authentic thai basil beef recipe
This authentic Thai basil beef, also known as Pad Kra Pao, is a stir-fry that delivers big flavor in minimal time. The ground beef gets beautifully browned and crispy at the edges, then tossed with garlic, chilies, and a savory-sweet sauce made from fish sauce, oyster sauce, and soy sauce. The star of the show is the Thai basil – its peppery, slightly anise-like aroma infuses the entire dish. The result is a deeply savory, slightly spicy, and incredibly aromatic meal that comes together in just 20 minutes from start to finish-1. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a restaurant-quality dish but is simple enough for any home cook to master.
- Time: 20 min
Source: lilycooks.com
Ingredients
- For the stir-fry
- tablespoons vegetable oil – Use a high-smoke-point oil like avocado or canola fo
- garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here; it forms the aromatic base
- Thai red chilies , thinly sliced – Adjust to your heat preference. These little
- shallot, finely diced – Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the heat and salt
- pound ground beef – The fat is essential for flavor and helps the beef get crisp
- tablespoon oyster sauce – Provides deep, umami richness that’s the backbone of t
- tablespoon fish sauce – The secret ingredient for authentic Thai flavor – salty,
- tablespoon soy sauce – Adds saltiness and a beautiful dark color
- tablespoon brown sugar – Balances the salt and heat with a touch of sweetness
- teaspoon white pepper – Adds a subtle warmth that complements the chilies
- fresh Thai basil leaves – The hero ingredient. Its unique peppery, licorice-like
- For serving
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Fried eggs – A runny yolk adds incredible creaminess