Spicy Thai Holy Basil Beef Stir-Fry (Pad Kra Pao)

If you love vibrant, flavorful dishes that come together quickly, Spicy Thai Holy Basil Beef Stir-Fry, also known as Pad Kra Pao, is a must-try recipe.

This beloved street food from Thailand combines tender ground beef with the unique aroma of holy basil, fiery chilies, and savory seasonings to create an irresistible meal.

Whether you want to impress friends or simply enjoy a taste of Thailand at home, this dish is both simple and satisfying.

What Makes Pad Kra Pao Special?

Pad Kra Pao stands out because of its distinctive holy basil flavor and bold spiciness.

Unlike sweet basil commonly used in Italian dishes, holy basil (also called bai krapow) has a peppery, slightly minty flavor with hints of clove. This herb is central to the dish, providing its signature fragrant aroma.

Another hallmark of this dish is the balance of spicy, salty, and slightly sweet flavors, achieved by combining ingredients like fresh Thai chilies, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar.

The quick stir-fry method locks in freshness and keeps the beef tender yet full of flavor.

Ingredients Overview

To make authentic-style Pad Kra Pao, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

• Ground beef: You can also use chicken, pork, or tofu for variations, but beef adds a rich taste.
• Holy basil leaves: Fresh is best, but if unavailable, Thai basil or even regular basil can work as a substitute.
• Garlic and Thai bird’s eye chilies: These provide the signature heat and pungency.
• Soy sauce and oyster sauce: These sauces bring depth and umami.
• Fish sauce: Optional but recommended for that authentic salty kick.
• Sugar: Balances the heat and saltiness.
• Vegetable oil: For stir-frying.

Finally, many serve Pad Kra Pao with steamed jasmine rice and a fried egg on top. The runny yolk adds creaminess and cools down the heat with every bite.

Preparing Your Spicy Thai Holy Basil Beef Stir-Fry

Step 1: Gather and Prep Ingredients

Start by finely chopping garlic and chilies. The amount of chili you use will determine the spice level, so adjust to your taste. Pick fresh holy basil leaves from the stems, as the leaves are what provide the distinct flavor.

Step 2: Cooking the Beef

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the chopped garlic and chilies first, stir-frying until fragrant but not burnt—this usually takes about 30 seconds.

Then add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Stir-fry until the beef is browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Adding Sauces and Seasoning

Once the beef is cooked, pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Stir everything quickly to evenly coat the beef with the savory sauce.

The combination of these sauces creates that perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors.

Step 4: Toss in the Holy Basil

The last step is adding the holy basil leaves. Stir-fry just until the leaves wilt, which should take less than a minute. This ensures the basil retains its fresh aroma and slightly crunchy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pad Kra Pao is traditionally served over steaming jasmine rice, which helps mellow the heat of the chilies.

To elevate the experience, top your dish with a crispy fried egg, sunny side up, so that the golden yolk mixes into the beef and rice.

You can also add some sliced cucumbers or a quick papaya salad on the side to add freshness and contrast to the spicy stir-fry.

Why You Should Try Making Pad Kra Pao at Home

Making Pad Kra Pao yourself means you control the level of spiciness and can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences.

It’s a quick dish, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy, flavorful, and satisfying.

Plus, cooking with fresh holy basil introduces you to an ingredient that’s unique and fragrant, offering a taste that’s hard to find in typical stir-fries.

It’s a great way to experiment with authentic Thai flavors without needing to visit a restaurant.

Tips for the Best Holy Basil Beef Stir-Fry

• Use fresh holy basil leaves whenever possible. The flavor is incomparable to dried or regular basil.
• If you can’t find bird’s eye chilies, substitute with serrano or jalapeño peppers but reduce the quantity to avoid overpowering the dish.
• Be careful not to overcook the holy basil leaves—they should just wilt to maintain their aroma.
• Adjust the sugar amount to balance the heat and saltiness to your liking.
• Use a wok or a heavy-bottomed skillet for even cooking and better stir-frying results.

Variations to Try

While ground beef is classic, you can easily swap in ground chicken, pork, or even plant-based alternatives for different takes on the dish. For a lighter version, try using lean meats and less oil.

Some recipes include vegetables like green beans or bell peppers for added texture and color. Feel free to experiment and make the dish your own!

Thai Flavors at Home

Spicy Thai Holy Basil Beef Stir-Fry is a delicious way to bring authentic Thai flavors into your kitchen.

Its bold, spicy kick combined with the unique aroma of holy basil makes it stand out from typical stir-fries.

Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or looking to try something new, Pad Kra Pao offers an exciting culinary experience.

Next time you crave a quick, tasty meal with layers of flavor, this stir-fry will satisfy your hunger and spice cravings.

It’s an excellent dish to impress guests or enjoy a cozy night in with family. So, grab some fresh holy basil, chilies, and ground beef, and get cooking!

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Source: Pailin's Kitchen