This spicy Thai Basil Beef (Pad Kra Pao) with ground beef, Thai basil, and fried egg is on our weekly menu – it’s flavorful, protein-packed, and ready in just 30 minutes!
Our Go-To Thai Lunch Recipe
“Hon, what should I make for lunch today?” – “Thai Basil Beef!” That’s a common conversation in our house. Honestly, I cook this dish almost every week for lunch or dinner. It’s quick, requires just a few ingredients, is well-balanced, high in protein, and so incredibly delicious!
Thai Basil Beef is one of those dishes that instantly transports you to the street kitchens of Thailand – bold flavors, lots of aromatics, and just the right amount of heat. I slightly adapted the traditional recipe and like to add bell pepper for extra fiber, vitamins, and flavor.
With Love, Aline
What Is Pad Kra Pao?
Pad Kra Pao is a classic Thai stir-fry dish. The name literally translates to “stir-fried with holy basil.” Traditionally, it’s made with ground meat, garlic, chili, and holy basil, served over jasmine rice with a crispy fried egg on top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients
See recipe card for measurements.
Ground Beef: I prefer organic ground beef, but ground pork or chicken works too (with chicken it’s called Pad Kra Pao Gai).
Thai Basil: The star ingredient with its unique, peppery, slightly sweet flavor. If you can’t find Thai basil, regular basil works, though the flavor will be milder.
Bell Pepper: I love using red bell pepper for extra crunch and sweetness.
Onion, Garlic & Ginger: Classic stir-fry aromatics.
Sauce: A mix of soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sambal oelek, lime juice, and brown sugar for that perfect sweet-salty-spicy balance.
Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice.
Optional: A drizzle of spicy chili crisp on the fried egg yolk for extra heat.
How To Make
Thai Holy Basil vs. Thai Sweet Basil
Holy Basil (Krapao): Peppery, spicy, and the authentic choice for Pad Kra Pao.
Thai Sweet Basil (Horapa): Milder with a slight anise flavor, more common in curries.
In many Western supermarkets, only Thai Sweet Basil is available and simply labeled as “Thai Basil.” That’s what I often use when I don’t have time to visit the Asian market.
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📖 Recipe
Thai Basil Beef (Pad Kra Pao)
This spicy Thai Basil Beef (Pad Kra Pao) with ground beef, Thai basil, and fried egg is on our weekly menu – it’s flavorful, protein-packed, and ready in just 30 minutes!
Servings: 2
calories :593kcal
Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
Heat ½ tablespoon oil in a wok. Add ground beef and stir-fry for 3 minutes until browned. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 more minute.
Toss in bell pepper and onion, stir-fry for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, fry 2 eggs in a skillet with a little oil until the edges are crispy.
Pour in the sauce and add Thai basil. Stir-fry for 1 more minute until the basil wilts. Season with black pepper.
Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Calories :593kcal
carbohydrates :59g
Protein :41g
fat :20g
fiber :3g
sugar :5g
