Pad kra pao style gnocchi with thai basil

"Pad Kra Pao is one of the most beloved dishes in Thai cuisine – and for good reason. It packs an incredible amount of flavor into just a handful of ingredients, thanks to the combination of spicy chilies and a savory sauce made with oyster sauce, fish sauce, and both light and dark soy sauce. The real star of the dish, however, is the krapao, or holy basil, which gives Pad Kra Pao both its name and its unmistakable flavor. It has a slightly peppery, almost clove-like taste that sets it apart from Thai basil. Since holy basil isn't always easy to find, I opted for Thai basil in this recipe instead. It’s a little milder and sweeter, but still adds a wonderful freshness to the dish. So this recipe can be understood as a little homage to the Thai classic – with an Italian twist. Instead of serving it with rice, I use gnocchi, which soak up all of that delicious sauce and turn it into a super comforting weeknight meal that still feels fresh. The shallot rings aren't traditional, but I love the sweetness and extra texture they bring to the stir-fry. The recipe is also easy to adapt to whatever you have on hand. Green beans and bamboo shoots, for example, are commonly used in traditional Pad Kra Pao. Since gnocchi are already quite hearty, I decided to skip the crispy fried egg that's traditionally served on top. But don't let that stop you from adding one if you like."