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Thai Basil Beef, also known as Pad Krapow, is a quick, flavorful dish that brings bold umami flavors, aromatic Thai basil, and just the right amount of spice. Served over fluffy jasmine rice, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just under 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight option.
- Incredibly Flavorful – A balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level or swap beef for chicken, turkey, or tofu.
- Authentic Taste – Uses traditional ingredients like Thai basil, fish sauce, and oyster sauce.
Tips for the Best Thai Basil Beef
- Use Thai basil for the signature peppery, slightly anise-like flavor. Regular basil won’t have the same effect.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more or fewer Thai chilies. For a milder version, use red pepper flakes, bell peppers, or omit chilies altogether.
- Don’t overcook the basil – It should be just wilted to maintain its fresh aroma.
- Pair it with a fried egg – A crispy fried egg on top makes this dish even better!
Thai Basil Beef (Pad Krapow)
Thai Basil Beef, also known as Pad Krapow, is a quick, flavorful dish that brings bold umami flavors, aromatic Thai basil, and just the right amount of spice. Served over fluffy jasmine rice, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ¼ cup shallots, chopped
- 7 cloves garlic, minced
- 4-5 Thai chilis (Use red bell pepper if avoiding spice)
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (Kikkoman makes a great gluten-free one)
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- ½ cup Thai basil leaves
- 3 cups jasmine rice ,dry
Instructions
- In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Add chopped shallot and Thai chilies, occasionally stirring for about 3 minutes.¼ cup shallots,, 4-5 Thai chilis
- Quickly add the minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.7 cloves garlic,
- Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and slightly crispy.1 pound lean ground beef
- Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar.1 tablespoon packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 teaspoons fish sauce, 1 teaspoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Once the beef is fully cooked, turn off the heat and stir in Thai basil leaves until wilted.½ cup Thai basil leaves
- Serve & Enjoy – Spoon over jasmine rice and enjoy immediately!
Jasmine Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.3 cups jasmine rice
- Bring 4.5 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan.
- Stir in the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer.
- Cook white rice for about 15 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Notes
- Too salty? Reduce the amount of soy sauce and fish sauce, or balance it out with a bit of sugar or lime juice.
- Sauce too runny? Let it simmer longer to thicken or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water).
- Lacking flavor? Use fresh Thai basil for an authentic taste and adjust seasonings to preference.
- Too spicy? Reduce or remove the chili peppers and use a mild variety instead.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it from drying out.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Too salty? Reduce the amount of soy sauce and fish sauce, or balance it out with a bit of sugar or lime juice.
- Sauce too runny? Let it simmer longer to thicken or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water).
- Lacking flavor? Use fresh Thai basil for an authentic taste and adjust seasonings to preference.
- Too spicy? Reduce or remove the chili peppers and use a mild variety instead.
Thai Basil Beef is a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavors at home. Whether you’re craving takeout or looking for a fast, satisfying meal, this dish won’t disappoint!
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @tylerjamescooking on Instagram.