Spicy Thai Basil Beef (Pad Kra Pao)
Hey there, friend! If you’re looking for a quick, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes, you’ve come to the right place.
This Spicy Thai Basil Beef (Pad Kra Pao) is a flavor explosion that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Bangkok.
It’s got tender ground beef, a fiery kick of chili, and the aromatic punch of fresh basil—all tied together with a savory-sweet sauce that’s downright addictive.
Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been whipping this up every week.
How to Make It
Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Chop your garlic, chilies, and onions, and have your sauce ingredients ready to go.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat up your skillet or wok and cook the ground beef until it’s browned and crumbly. Don’t drain the fat—it’s packed with flavor!
Step 3: Add the Aromatics
Toss in the garlic, chilies, and onions, and let them sizzle until fragrant. This is where the magic starts!
Step 4: Sauce It Up
Pour in the sauce mixture and let it coat the beef beautifully. Stir in the fresh basil leaves at the end for that signature Thai flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Plate it up with steamed jasmine rice and a fried egg on top (if you’re feeling fancy). Dig in and prepare to be amazed!
Pro Tips
- Use fresh basil: Thai basil (if you can find it) is ideal, but regular basil works in a pinch.
- Adjust the heat: Add more or fewer chilies depending on your spice tolerance.
- Make it saucy: If you love extra sauce, double the sauce ingredients.
- Prep ahead: Chop your garlic, chilies, and onions the night before to save time.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months, but the texture of the basil may change slightly.
Spicy Thai Basil Beef (Pad Kra Pao)
Description
This Spicy Thai Basil Beef is a quick and flavorful dish featuring ground beef, fresh basil, and a savory-sweet sauce with a fiery kick. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving bold Thai flavors!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prep the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Set aside.
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Cook the Beef:
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add Aromatics:
Stir in the garlic, chilies, and onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
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Sauce It Up:
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
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Add Basil:
Toss in the fresh basil leaves and stir until wilted, about 1 minute.
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Serve:
Plate the beef over steamed jasmine rice and top with a fried egg if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Total Carbohydrate 8g3%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 28g57%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- No Thai basil? Regular basil works, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- Vegetarian option: Swap beef for crumbled tofu or mushrooms.
- Spice level: Adjust the number of chilies to suit your taste.
These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.
