Thai Basil Beef, also known as Pad Kra Pao, is a spicy, savory, and aromatic stir-fry dish made with ground beef, garlic, chilies, and fresh Thai basil. This dish is quick, easy, and packed with bold flavors, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Serve it over steamed rice with a fried egg for an authentic Thai experience!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Packed with flavor – A perfect balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet.
- Restaurant-quality – Tastes just like your favorite Thai takeout.
- Customizable – Adjust spice levels or use different proteins.
- Perfect with rice – A satisfying and complete meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Beef Stir-Fry:
- Ground beef (or thinly sliced beef)
- Garlic, minced
- Thai bird’s eye chilies (or red chili flakes)
- Onion, sliced (optional)
- Red bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- Fresh Thai basil leaves (or regular basil)
- Oil for cooking
For the Sauce:
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Fish sauce
- Brown sugar or palm sugar
- Water or beef broth
For Serving:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Fried egg (optional, but recommended)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and water. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Heat oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and chilies and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Step 3: Add Veggies & Sauce
- Stir in sliced onions and bell peppers (if using) and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and stir to coat the beef evenly.
Step 4: Add Thai Basil & Serve
- Turn off the heat and toss in fresh Thai basil leaves, stirring until they wilt.
- Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice and top with a fried egg for a traditional touch.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Chicken Basil Stir-Fry – Swap beef for ground chicken or turkey.
- Pork Basil Stir-Fry – Use ground pork for a rich, flavorful version.
- Mild Version – Reduce or omit Thai chilies and use red bell pepper instead.
- Extra Veggies – Add green beans, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
Yes, but Thai basil has a unique peppery, slightly sweet flavor that regular basil lacks.
How do I make it less salty?
Reduce fish sauce and soy sauce, or add a splash of lime juice.
What can I serve with Thai Basil Beef?
Steamed jasmine rice, fried egg, and a side of stir-fried veggies.
Is Thai Basil Beef spicy?
Yes, it has heat from Thai chilies, but you can adjust the spice level.
Can I use steak instead of ground beef?
Yes! Use thinly sliced ribeye or flank steak for a heartier version.
How do I get an authentic Thai flavor?
Use fish sauce, oyster sauce, and Thai basil—these are key to an authentic taste.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap beef for tofu or mushrooms, and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
What oil should I use for stir-frying?
Use neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for high-heat cooking.
How do I prevent my beef from becoming dry?
Don’t overcook it! Ground beef cooks quickly, so stir-fry just until browned.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes! Cook the beef in advance and store separately from rice for easy reheating.
Conclusion
Thai Basil Beef (Pad Kra Pao) is a bold, aromatic, and easy-to-make stir-fry that brings authentic Thai flavors to your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it spicy or mild, over rice or with a fried egg, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Try it today for a quick and satisfying meal!
Print
Thai Basil Beef (Pad Kra Pao)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Thai, Asian
Description
This Thai Basil Beef (Pad Krapow Nua) is a savory, spicy, and aromatic stir-fry made with ground beef, garlic, chilies, and fresh Thai basil, all tossed in a delicious umami-rich sauce. Served over steamed rice with a fried egg on top, it’s a quick and flavorful meal ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or thinly sliced flank steak)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 Thai red chilies (sliced, adjust for spice level)
- 1/2 small onion (sliced, optional for sweetness)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced, optional for color & crunch)
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (or regular basil if unavailable)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (light or low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (adds umami, but optional)
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce (for deep color, optional)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey (balances the flavors)
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
For Serving:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Fried eggs (optional but traditional!)
- Extra Thai basil & red chilies (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, and water.
- Stir well and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and Thai chilies, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through (about 5 minutes).
Step 3: Add Vegetables & Sauce
- Stir in onions and bell peppers (if using) and cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, letting the beef soak up the flavors.
Step 4: Add Thai Basil & Finish
- Turn off the heat and toss in fresh Thai basil leaves.
- Stir until wilted (about 30 seconds).
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice.
- Top with a crispy fried egg for the ultimate experience!
Notes
- No Thai Basil? Use regular basil, but Thai basil gives the best flavor.
- More Spice? Add extra Thai chilies or red pepper flakes.
- Protein Variations: Swap beef for ground chicken, pork, or tofu.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.