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+ servings

Spicy Thai Basil Beef (Pad Krapow)

A fast and fiery Thai street food classic made at home in under 30 minutes with pantry-friendly ingredients and maximum flavor payoff.
Print Recipe
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Beef:

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend works great
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 Thai red chilies finely chopped (adjust to your heat preference)
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves or holy basil
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil vegetable or avocado

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water

For Serving:

  • 4 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 4 fried eggs optional

Instructions

  • Mix your sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and water. Set aside so it's ready to go when you need it.
  • Heat things up. Add oil to a large wok or skillet over high heat. You want it screaming hot — that's what gives this dish its signature smoky, restaurant-style flavor.
  • Sauté the aromatics. Toss in the garlic and chilies and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Keep things moving so the garlic doesn't burn.
  • Brown the beef. Add the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks. Let it sear without stirring too much so you get some nice caramelized bits — about 4–5 minutes total.
  • Add the bell pepper. Toss in the sliced bell pepper and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
  • Pour in the sauce. Give your sauce mixture a quick stir and pour it over the beef. Toss everything together and let it cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce is absorbed and slightly caramelized.
  • Finish with basil. Remove the pan from heat and fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt them perfectly without losing that vibrant herby punch.
  • Serve immediately over jasmine rice with a fried egg (optional) on top.
Servings: 4