Savoury Thai Beef with Basil, commonly known in Thailand as Pad Krapow Neua, is a beloved Thai dish that embodies the bold and aromatic flavors of the country’s renowned cuisine. This dish features ground beef stir-fried with garlic, chilies, and fresh basil, seasoned with traditional Thai condiments like soy sauce, fish sauce, and lime juice to strike a perfect balance between salty, spicy, and tangy flavors. Served with fragrant white rice and a side of lime wedges, this quick and easy meal is a staple in Thai households and street food stalls alike.
The dish is a variation of the widely popular Pad Krapow, which means “stir-fried holy basil” in Thai. Traditionally, Pad Krapow is made with minced pork or chicken, but beef is an excellent alternative that brings a richer, meatier taste to the dish. The addition of Thai holy basil (krapow) is what distinguishes this dish from other stir-fries. Holy basil has a unique peppery and slightly anise-like flavor that enhances the depth of the dish.
Pad Krapow is one of Thailand’s most commonly eaten dishes and is often referred to as a comfort food. Many Thai people order it at street food stalls when they need a quick and satisfying meal. It’s commonly served with a fried egg (*kai dao*) on top, which adds a creamy richness that balances the spice.
Key Ingredients and Their Role
– Ground Beef: The choice of ground beef provides a hearty and protein-packed base. It absorbs the bold complementing flavors of soy sauce, fish sauce, and lime juice beautifully.
– Holy Basil: If Thai holy basil is difficult to find, regular basil can be used as a substitute, though it won’t quite replicate the signature authentic taste.
– Garlic & Chilies: Thai cuisine is known for its bold use of aromatics, and the combination of garlic and spicy serrano chilies in this dish provides a kick of heat and depth of flavor.
– Fish Sauce & Soy Sauce: These ingredients add the classic umami taste that makes Thai dishes rich and flavorful.
– Fresh Carrots & Green Onions: These provide a subtle sweetness and crunch to contrast the bold, spicy flavors.
– Lime Juice: A touch of acidity brightens up the dish, balancing the savory and salty flavors.
– White Rice: The perfect accompaniment to soak up the flavorful beef mixture.
One of the reasons Thai Beef with Basil is so widely loved is its speed and simplicity. The dish comes together within 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal. It also offers versatility, as you can adjust the spice level, protein choice, or even serve it with different grains like quinoa or cauliflower rice for a modern twist.
This dish hits all the right notes for those who love bold, fragrant, and well-balanced flavors. Whether you serve it traditionally with rice and a fried egg or get creative by stuffing it into lettuce wraps or tacos, Savoury Thai Beef with Basil is a fantastic meal packed with authentic Thai essence.
Next time you’re craving Thai food, skip takeout and try making this at home—it’s quick, delicious, and satisfying!
Savoury Thai Beef With Basil
Ingredients
2 tablespoons (affiliate link)vegetable oil
6 cloves (affiliate link)garlic - thinly sliced
2 medium serrano chilis
1 pound ground beef (minced beef) - 90% lean
1 teaspoon (affiliate link)salt - to taste
1 teaspoon (affiliate link)ground black pepper
½ cup (affiliate link)chicken stock (chicken broth or chicken bouillon) - low-sodium
3 cups basil - divided
2 medium carrots - coarsely grated
2 sprigs green onions (scallions or green shallots) - thinly sliced
4 tablespoons lime juice - divided
2 tablespoons (affiliate link)soy sauce - low sodium
1 tablespoon (affiliate link)fish sauce
1 teaspoon (affiliate link)sugar- 4 medium lime wedges - for serving
3 cups (affiliate link)white rice - cooked
Instructions
- Toss grated carrots, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 1 chili, 1 cup of basil leaves and 1 tablespoon of oil in a bowl.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 6 cloves of garlic and 1 serrano and cook for about 30 seconds, constantly stirring until fragrant.
- Add beef, season with salt and pepper. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, break up the meat with a spoon and press the meat against the dutch oven for some nice yummy char.
- Add broth, 2 cups of the basil and cook until the basil is wilted for about 2 minutes.
- Mix soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar and remaining lime juice in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.
- For serving, put 1/2 cup of rice in a bowl, top with heaping 1/2 cup of meat mixture. Divide slaw among bowls and drizzle with dressing. Serve with a lime wedge.
