Thai Beef Basil Stir-Fry (Pad Kra Pao) with Jasmine Rice
This authentic Thai street food classic features savory ground beef sautéed with aromatic garlic, fiery chilies, and fragrant holy basil, served over fluffy jasmine rice. It's a 20-minute meal that perfectly balances spicy, salty, and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 90% lean recommended
- 2 cups jasmine rice cooked and kept warm
- 2 cups Thai holy basil leaves substitute with Italian sweet basil if unavailable
- 5 cloves garlic finely minced
- 3 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce low sodium
- 2 tsp dark soy sauce for rich color and depth
- 1 tsp sugar granulated or palm sugar
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil divided
- 4 pcs Thai bird's eye chilies minced; adjust to heat preference
- 4 large eggs for optional crispy fried egg topping
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best texture. Substitutions: You can use thinly sliced flank steak instead of ground beef. Spice Level: For a milder dish, remove seeds from the chilies or reduce the quantity to one.