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thai basil ground beef (pad krapow) recipe - Thai Basil Ground Beef (Pad Krapow) served in a white bowl overhead view
Chloe

Thai Basil Ground Beef (Pad Krapow)

thai basil ground beef (pad krapow) recipe made easy at home. A quick and aromatic Thai stir-fry with savory ground beef, fragrant basil, and a spicy kick. Re
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Stir-Fry
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean) preferably not too lean
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 4–6 whole Thai bird’s eye chilies thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce regular or gluten-free tamari
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp oyster sauce optional, for depth
  • 1 tsp white or brown sugar
  • 1½ cups fresh Thai basil leaves loosely packed (holy basil if available)
To Serve
  • 2 cups jasmine rice cooked according to package
  • 4 large eggs for frying
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil for frying eggs
  • to taste lime wedges and cucumber slices garnish

Method
 

  1. Mince the garlic, thinly slice the chilies, and wash and thoroughly dry the basil leaves. Have all stir-fry ingredients measured and ready near the stove.
  2. Start cooking the jasmine rice according to package instructions so it’s ready by the time the stir-fry is done.
  3. Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat until very hot. Add a swirl of oil (about 1 tbsp), then immediately toss in the garlic and chilies. Stir-fry for 10–15 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Add the ground beef to the wok, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  5. Pour in the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sugar. Stir well to combine and let the sauce bubble and reduce slightly, about 1 minute.
  6. Remove the wok from heat and immediately fold in the basil leaves, stirring until they just wilt from the residual heat.
  7. In a separate non-stick pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Crack in the eggs and fry until the whites are set and edges are crispy but yolks remain runny (sunny-side up), about 2–3 minutes.
  8. Spoon hot jasmine rice into bowls, top with the basil beef, and place a fried egg on each serving. Garnish with lime wedges and cucumber slices.