Commonly served as a fast food dish, pad kra pao is a popular Thai dish and a great, inventive new way to use ground meat in your kitchen. I make my version with ground beef, though some also use ground pork or chicken—it’s easily customized not just to your taste but to your spice levels too! Bring a taste of Thai cuisine to your kitchen with this easy beef and Thai basil stir fry recipe.
Watch Pad Kra Pao video tutorial
How to make pad kra pao
Cook The Aromatics: Dice the onion, garlic, and chilies. Then place a wok or a large saucepan on the hob. Add the vegetable oil and allow it to heat over medium-high heat. Add the onion and the diced chilies and cook for 1-2 minutes. Next, add the garlic and cook until aromatic. Cook The Beef: Turn up the heat to high, then add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces and mix it with the chilies, onion, and garlic. Cook until the meat has browned. Add The Sauces: Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce, mixing to ensure they’re completely incorporated in the pan. Fry for 1-2 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates, then remove from the heat. Add the Thai basil and stir until it wilts (like spinach) and is thoroughly combined. Traditionally, pad kra pao is served generously over a bed of jasmine rice and topped with a fried egg. You can also serve it with your favorite rice and enjoy. If you try this pad kra pao recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
