Introduction

Thai Basil Beef, or Pad Kra Pao Neua, is one of the most beloved and iconic dishes in Thai cuisine. It’s a stir-fry of ground or sliced beef cooked with garlic, chilies, and a savory sauce made from soy, oyster, and fish sauce — finished with a handful of fragrant Thai basil leaves. Served over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, this dish perfectly balances heat, saltiness, sweetness, and umami in every bite.

It’s fast, bold, and incredibly satisfying — a true expression of Thailand’s “street food” magic. The moment the basil hits the hot wok, its aroma fills the kitchen, instantly transporting you to a bustling Bangkok night market.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, vibrant, and bursting with flavor. It takes minimal ingredients yet delivers maximum satisfaction. The combination of spicy chilies, aromatic garlic, and sweet basil creates a flavor symphony that’s impossible to resist.

Unlike many stir-fries, this one doesn’t rely on heavy sauces — the beauty lies in the balance and freshness of each element. The silky sauce coats the beef perfectly, and when spooned over fragrant jasmine rice with a crispy fried egg on top, it becomes an addictive comfort meal. It’s my go-to dish for busy weeknights when I crave something both comforting and exciting.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it embodies the essence of Thai cuisine — simple ingredients, fast cooking, and powerful flavors. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, yet it tastes like something from a high-end Thai restaurant. The interplay between spicy, sweet, and savory elements is pure culinary harmony.

It’s also an incredibly versatile recipe — you can make it with chicken, pork, tofu, or even shrimp. It’s a delicious introduction to Thai cooking for beginners and a satisfying staple for experienced cooks. If you want a dish that’s both easy and impressive, this one’s it.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Thai

Ingredients

For the Thai Basil Beef:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or thinly sliced flank steak)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2–3 Thai red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional for color)
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce (for color, optional)
• 2 tsp brown sugar or palm sugar
• ½ cup Thai basil leaves (holy basil preferred, sweet basil also works)

For the Jasmine Rice:

• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 4 cups water
• Pinch of salt

Optional Topping:

• 4 fried eggs (sunny-side up — Khai Dao, Thai-style)
• Sliced red chili or lime wedges for garnish

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Jasmine Rice

1. Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Combine rice, water, and salt in a saucepan or rice cooker.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
4. Turn off heat and let rest for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 2: Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix together oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), and brown sugar.
2. Stir until sugar dissolves. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add minced garlic and chopped chilies. Stir-fry for 15–20 seconds until fragrant (do not burn).
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
4. Add onion and bell pepper; stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until softened.

Step 4: Add the Sauce and Basil

1. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef mixture.
2. Stir well until the beef is evenly coated and glossy.
3. Add Thai basil leaves and stir just until wilted (about 30 seconds).
4. Turn off the heat — the basil will continue to release its aroma as it rests.

Step 5: Fry the Eggs (Optional)

1. Heat 1–2 tablespoons oil in a small pan over high heat.
2. Crack in eggs and fry until the edges are crispy but yolk remains runny.
3. Season lightly with a pinch of salt.

How to Serve

Spoon hot jasmine rice into a bowl or plate. Top generously with the Thai Basil Beef stir-fry. Add a crispy fried egg on top for authenticity. Garnish with sliced chilies, lime wedges, and a few fresh basil leaves.

Serve immediately — the aroma of basil and garlic is best enjoyed right away. Pair it with Thai iced tea or a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use Thai basil (holy basil) for true flavor — it’s spicier and more aromatic than sweet basil.
• Don’t overcook the basil. Add it at the end and turn off the heat — the residual warmth releases its flavor.
• Adjust spice level by using fewer chilies or substituting with mild red chili flakes.
• Ground chicken, pork, or tofu can easily replace beef.
• Cook fast on high heat. Stir-frying quickly keeps the flavors bold and the beef tender.

Recipe Variations

1. Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Kra Pao Gai): Substitute ground chicken for beef. It’s lighter but equally flavorful.
2. Vegetarian Version: Use firm tofu or plant-based crumbles and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or vegetarian oyster sauce.
3. Beef and Broccoli Basil Stir-Fry: Add broccoli florets for extra crunch and nutrition.
4. Spicy Version: Add a spoonful of Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao) or crushed red pepper for a fiery kick.
5. Low-Carb Option: Serve the beef over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of jasmine rice.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Thai Basil Beef in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked beef (without rice or basil) for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a skillet with a splash of water. Add fresh basil just before serving.
• Rice: Store separately for up to 3 days or freeze in portions for up to 1 month.

Special Equipment Needed

• Wok or large non-stick skillet
• Wooden spatula or wok spatula
• Rice cooker or saucepan with lid
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
Yes, sweet basil works in a pinch, though it’s milder and less peppery. If possible, try to find Thai holy basil for authenticity.

Q2: Can I make it less spicy?
Absolutely! Reduce the number of chilies or remove their seeds before chopping.

Q3: Can I use sliced beef instead of ground?
Yes! Thinly sliced flank or sirloin steak works beautifully—just stir-fry quickly to avoid overcooking.

Q4: What can I substitute for fish sauce?
Use soy sauce mixed with a little lime juice or anchovy paste for similar umami flavor.

Q5: Why is my stir-fry watery?
High heat is essential! If the pan isn’t hot enough, the beef will steam instead of sear.

Conclusion

Thai Basil Beef with Jasmine Rice is the kind of dish that proves you don’t need hours or fancy ingredients to create something unforgettable. It’s quick, fragrant, and incredibly satisfying — each bite bringing together the sweetness of basil, the heat of chili, and the savoriness of perfectly seasoned beef.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend craving for something exotic, this recipe delivers authentic Thai flavors right to your table. Once you make it, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals — simple, spicy, and absolutely delicious.