Thai Basil Beef Pad Kra Pao

Known locally as Pad Krapow, this classic dish is enhanced with my usual Asian food staples like soy, oyster and fish sauce, along with some heat from bird’s eye chilis and the distinct taste of Thai basil. I absolutely adore Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)! The combination of spicy flavors and fragrant Thai basil always leaves me craving more. It’s my go-to dish whenever I dine at Thai restaurants, and I make it at home all the time, too. Whenever I visit my local Asian store, I can’t resist picking up some Thai red bird’s chilis and Thai basil – they’re essential for that authentic flavor! After coming back from the store with my Thai ingredients, I’m always excited to cook my beloved krapow. But today, instead of chicken, I am using ground beef! It’s a quick and easy variation of the classic dish, but still packs that same punch of spicy goodness and aromatic basil. Like other ground meat stir fry dishes such as Ground Beef Bulgogi and Ground Turkey Stir Fry, this one happens in a flash. If you need an interesting new weeknight dinner, Thai basil beef is your answer.

So What is Thai Basil Beef?

Thai Basil Beef is a street food favorite in Thailand, and I totally get why – it’s packed with bold flavors! It is just some ground beef with garlic, spicy Thai bird’s eye chilis, and a mix of sauces like soy, oyster, and fish sauce. The real star of the show is the Thai basil, which adds a peppery, slightly anise-like taste that’s just irresistible. I usually serve it over steamed white rice, and here’s a tip: Topping it with a fried egg is traditional, and a MUST if you ask me.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Thai Basil – The star of the dish, Thai basil, has a distinct flavor that’s different from sweet basil. If Thai basil is not available, you can substitute it with sweet basil for a different but still delicious flavor. However, for an authentic taste, Thai basil is preferred. I get mine in local Asian grocery stores. Ground Beef – I find 90/10 lean to be best for this recipe. Anything leaner can be too dry, fattier can lead to a greasy dish. Thai Bird’s Eye Chilis – These chilis are known for their fiery heat. If you prefer a less spicy dish or can’t find them, you can substitute with other fresh chilis like serrano or jalapeño, adjusting the amount to suit your heat preference. Garlic – Fresh garlic and plenty of it. Sauces – Soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and dark soy sauce. Dark soy can be replaced with more regular. Sugar – To balance the flavors. It can be replaced with brown sugar or honey. Cooking Oil – Any neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil.

Step by Step Instructions

Crush the garlic and chilis: Although you can finely mince them in a pinch, I like to use pestle and mortar to crush the garlic and chilis into a paste.
Sauté chili-garlic paste: When ready to cook, I heat up some oil in a wok over high heat. Then, I add in the chili-garlic paste and sauté it for about 20 seconds.
Cook pepper and beef: Next, I toss in the bell pepper and cook it in the wok for about 2-3 minutes. After that, I add the ground beef and cook it while breaking it up with a spoon until it’s nice and browned.
Finish the dish: Then, I sprinkle in some sugar and pour in the sauces, giving everything a good stir until it’s well mixed. Once that’s done, I gently fold in the basil. It’s important to remove the wok from the heat right away to prevent the basil from overcooking. And that’s it. My Thai basil beef is ready to serve!

Variations

Swap the Protein: Use ground chicken, pork, or turkey. I like all of them. Adjust Heat Level : The heat in this dish comes from Thai bird’s eye chilis. If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the number of chilis or replace them with milder ones like serrano or jalapeño. If you’re a big spice fan like me, you can increase the number of chilis. Vegetable Additions: Some times I add more veggies like mushrooms, green beans, or baby corn. Serving Options: While traditionally served over white rice, it can also be paired with brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Or try it over any type of Asian noodles, like our Spicy Noodles. Other ideas: in lettuce wraps, as a topping for ramen, or even folded in tortillas (yes, it works!) And I always, always top it with fried gooey eggs, its absolute MUST for any Thai Krakow dish!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Take your taste buds to the streets of Bangkok with this authentic and iconic street food, Pad Kra Pao. This lightning fast stir fry is sure to satisfy! Pin or bookmark this great recipe so you always know where to find it. And be sure to subscribe to GypsyPlate, we’re always cooking up new recipes for you. For more easy weeknight dinners, check out our hand picked collection of Dinner Ideas for Tonight. Until next time…