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
Scale
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.