Pad Kra Pao, or Thai basil beef stir-fry, is a vibrant and flavourful dish that's both quick to make and incredibly satisfying. This iconic Thai street food staple is characterized by its intensely aromatic profile, a symphony of sweet, savory, spicy, and slightly salty notes. The key to a truly authentic Pad Kra Pao lies in the quality of the ingredients and the masterful execution of the stir-fry technique, ensuring each element retains its texture and individual flavor. The rich, dark soy sauce complements the fiery chili, while the fragrant Thai basil adds a refreshing herbaceousness that balances the intensity of the other components. This recipe simplifies the process, making it accessible even to novice cooks.
Forget complicated recipes and lengthy cooking times; this Pad Kra Pao is ready in just 15 minutes! The fresh, bold flavors will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Thailand. Ready to experience the magic of this beloved dish? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below and create a culinary masterpiece together.
Tools Needed
- Wok or pan
- Mortar and pestle (or knife/food processor)
Ingredients
- Red Thai chilies
- Garlic: 7 cloves
- Shallot: 1
- Red and green chilies (mild)
- Ground beef: 450 grams
- Fresh basil leaves: 1.5 cups
- Fish sauce: 1 tbsp + 2 tbsp
- Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
- Black soy sauce (or dark soy sauce): 1 tsp
- Oyster sauce: 1 tbsp
- Sugar: 1.5 tsp
- Cooking oil: 2 tbsp + generous amount for egg
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Rice
- Eggs: 1
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Aromatics and Sauce
- Grind garlic, Thai chilies, and shallot into a rough paste using a mortar and pestle (or food processor). Avoid getting chili juice in your eyes!
- Combine fish sauce, soy sauce, black soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar in a small bowl. Mix well. Optional: Use a mix of soy sauce and Cold Mountain sauce for an enhanced flavor.
Step 2. Cook the Beef and Sauce
- Heat oil in a wok or pan over high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 2 minutes per side, ensuring it's browned and the fat is rendered.
- Add the chili-garlic paste and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes over medium-high heat. If needed add more oil.
- Pour in the sauce and stir for about 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or fish sauce if necessary.
Step 3. Finish and Garnish
- Turn off the heat. Add fresh basil leaves, mild chilies, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Fry an egg in a separate pan with generous oil until crispy.
Step 4. Serve
- Prepare a condiment of fish sauce, minced garlic, sliced chili, sugar, and lime juice to serve on the side.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Use any spicy chilies if you don't have Thai chilies; it won't ruin the dish!
- Mild chilies add color, not heat.
- Holy basil is ideal, but regular or Thai basil work well too.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of basil?
While Thai basil is ideal for its unique licorice-like flavor, you can substitute it with regular sweet basil in a pinch. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
2. What if I don't have fish sauce?
Fish sauce adds depth of umami, but if you don't have it, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of soy sauce and a pinch of salt. The flavor won't be exactly the same, but it will still be tasty.
3. Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Chicken, pork, shrimp, or even tofu are all excellent substitutes for beef in this recipe. Adjust cooking time as needed for different proteins.
Enjoy your delicious and authentic Pad Kra Pao! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend lunch. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound Thai cooking skills!