13 June 2025
Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Beef)
RecipeShare Test Kitchen
A quick and flavorful Thai-inspired beef stir-fry ready in 20 minutes. Made with ground beef, green beans, chili, garlic, and basil—perfect for busy weeknights.
A Fiery, Fragrant, and Ultra-Quick Thai Basil Beef 🌶️🍃
If you love bold flavours and weeknight-friendly dinners, this Thai Basil Beef—also known as Pad Kra Pao—is about to become a staple in your kitchen. This dish captures everything people love about Thai cooking: heat, aromatics, umami-packed sauces, and fresh basil that ties it all together.
With just 20 minutes from pan to plate, it’s the perfect meal when you want something fast but full of personality. Served over fluffy jasmine rice and topped with a runny fried egg, it delivers that irresistible balance of spicy, savoury, and comforting. 🍳🍚
What Makes Pad Kra Pao So Addictive? 🤤
The magic is in its simplicity—and its aromatics. Crushing Thai chilies and garlic creates a fragrant paste that sears beautifully in hot oil, releasing those iconic Thai aromas instantly. The combination of dark soy, fish sauce, and oyster sauce builds a deeply savoury base, while a touch of sugar balances the heat.
Fresh basil (holy basil if you can find it!) adds a peppery, herbal lift that makes every bite stand out.
Why This Version Works So Well 🥢
This recipe sticks closely to authentic Pad Kra Pao flavours while keeping things practical for home cooking. Ground beef cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully, and green beans add crunch and colour without extra fuss.
It’s also highly customisable:
- Prefer it spicier? Add more chilies. 🌶️
- Cooking for kids? Dial the heat down.
- Want extra richness? Don’t skip the fried egg. 🍳
Perfect Pairings 🍽️
While jasmine rice is the classic base, this dish also works with:
- coconut rice
- sautéed vegetables
- cauliflower rice for a lighter carb option
However you serve it, the sauce wraps around everything with that irresistible Thai street-food flavour.
Tips for the Best Pad Kra Pao ✨
- Reach for holy basil if you can—it brings a spicier, more aromatic flavour.
- Prep your ingredients first; this dish cooks fast.
- Use high heat for better caramelisation and authentic wok-like char.
- A fried egg with crispy edges is the ultimate finishing touch.
A Weeknight Winner 🏆
Whether you’re meal prepping, cooking for two, or craving a quick comfort bowl, this Thai Basil Beef fits the mood. It’s fast, flavourful, and endlessly satisfying—everything a great stir-fry should be.
Enjoy a bowlful of heat, herbs, and happiness! 🍃🔥🍚
Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Beef)
RecipeShare Test KitchenA quick and flavorful Thai-inspired beef stir-fry ready in 20 minutes. Made with ground beef, green beans, chili, garlic, and basil—perfect for busy weeknights.
Chef's Tips
Use holy basil for a more authentic flavor.
Adjust chili based on heat preference.
Top with a fried egg for a traditional touch.
Tools Used
We use affiliate links, which may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ingredients
USMetric
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Stir-Fry Preparation
- 1
Crush the chilies and garlic with a pinch of salt using a mortar and pestle to create a coarse paste.
- 2
Thinly slice the shallots and chop green beans into ½-inch pieces.
- 3
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and chili-garlic paste; stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- 4
Increase heat to medium-high. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5–7 minutes.
- 5
Add green beans and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
- 6
Add dark soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine and season with salt if needed.
- 7
Turn off the heat. Add basil leaves and stir until wilted.
- 8
Serve over steamed jasmine rice and top with a fried egg.
Comments & Reviews
abigailtasker7
5/25/2024
Made this tonight for my partner. He loved it. Thank you 💚
𓂃 ࣪˖ luna whispers ✧.*
4/22/2024
Did this last week for the first time, will do it again coz I really like it 👌🏽
fill538
4/19/2024
I’ve just made this with 2% turkey mince … was outta this world 😍
Save, Plan & Shop Smarter
Create and edit your own recipes, import from most websites, plan your week, and build smart grocery lists.
Import recipes from most websites
Create and edit your own recipes
Plan your week with the Meal Planner
Mark favourites for quick access
Build grocery lists from your meal plan
Tick off pantry items you already have
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 portion with rice and egg
Calories 520
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 30g38%
Saturated Fat 12g60%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 110mg37%
Sodium 1100mg48%
Total Carbohydrates 28g10%
Dietary Fiber 3g11%
Sugars 5g
Protein 32g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Create your own recipe
Add your personal creations and build your own recipe collection.
Loading...
