish is for those who enjoy a kick of heat! But don’t worry—if you’re not a fan of super spicy food, you can easily adjust the heat level while still keeping the amazing flavor intact.

This dish is typically made with meat; I like to use wild duck, which my mother-in-law often cooks. If you can’t find wild duck, ground beef or chicken works just as well and will still taste fantastic.

Gathering Your Ingredients

First, you'll need about 500 grams of ground meat—I'm using wild duck. Additionally, you'll need oil for frying, fennel seeds, cilantro, Thai chilies, garlic, and wild basil. The wild basil adds a distinct flavor that is truly special if you can get your hands on it.

Preparing the Duck

When I buy wild duck from the market in Bangkok, I have to start from scratch. The duck usually still has feathers, so the first thing I do is lightly roast it to burn off the remaining feathers. After that, I chop the meat into small pieces using a large knife; it only takes a few minutes.

Cooking the Stir-Fry

Once the ground meat is ready, I place it in a pan and stir-fry it dry without any oil. After that, I drain off any excess fat.

Next, I dry roast the fennel seeds and cilantro, then grind them into a fragrant spice mix. For the Thai chilies, I mash them together with garlic until they’re finely minced.

The final step is to stir-fry all the ingredients together. Using a medium heat, I add some oil to the pan and sauté the garlic and chilies until fragrant. Be sure to add the curry paste and mix well so that everything absorbs the flavors.

For a rich taste, I use curry paste from southern Thailand, which has a distinctive spicy and aromatic profile.

Connecting with Thai Flavors

This stir-fried duck dish makes me feel like I’ve stepped into a street food stall in Bangkok. The spicy and aromatic flavors linger in my memory. If you love Thai cuisine, you absolutely must try making this dish at home!

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