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Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Beef)

Savor Authentic Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Beef) at Home

Experience Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Beef), a quick and flavorful dish that transforms weeknight dinners into an exotic culinary escape.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Protein
  • 1 pound Ground Beef or Pork or ground chicken or tofu for a lighter alternative
For the Aromatics
  • 2 units Thai Chilies or Serrano Peppers
  • 1 unit Onion diced, red or yellow
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
For the Sauces
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil can be canola or peanut oil
  • 2 tablespoons Fish Sauce or soy sauce for vegetarian option
  • 2 tablespoons Oyster Sauce or mushroom-based oyster sauce for vegetarian option
  • 2 tablespoons Dark Soy Sauce or regular soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar or coconut sugar as a healthier swap
For the Herb
  • 1 cup Thai Basil or sweet basil

Equipment

  • Large Wok

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 diced onion and 2 Thai chilies, sautéing for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Increase the heat to high and add 1 pound of ground beef or pork to the pan. Break the meat apart with a spatula and stir frequently for about 5-7 minutes until completely browned and no longer pink.
  3. Pour in 2 tablespoons each of fish sauce, oyster sauce, and dark soy sauce, followed by 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Stir diligently for 1-2 minutes, allowing the mixture to reduce slightly and coat the meat.
  4. Remove the wok from heat and stir in 1 cup of fresh Thai basil until it wilts, about 20-30 seconds.
  5. Serve the Pad Kra Pao over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, optionally topping with a fried egg.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Customize with additional vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas if desired.

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