Ready in: 20 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Stir-Frying · Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to three days.
Quick Answer
To make a delicious Pad Kra Pao, stir-fry ground beef with garlic, chilies, and Thai basil, then serve over jasmine rice.
As the crisp air of fall settles into New York, I find myself longing for the comforting and bold flavors of Thai cuisine. With Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, I know many of us are knee-deep in planning festive meals, but let me offer a delightful twist for your dinner table or holiday gatherings: Thai Basil Beef, or Pad Kra Pao. This stir-fried dish is an explosion of flavors, with fragrant herbs and spicy chilies creating a uniquely satisfying meal that can transport you straight to the streets of Bangkok from the comfort of your kitchen.
A Flavorful Festive Meal
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bold, vibrant flavors that bring a taste of Thailand to your kitchen.
- Customizable spice levels to cater to your preference.
- Made with fresh ingredients, ensuring a healthier meal option.
- Pairs beautifully with jasmine rice for a complete dish.
Ingredients
For an authentic and flavorful Pad Kra Pao, you'll need:
Protein
- 1 pound of ground beef (recommended: grass-fed for richer flavor)
Aromatics
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 Thai bird's eye chilies, finely chopped (or adjust according to your spice tolerance)
Condiments & Oils
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (peanut oil is preferred)
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (brown sugar is ideal)
Fresh Ingredients
- 1 cup of fresh Thai basil leaves (crucial for authentic taste)
For Serving
- Cooked jasmine rice
- Optional: Fried egg, for topping
How to Make Thai Basil Beef (Step-by-Step)
This Thai Basil Beef recipe is both delicious and straightforward to prepare. Follow these steps for a mouthwatering dish.
Step 1: Prep the Garlic and Chilies
Start by mincing the garlic and finely chopping the bird's eye chilies. The moment you cut into the chilies, their fiery aroma fills the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a large wok or a sturdy cast-iron skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. The oil should be hot enough that a drop of the garlic sizzles on contact.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add the minced garlic and chopped chilies to the hot oil, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn! The sizzling sounds and fragrant aromas swirling around the kitchen are just magical.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
Add the ground beef into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. As it cooks, you'll hear that satisfying sizzle-nothing beats the sound of perfectly searing meat.
Step 5: Season the Dish
Once the beef is browned, stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Cook for another minute or until everything is well combined. The mixture should start to caramelize slightly, making the kitchen smell unbelievable.
Step 6: Add the Basil
Toss in the fresh Thai basil leaves and stir-fry everything for another minute, just until the basil wilts and releases its aromatic fragrance.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the Thai Basil Beef over a bed of steaming jasmine rice, and don't forget to top it with a perfectly fried egg if you like. As you cut into the yolk, it will spill out and mix beautifully with the beef.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Using Fresh Basil: Dried basil won't provide that vibrant flavor needed for authenticity.
- Overcrowding the Skillet: Cooking in a small pan can steam the beef instead of searing it. Make sure to use a wide skillet or wok!
- Not Adjusting Spice Levels: If you're sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount of chilies and taste before adding more.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For a deeper flavor, you can add a splash of dark soy sauce. It gives a lovely color and more umami.
- Utilize a myriad of colored bell peppers if you want to add a bit of crunch and sweetness.
- Serve with a wedge of lime; a squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten up the dish wonderfully.
Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
- Incorporate additional vegetables like spinach or green beans for more nutrition.
How to Serve
- Serve over a bed of steaming jasmine rice.
- Top with a perfectly fried egg for added richness.
- Garnish with extra Thai basil and lime wedges for enhanced flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prep the garlic and chilies in advance. Store them in the fridge until ready to use.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet to preserve the integrity of the dish.
- Freezing: You can freeze it for a quick meal later, though the basil loses some of its charm upon thawing.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
In the whirlwind of my own cooking experiments, I discovered that the quality of your ingredients truly matters-especially the basil! For me, fresh Thai basil transforms this dish from good to unforgettable. Each time I make this, I'm reminded of both the delicious flavors of Thai street food and how a simple dish can bring such joy during the bustling holiday season.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 1 cup
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~400 calories · 25g protein · 20g carbs · 25g fat
Recipe by:
Quick Thai Basil Beef Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Minced garlic and finely chop the chilies.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add garlic and chopped chilies to the oil, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart, until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar; cook for another minute until combined.
- Add fresh Thai basil leaves and stir-fry for another minute until the basil wilts.
- Serve the Thai Basil Beef over jasmine rice and top with a fried egg if desired.
Notes
FAQs
What can I use instead of Thai basil?
If you can't find Thai basil, you can substitute it with regular basil or a mix of basil and mint. However, the flavor profile will be different, and it won't be as authentic.
Is Pad Kra Pao spicy?
The spice level can vary based on the amount of chilies you use. Thai bird's eye chilies pack a punch, so you can adjust the quantity according to your spice tolerance.
Can I make Pad Kra Pao vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh and adjusting the sauces accordingly for a flavorful dish.
